It seems unfair to ever say anything bad about the forerunner in Washington University’s athletic program, the women’s basketball team.
But the team did have one of the poorest seasons in recent memory in 2001-2002, gathering a 25-1 record, a record that is eclipsed by the previous few seasons, which spanned an 81 game win streak. Thirty- win seasons and laughers have become the norm to the women’s basketball team.
Joking aside, the team is expected to reproduce the success of prior seasons. Coach Nancy Fahey, probably the most touted women’s basketball coach in Division III athletics, leads the Bears into action for the 17th season. Fahey has generated an .855 winning percentage during her tenure at WU and this season is not expected to be any exception.
This year’s squad has both a strong starting five as well as a deep bench, and the Bears will draw talent from each and every player this season. The team of 25 players has only four seniors, so a majority of the impact will be made by underclassmen.
“Everything is a team effort,” said junior forward Suzy Digby. “We have our first five and our second five, but each group is on a nearly equal level.”
“We don’t think of ourselves as having five starters… we are definitely an equal level team,” said junior guard Sarah Mullen.
The emphasis on equality runs deep. Each player should see significant playing time, a categorical necessity for freshman and sophomore hoopsters, looking to find their niche on this juggernaut.
The team, however, did lose a number of seniors from last season. While they miss these players, the team knows it must regroup.
“We did lose a bit of our character and personality,” said Digby. “Two of last season’s starters are no longer with us. This does change the lineup, but it gives us the chance to step up to the plate and perform.”
“We have a different team each year. The team last year had great chemistry but we feel we can match it,” said Mullen.
The team kicks off the season today against Wheaton. The first chance most Bears’ fans will be able to see their team is on Friday December 6th, against Illinois Wesleyan at 7:30 pm. Scheduled away contests and Thanksgiving Break prevent most fans from catching a glimpse of the action prior to then.
Committed involvement and sound training have been keys to the Bears’ overwhelming success in past years. With Coach Fahey working the girls at the accustomed, albeit strenuous level, another championship is likely to be in the works. The team can only hope the push toward UCLA’s 88 game win streak comes closer to fruition.