March 31, 2015
Vanderbilt’s Rayte’a Long is one of the most energetic players on the Commodores’ roster — and that’s visible not only when she is in the game, but also when she is on the bench.
The junior post player is always quick to offer encouragement, and she is a constant source of positivity for her teammates.
This week, Long is being recognized for her upbeat attitude. She has been selected as a recipient of the A.D. Hancock-Walter Nipper Sportsmanship Award, and will be honored during a luncheon at Swett’s restaurant in Nashville on Wednesday.
The Hancock-Nipper Sportsmanship Award is presented annually to a player from each of the Davidson County college teams that best displays outstanding sportsmanship qualities. The award is named after two long-time members of the Nashville City Civitan Club: A.D. Hancock, a highly-respected educator, and Walter Nipper, owner of Nashville Sporting Goods, who contributed much to the Nashville community.
Long saw action in 22 games this season for the Commodores, averaging 1.4 points and 1.3 rebounds per game while shooting 54.5 percent from the floor. She capped her season with a strong performance in the opening round of the SEC tournament, when she logged 15 minutes of playing time in Vanderbilt’s victory over Alabama. Long went 2-of-2 from the floor and pulled down a season-high four rebounds in the win.
Long has played in 73 games in her career at Vanderbilt, compiling 110 points and 120 rebounds. She is shooting 49.3 percent from the field in her three seasons.