Augusta, Ga. - It didn't take long for Augusta basketball player Chloe Ross to commit to the Jaguar program. Ross said the campus and team was very inviting and coach Celeste Stewart made everyone feel like "family." 

Little did she realize, it was more of a family then she initially knew. Shortly after he arrival on campus, Ross found out she was a cousin with Augusta great Garret Siler. It was a big surprise.

"I was like, oh my gosh," said Ross. "It's amazing. His family, I guess my family, is amazing. It was like I already had the family feel here in Augusta and I find out that I literally have family here that I didn't know about so it was all the better. They are super kind and caring and they just look after me." 



The small world feel also hits when you find out Ross is from Matthews, South Carolina, which just happens to be where Stewart also played her high school ball. Everything feel into place and now Ross is a big part of the Jaguar program.

Ross admits it was an adjustment to catch up to the college basketball style. But now, in year two, she's starting to figure everything out and it's coming easier for her. 

"I'm coming in this year with a different mindset. I'm really trying to work on my consistency and conditioning. I think that will help me be able to be a better teammate," said Ross.

She's also looking at things from more of of a big picture and going day-to-day instead of being overwhelmed by things. 

Ross showed flashes of what she can do on the court in her freshman year. Early in the season, she posted 14 points and 10 rebounds against Catawba. She also played 33 minutes against Middle Georgia where she scored seven points while grabbed nine rebounds. This year, she's looking to be even more of a difference maker on a very good Augusta squad. 

Off the court, she said this team gets along as well as  any she's been on. The team hangs out together with barely having to say a word. That's what Ross said makes this team different. 

"It's just a simple text, and everyone's there. Seriously, it's amazing, and I love this team," Ross said.

Ross is a nursing major so time can be at a premium during the season. She loves it and wouldn't have it any other way.

"I really love, not only helping people, but making an impact on people's lives," said Ross. "I fell like I can do that by not only being a nurse but it's so much better because it's rewarding work and you're able to impact other people's lives." 

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