Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part series on Asumi Nakayama and the Utah Valley State women's basketball team, which wrapped up its 2006-07 season on Saturday. Part II tomorrow explores the relationship assistant coach Chris Boettcher, who has lived and coached in Japan, has developed with Nakayama and his opinion of the Japanese game.
Asumi Nakayama, a guard for Utah Valley State, is one of only two Japanese women playing NCAA basketball in the United States.
CHAD CLARK/UTAH VALLEY STATE ATHLETICS PHOTOThe transition from high school to college is a challenging task. The transition from Japan to America as a student-athlete is an even bigger undertaking.