In the summer of 2009, Huber had finished a highly successful career at St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip, and was excited to take her skills to the New Jersey school and the grueling demands of the BIG EAST Conference. 

“We had thought she selected Rutgers as kind of a dream school,” said Christine’s dad, James. “We were very supportive of her decision.” 

But that dream slowly soured and turned into disappointment as Huber felt she needed a change of scenery and a better outlook on her basketball career.  

“I did not leave because of lack of playing time,” said Huber. “But I feel that I never got the opportunities I was expecting.” 

For the most part, Huber kept her feelings hidden from her parents including her desire to transfer from the program and school she once loved.

“She would tell us things,” said James Huber. “But we really didn’t get a sense of how much it was hurting her. She’s very easy going and was hiding from us the painful part of what was going on at Rutgers.” 

Despite dealing with a tremendous letdown, Huber admits she learned a lot from head coach Vivian Stringer, her teammates and being part of the BIG EAST environment. 

“Without a doubt, playing for Coach Stringer and against my teammates at Rutgers tremendously opened up what the game of basketball is to me,” said Huber.   “I was exposed to such a high level of play that I had no choice except to improve.  I learned so much and I’m thankful I had that experience.” 

Following her transfer, Huber needed to make some quick decisions as to where she would resume her studies and basketball career. Without a specific choice in place and the school year already in session, a collective family decision needed to be made – and made fast.

“Once she left [Rutgers] we quickly got our oars in the water in trying to figure out what would be best for her immediate future,” said James Huber. “She decided real quick that she wanted to try and find a new school so we hit the road.” 

Following informal campus visits to Marist and Delhi, the Huber family scheduled school visits with Northeastern, Hartford, George Washington and Delaware. 

As Huber contemplated between the numerous schools, she narrowed her choices to Northeastern, Hartford and Delaware with the Boston school winning out as her favorite. 

“We felt any of the three schools would be a good fit,” said James Huber. “We really didn’t hesitate in letting her choose amongst them.” 

Huber admits the second time around in choosing a school is a lot easier, in that she had a clearer picture of expectations both academically and athletically. 

“When I transferred I had already experienced college once, so I knew the questions to ask and things to look for in what would be my future school,” explained Huber. “Northeastern seemed to have the whole package to me. I love the city, I was able to relate well with the coaches, the players welcomed me, and it’s a top school for education.” 

Indeed Northeastern was the right fit. Following the required sit-out period for a transferred athlete, Huber took to the court once again, bringing with her, the tools to take her game and her team to the next level. 

“I like to keep a positive attitude and give the team energy,” said Huber. “Now that I can play, I do whatever I can to help contribute so this program can succeed. I’m a very emotional player.  I try to leave everything out on the floor each and every game.”  

Northeastern University competes in the Colonial Athletic League and its women’s basketball team has a nice mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen but would be more of a force to be reckoned with the addition of the former BIG EAST recruit.

“Christine has added a dimension to this program that we have never had before,” said Northeastern head coach, Daynia La-Force Mann.  “Her 6’4 frame has given a new life to our front court presence.  She has the ability to block shots and change shots in the lane. Since she has been playing, we have been able to out-rebound most of our opponents. She has already made a major impact for us on the offensive end.”   

Although coach Mann welcomed the former Scarlet Knight with open arms, no one on the Northeastern roster was more elated than Huber’s former high school teammate and current Husky, Dani Iervolino.  

“I was very excited when I found out Christine was coming to Northeastern,” said Iervolino. “We always worked really well together and have played together since we were in the fifth and sixth grade. We are very comfortable with each other on the court.” 

Huber admits having a friend on the team definitely adds a certain comfort level, however it also made for a much easier transition of blending with her new teammates. 

“I’m so grateful for my teammates here and how quickly they allowed me to be a part of the Husky family,” said Huber. “Dani has been a teammate of mine from high school and AAU since I was 10 years old.  Having her here, gave me the opportunity to mesh quickly with the other girls, instead of coming in as a stranger.” 

At 6’4”, Huber brings additional height to a team which possesses four other players over 6-foot. She also brings to the court a desire to succeed in becoming a premier player in the CAA. 

“That’s a personal goal of mine that I’ve set out to achieve,” said Huber. “I work hard everyday at practice with it in the back of my mind.  I always strive to develop my game so I can become a major impact player.” 

Through her first 15 games of the 2010-2011 season, the West Babylon native is averaging just under eight points per game and just under six rebounds per contest and has compiled a team-leading 27 blocked shots. Huber has also led the Huskies in rebounding in seven games. 

But besides being a tenacious rebounder and shot blocker, Huber admits she has improved aspects of her game to open up more options on the basketball court – including being a 3-point threat. 

“In high school, I played at a post with my back to the basket,” said Huber. “Coming into college, I worked to improve my shot so I can be a threat inside and out.  My goal is to be as versatile as possible, both on offense and defense.” 

As this sophomore gets more and more comfortable in her new surroundings the future appears very bright with reachable goals in sight. 

“I just really want to do whatever I can, with my teammates help, to continue to help this program grow,” said Huber.  “We have the potential to be great and do very well in the CAA.  As a team, our goal is to go on and win. As an individual, my goal is to do whatever it takes to reach our team goal.” 

As the Huskies battle through the teeth of their conference schedule, Huber’s decision to take her game up to Boston has been a good one for all parties involved. 

“I think it was a good decision in that everything seemed to work out,” said James Huber. “Her attitude seems to be good, the coaches love her and she has a renewed passion for basketball.”