The IUS women’s basketball team has already started practicing for the upcoming season and head coach, Robin Farris, is pleased with the team and their development so far this year.
The team has 11 returning players, four of which are starters, and six new players.
“We have some new faces and core players returning,” Andrea Chambers, senior forward, said.
Farris and Chambers said they had a tough schedule ahead of them.
“Berea has won our conference the last couple of years,” Farris said. “This year we play IUPUI who is a NCAA, Division I team.”
St. Francis and Taylor are teams that Farris said were also strong. “You don’t know what kind of recruiting class these teams had this year,” Farris said.
Despite the tough schedule ahead some are optimistic about the season.
Senior guard, Jenna Richiesaid, “It would be huge if we could win conference this year. A bang.”
Farris focused more on the team and its goals.
“I hate to predict any games, “but the main goal would be for them to play to the best of their abilities and full potential,” Farris said
Many of the newcomers to the team have speed which Farris said will give them more depth, and with returning players they have experience this year too.
“We have a lot of speed,” Richie said. ”Good shooting guards and point guards, so hopefully we can dominate down low.”
Chambers and sophomore center, Tiffiani Slaughter are two of the returning players who led the team in scoring last year.
There are two other returning players that Farris said he hopes will continue to improve this year.
Whitney Duncan, sophomore guard, led the team in steals, and sophomore forward,Tia Wineinger, was the third leading rebounder last year.
“[Wineinger] surprised me last year as a freshman,” Farris said. “She runs well and has long arms to deflect passes.”
The team’s first game is Oct. 31 against Spring Arbor, and their first home game is Nov. 22.
By MARY LYONS
Staff Writer
marlyons@ius.edu