Tommies Women’s Basketball Gears Up for the 2024-25 Season with Eyes on Nationals
Building on the lessons learned and progress made last year, the Tommies women's basketball team aims to carry forward the momentum from their previous campaign. As the Tommies women’s basketball team prepares for the 2024-25 regular season, there’s a strong sense of optimism in the air.
Last season saw the Tommies make significant strides, particularly in the second semester, when their performance took a notable upturn. Head coach Fred Connors expressed satisfaction with how the team developed down the stretch. "I was very happy with how the second semester played out. The team came a long way and played good basketball when it mattered." The lessons learned from last season have already shaped the focus for this year, as practices have been intense and productive, with the team showing growth and determination.
This year’s roster sees the addition of some promising new recruits, and Coach Connors is enthusiastic about their potential. "I am very happy with their approach so far. They are keen, willing to work hard, and show great work ethic". However, with the challenges of entering a competitive league, the emphasis will be on their gradual development throughout the season. The Tommies are maintaining consistency in their coaching staff, allowing for continued stability and a seamless transition from last season’s success.
During the offseason, the focus has been on physicality, with the team working to improve their strength and speed in preparation for the demanding league schedule. Tommies have really worked on getting stronger and faster to handle the physical play of the league, and the effort seems to be paying off already.
"The atmosphere is different this year. We are all on a mission. The focus and effort have been in the gym since day one; it hasn’t had to be coached at all. We have our eyes on nationals but aren’t getting ahead of ourselves—we know a lot has to be done and overcome before we get there.” said 3rd year guard Kathleen Quinlan
When it comes to expectations, Coach Connors emphasizes that basketball is an unpredictable sport. "Too many things can happen during a season to predict where we will finish. What I can guarantee is that we will work hard every day and see where that takes us by the end of the season." The team is focused on maintaining a steady and dedicated work ethic to ensure their success.
The team’s leadership will come from a core group of returning players(Kylee, Katie, Alyssa, Charlee), who have already stepped up in practices. "Our returning core is now a year older and more experienced, and they have been pushing each other early on with their vocal leadership," remarked Fred Connors.
"Having the same group as the previous season has let us start quickly, and the rookies have been doing an amazing job catching up to speed," said Charlee Connors.
On the court, expect to see a defensive-minded Tommies team that plays aggressively on both ends. "We’ll be defensive-minded and aggressive. We want to play at pace because our size will be a challenge, but we’ll use that to our advantage," said Coach Connors.
The biggest challenge this season will be maintaining the team’s health—both physically and mentally—throughout the long grind of the season. However, the team has already been working on positive self-talk and mutual support, which will be key in keeping morale high.
This season holds even more significance as STU Athletics, along with the women’s basketball team, will proudly host the CCAA National Championship in March 12-15, 2025. The opportunity to compete at home for a national title adds extra motivation for the Tommies, who are eager to showcase their talent on one of the biggest stages in Canadian collegiate basketball.
"I am incredibly excited to play in my hometown for a national championship. This is where I have grown up, and the opportunity to represent both my school and hometown at the national level is extremely special to me," expressed Charlee Connors.
Finally, the Tommies are calling on the STU community to rally behind the team this season. "Come out and be LOUD!!!!!!!!". The team thrives on the energy from their fans, and a strong home-court atmosphere will be essential to their success.
With focused preparation, a determined group of new and returning players, and an eye toward team development, the Tommies are ready to take on the 2024-25 season with a mindset of hard work and resilience.
Tommies are preparing for a big weekend coming up starting Friday, the "Ken Gould Tournament", providing an ideal opportunity to showcase their competitive edge.