Essex Rebels very own DeAngelique inducted into sporting hall of fame
DeAngelique Waithe’s passion for basketball started at the age of 10 when she picked up a basketball for the first time to play pick up with her neighbors outside. Something that started off being “just for fun,” became so much more. In the 6th grade at Veterans Park Academy of the Arts, was the first time she made any team and played in an organized sport. Losing her middle school championship game against their rival school sparked a fire in her that she never let go of. She went on to play for East Lee County High School as a member of the Jaguar family. She was A four-year letter winner in basketball for the Jaguars, where she led her team to a district runner-up, under the tutelage of coach Anthony Paez and Tiana Paez-Green. In 2014, Waithe not only was an All-Area Recipient, but ended her high school career with 1,000+ points, along with being a finalist for Miss Basketball in the state of Florida. Waithe is an outstanding athlete, she was the first East Lee County recipient to receive a full Division I scholarship in basketball to Long Island University Brooklyn but her track reputation was one to admire and respect. Whilst at East Lee County, Waithe played for a tremendous travel ball team called Florida Future who influenced more exposure to her talent. Shoutout to Mrs. Nicole (One of the founders of Florida Future) who helped her study for her ACTs in order to get to college! While at Long Island University DeAngelique made the Dean Honor Roll for 3 consecutive years and Achieved the Student Athletic Academic Award for 2 consecutive years. She also was the LIU Brooklyn’s Basketball MVP in 2018, and was selected All-NEC Tournament 2nd Team. DeAngelique set a single season team record with 12 Double Doubles. Whilst at LIU Brooklyn Waithe also joined the Track team her senior year and took part in both the long and High Jump. She was awarded the Unsung hero Award for her dedication and determination. DeAngelique Waithe went on to earn another Full Scholarship to the University of Essex through a program called Teamgleas.Waithe not only received her master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science, whilst doing so she also played for the university team (Essex Blades) and for the Professional Team; Essex Rebels in the Women’s British Basketball League. In Waithe’s First Professional Season with the Essex Rebels she Averaged 20 pts and 9 Rebounds. During Waithe’s Second Professional season she went on to play in Aviles, Spain for Agrupacion Deportiva Baloncesto Avilés averaging 12pts and 7 rebounds per game. Waithe is currently in her Third professional season, where she made her return to the Essex Rebels and Is currently Averaging a double-double on the season 20pts, 10 rebounds. Waithe hopes to lead her team to a WBBL Championship this season and is truly blessed to have the ability to continue playing the game that she loves. “I would like to first and foremost Thank God for this journey and opportunity, without him and the constant support and encouragement from my family, friends and all of those who played a major part in my success I would not be where I am today.”
Statement:
“ I am just so honored to have received such a prestigious award like this. Shoutout To My Family for representing me in my Absence. I am extremely Blessed , dedication and hard works definitely pays off. Thank you to all who played a major role in making this happen! It is greatly appreciated ! “🤞🏾❤️
