By Alyssa Brock
Bellarmine’s women's basketball will open the season at Freedom Hall with an exhibition game against Brescia University on Oct. 29 at 1 p.m.
Chemistry is a key factor to a successful season. Chancellor Dungan, head women's basketball coach, said, “A challenge that every newcomer may experience is getting up to speed with our verbiage, how we practice and the speed of the game.
The team has six new additions on the team including four first-years – Miyah Brown, Amaya Curry, Jayla Butler and Gracie Merkle – and three transfers – Hayley Harrison, Aly Avrach and Cam Browning. The team also added assistant coach Morgan Stroman and director of operations Bradley Washle.
Despite all the new faces, junior guard Claire Knies said, “We are catching on drills quicker and creating bonds as a team in previous years.”
Each new season brings high standards and expectations for a team. Assistant coach Raven Merriweather said, “My expectations are really high for this year. Last year was not the best, so I expected them to come and work hard every day and get 1% better.”
This year's team has adapted a new mantra to continue to change the culture of the team and program: “Turning a 180.”
“We say to turn a 180 from the previous years in order to continue to be better and push ourselves,” Knies said.
Gracie Merkle, first-year center, said she expects to win a conference tournament this season, while senior guard Cam Browning said she wants to have fun and bring a lot of energy.
Playing at a historic arena as Freedom Hall but practicing at Knights Hall brings challenges, adjustments and rewards.
Knies said, “The floors are kind of slick sometimes because there are other events held at the expo center.”
Graduate student forward Sheniqua ‘Shaq’ Coatney, said the arena’s changing temperature also pose challenges when playing in Freedom Hall.
Mackenzie Keelin, redshirt junior guard, said that despite the challenges, the team has the privilege of using a newly remodeled locker room at Freedom Hall.
Dugan said: “I would like people to come out to Freedom Hall and experience a women's basketball game there. I am excited for this year, and it will be fun to watch.”
Sheniqua ‘Shaq’ Coatney strikes a pose for her media day pictures.
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