Forgetting that Carlie Needles was a redshirt freshman last season can be easy.
With four freshmen and three transfers joining the Gators in 2012-13, she was often overlooked and lost in the shuffle.
But after suffering tears to the ACL and meniscus in her left knee while playing defense in a scrimmage prior to the 2011-12 season — an injury that cost her the entire year — Needles bounced back with an impressive first season.
Impressive enough that coach Amanda Butler admitted she demanded too much at times.
“Sometimes I expect more out of her as if she’s got more years under her belt, and she doesn’t,” Butler said. “She just presents herself that way.”
Needles expected to be a key reserve last season. But multiple injuries to the Gators’ backcourt forced her into an expanded role.
She started 15 of Florida’s 37 games and logged 26.1 minutes per contest — fourth highest on the team among regulars.
She was also asked to contribute more offensively than originally planned.
Freshman Chandler Cooper was expected to develop into Florida’s main three-point threat. But Cooper was limited to three games as she battled a foot injury.
Needles filled the vacated role. She made 63 of her 185 attempts from behind the arc — a 34.1-percent clip that was second on the team to Lily Svete — and finished the season averaging 6.6 points per game.
“I matured a lot,” Needles said. “I was pleased with how last year went, and you can only build on that and get better.”
Despite setting the program record for three-pointers in a game with nine during a 74-44 victory against North Florida on Nov. 19, Needles became better known for her on-ball defense.
Butler was aggressive with her young team, employing a full-court press that forced 17.5 turnovers per game. Needles was often the catalyst causing opponent miscues.
“I love watching Carlie,” junior guard Jaterra Bonds said. “Full-court pressure, I can’t do that. That’s what she brings that is special to our team.”
Needles projects to spearhead a deeper unit that will add Cooper and transfer Cassie Peoples next season.
“Being a point guard, you kind of have to have leader characteristics,” Needles said. “I pride myself on having leadership characteristics. I hope it carries over from this year, and I hope my team sees me as a leader as well.”
Contact Phil Heilman at pheilman@alligator.org.
Guard Carlie Needles shoots during Florida's 69-58 loss to Arkansas on Feb. 28 in the O'Connell Center. Needles hit 34.1 percent of her three-point shots last season.
