2009-10 Season Outlook

AVILA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

The fourth chapter in the Avila Women's Basketball program is being prepared by Head Coach Larry Williams. Williams starting his fourth year has brought respectability to the program in the always tough Heart of America Conference in three short years. Replacing three starters in Emily Hoskins, Sarah Parker, and Ashley Townsend will not be an easy chore to do. Emily and Sarah were four year starters who brought a vast amount of experience and Ashley was the leading scorer her junior and senior years being named to the NAIA All-American teams.

But all is not lost and Coach Williams is very excited about the returners and new recruits coming in. With nine returning letterman from last year's 24-7 team, who got plenty of playing experience he is ready for the new challenges before him and his team. Williams feels that the nine collectively can absorb the experience, scoring and rebounding of the three seniors that graduated. “BELIEVE IN WE” not the individual will be the greatest asset for the team to be successful for 2009-10 season.

The nine returning letterman have plenty of experience and confidence to get the team off to a successful season. Jaime Kenny, a 5'11” senior will be the one that the team will look to for leadership this year. A three year starter and one of the leading three point shooters in the conference she averaged 9.7 points per game 4.7 rebounds for the team last year. Alyson Young 6'0” junior who was the freshman of the year two years ago, is again ready to step in and play at the rugged five spot. She has averaged double figures her last two years and also the leading rebounder this past year. Liz Vollmer, a 6'2” senior has stepped in the last three years off the bench and always supplied what the team needed in regards to being able to run the floor, score and rebound at the post position.

Jessica James, 6'0” junior averaged 3.4 pts and 2.6 rebounds last year will bring more athleticism on the perimeter for the team as she is being moved to a strong forward. Addie Buckler, 5'6” sophomore who has great court awareness returns at a guard position. Last year was a learning year for her playing behind Emily Hoskins and with that experience should step in and challenge for plenty of playing time. Torie Murillo, 5'8” sophomore guard brought a new dimension to the team last year with her ball-hawking defense and aggressive play. She is the type of player that does not have to score to help the team but makes everyone else only better. Brittany Townsend, 5'9” sophomore fwd was the big surprise last year as she repeatedly stepped in games and hit big shots. She is expected to lead the charge this year with her ability to shoot the three ball and put it on the floor. Courtney Gimlin, 5'7” sophomore guard will again bring her offensive accolades to the Eagles as she averaged 5.6 pts per game. A streak shooter who can light it up is expected to be more consistent this year a year of collegiate experience. Loganne Grider, 5'11” sophomore fwd was voted the most improved player last year and with the style of play for this coming year, high expectations are in the making for her.

Rounding out the Eagles are four new players that will be challenging for playing time this coming year. Ashley Jensen, 5'6” junior is a transfer from Metro State in Denver, Colorado. A very good 3 point shooter, she brings a wealth of experience to the team and as the season goes she should only get better. Ashley Lattimer, 5'8” freshman brings more athleticism to the team. A quick, versatile guard she has potential to be a very good player for the next four years. Rachael Edwards, 5'9” freshman is probably the most fundamental sound young player on the team. A wealth of wining at the high school level has brought a great attitude to the Eagle program. Karli Lapointe, 5'8” freshman is always the type of player you want. Hard worker, whatever it takes, team player and will always be the “nuts and bolts” to hold a team together.

According to Williams, “This team is young, but after last year's success they understand what it takes and the expectations are to challenge for the conference championship. We will be much deeper, stronger and faster than last year. I know the players will be ready to make their mark in the conference this year. For the team to challenge for the top spot, “BELIEVE IN WE” is a must for the 2009-10 season.” There is not an easy game in the HAAC. We hope with our PLAY HARD, PLAY SMART AND PLAY TOGETHER attitude we will be that team.