Becca Papach’s first thoughts on the University of North Carolina-Wilmington were of its proximity to Whiting.

It’s not exactly a quick car ride away.

“At first I thought it was kind of far from home,” Papach said, “but I like it.”

Of course she does, because that’s where the Whiting senior will continue her basketball career, having signed a letter of intent on Thursday to play at UNC Wilmington, a Division I program in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Papach had whittled her choices of schools down to three, the other two being Division II programs. She visited the Wilmington, N.C., campus earlier this week with her mother Sue.

Papach liked what she saw, not only of the campus but of the program, led by coach Ann Hancock.

“I was pretty nervous, I guess,” Papach said.

“I didn’t know whether I would fit in or not and if I could go there.”

Apparently Hancock, the Seahawks coach the last four seasons, felt there would be no problem. Because Papach was offered a spot, received the letter of intent via fax when she arrived home this week and immediately sent it off.

“My mom took care of that,” Papach said. “But I was pretty nervous.”

A 6-foot forward/center, Papach averaged 16.3 points, 12.4 rebounds and 3.8 steals in leading the Oilers to their first-ever sectional title this past season.

She posted a quadruple-double with double-digit points, rebounds, steals and assists in a win over Michigan City Marquette in January.

“I think her work ethic is probably the biggest thing for her,” Whiting coach Joe Pokraka said.

“She works hard at the game and will do just about anything for you.

“She stayed focused, and playing Division I was her dream.”

UNC Wilmington graduates four seniors from a 15-13 team, including third-leading scorer and leading rebounder Tracy Morgan, a 6-foot forward. Guards Cherie Lea and Jennifer Kapper, the Seahawks’ leading and second-leading scorers, respectively, also graduate.

“Every coach is really different about (playing time),” Papach said.

“(Hancock) definitely said I had to earn my time.”

Now it’s just a matter of using the spring and summer to work on her game.

“There’s always room to improve,” Papach said.

Tom Wyatt can be reached at 648-3140 or by e-mail at twyatt@post-trib.com.