The start of a new season brings fresh faces to the floor for the IUS women’s basketball team.
After just two weeks of conditioning and one week of official practice, Robin Farris, head coach, said he is already looking forward to the upcoming season.
“So far this has been a fun group to work with,” Farris said. “We have some new faces to go along with the returning players that went to nationals last year. I’m excited to have the opportunity to coach this group of young ladies. They work hard.”
Farris said he is also looking ahead to what could prove to be a tough schedule this season.
“We have a difficult and challenging schedule lined up but it prepares us for conference,” Farris said.
Although Farris is preparing for battle on the hardwood against teams like NCAA Division I Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), his main focus is winning against conference teams in hopes of going on the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division II tournament again this season.
There are several returning Grenadiers that fans should be on the lookout for. One is 6-foot-2-inch Alden Krausse, junior forward.
“She’s been playing behind our All-Conference center Tiffiani Slaughter,” Farris said. “This is her year to step up and score inside as well as block shots.”
Another player to watch is Tia Wineinger, junior forward.
“We need her to step up this year,” Farris said. “She’s always been a good defender and rebounder but we’re looking to have her score more this year.”
Morgan Hunsaker, junior guard, is returning and can play both guard positions. Farris also has high expectations for Hunsaker this season.
“She sees the floor well, and we are looking for her to contribute more this year as well,” Farris said.
Farris also said starters Whitney Duncan, junior guard, and Megan Murphy, sophomore forward, are players to keep an eye on this season.
Joining the team this year is transfer Brianne Miles, sophomore guard. Miles was a starter at her previous school, Spalding University.
Farris has noticed some changes in the team and plans to tweak his game plan slightly to accommodate.
“Some of the newer players have brought some speed with them, so I think the team is quicker this year,” Farris said. “I want this team to press more and transition more in offense.”
Although some changes are being made on the floor, Farris said his overall goals for the team remain the same.
“I want to keep them playing and practicing hard as a team and obviously win the conference and go on to nationals again,” he said. “With our increase in speed and our hopes to press more this season, the games may be even more fun to watch.”
The Grenadiers open their season on Nov. 6 against Daemen College as part of the St. Francis Tournament in Fort Wayne, Ind.
By DESIREE SMITH
Staff Writer
demismit@ius.edu