When Arianna McCleod arrived at The College of New Jersey, her freshman season was one of promise and potential. Then came the injury that sidelined the talented guard for her sophomore year. Now, a senior, McCleod has turned the heartbreak of the injury into a life lesson that has made her a more determined young woman, on and off the court. “I learned a lot about who I am outside of basketball and honestly I think that really helped me learn more about who I am as a player,’’ stated McCleod. “I learned that I am resilient. The journey back to the court was definitely filled with a lot of ups and downs, but I was determined to make it back on court at 100%. I also learned how important a support system is when dealing with these types of injuries. While it’s been about two years since the injury, I’ll never forget how supportive and involved my teammates and coaches were in my recovery journey.’’ A journey that has McCleod as one of the team’s captains and a key component in its success. McCleod, who is averaging 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, will be in the lineup when TCNJ (11-3, 7-0 NJAC) faces Montclair State (11-3, 5-2 NJAC) at Packer Hall in a key conference game. “Montclair has a few really strong scorers and a great new first year player,’’ said TCNJ coach Chessie Jackson. “They’ll press us and look to cause chaos, so we have to prepare for that and be ready to play composed, together offense. They’re playing confidently coming off two big wins, so we have to match their energy and play smart, aggressive basketball.’’ A lot of TCNJ’s smart, yet aggressive basketball and calm demeanor comes from McCleod, as she has embraced the leadership role. “It was definitely a learning curve at first,’’ admitted McCleod. “I really had to learn what kind of leader I wanted to be. I had this idea in my head that to be a good leader I had to be vocal and I’m usually one of the quietest people in any room.’’ Then after a quiet meeting with the coaches, McCleod identified her true leadership qualities. “I learned that I could also be a leader by leading by example,’’ McCleod stated. “As the season continues, I’ve gotten more comfortable in my role. I am also lucky to have such a good co-captain, Nina Branchizio. She has a little bit more experience in the role, but she has taught me a lot about how to be a good leader on and off the court.’’ McCleod has been in enough big game situations from state games at Bound Brook High to playoff games at TCNJ to know what’s needed. “I think the key is trust,’’ stated McCleod. “The trust we have in each other, in our coaches, and in the process. We know what it takes to get to the championship and I think the thing that has been really crucial to our success is that everyone has bought in to the process and is willing to do whatever it takes to continue to win.’’ The Lions were picked first in the preseason poll and haven’t disappointed, being undefeated in the conference. “My senior season is more than just my last season of basketball,’’ McCleod said. “I like to think of it as a reflection of how far I’ve come as both a player and as a person. I’m just filled with so much gratitude that I’ve been able to the play the game for so long.’’ One of the area’s McCleod has grown as a player has been in her confidence and court savvy. “I’ve worked really hard to bring consistency to my game,’’ McCleod stated. “I want to be able to hit my shots at a high clip, defend the ball, and make smart decisions in every game I play. While I know not every game is going to be my best, I’ve really strived to make sure my effort level is always high.’’ A competitor and a dedicated teammate, McCleod wouldn’t trade a minute of her time at TCNJ. “I am so beyond lucky for the experience I have had at TCNJ the last four years,’’ said McCleod. “Both on and off the court I have seen myself grow into a person that I can truly say I am proud of. I am also grateful for all my teammates, past and present, that have made my years at TCNJ so fun and memorable.’’