Head Coach Jeff Walz Begins Season Blog
October 24, 2008 | Women's Basketball
Oct. 24, 2008
Louisville, Ky. - WOW! It's hard to believe it but we are back on the court preparing for another exciting season in Louisville Women's Basketball. It feels like just yesterday when we were all gathered around waiting to see where the NCAA would send us and where we would be seeded in last year's tournament.
So much has gone on in such a short period of time.
This spring and summer my staff and I have been working very hard on the recruiting front. We are very excited about the level of interest in our program from many of the top recruits in the country. It is a never ending process, but one that my staff and I have enjoyed thoroughly. The opportunity to build relationships is something we all enjoy.
When we weren't out recruiting, I was also able to spend some quality time with my family this summer. My daughter is three and my son will turn two in December and it is always fun to come home and play with them in the yard. It is just amazing how fast they are growing. We didn't go on any big trips this summer, I just enjoyed spending time with my family around Louisville.
I am sure this season will be an exciting one! We have six new freshmen on the roster to go along with seven returning players. It has been fun to watch as the freshman have been adapting to college life and a new level of expectations. Five of the freshmen have been working hard to improve their basketball skills while one of them is the starter for our volleyball team. Gwen Rucker, our freshman from Lexington, Ky., has been starting on the volleyball team for most of the season. Our entire team loves to go to the volleyball matches to show our support for Gwen and the rest of the team. Gwen will join us on the basketball court after the completion of volleyball. Our five other freshman, Janae Howard, Monique Reid, Tiera Stephen, Becky Burke and Mary Jackson have all been working very hard both on the court and in the classroom. I have been very pleased with their progress over the past few months.
Our returners are led by our three seniors, Candyce Bingham, Angel McCoughtry and Chauntise Wright. They will be our leaders both and off the court. They are a great group of seniors and I am very excited about what they bring to our team. We have one returning junior in Brandie Radde who will look to keep her starting role at the off guard position for the second straight season. Brandie has worked hard this off-season on her ball handling and shooting. Our sophomore class consists of Deseree' Byrd, Keshia Hines and Laura Terry. I am looking for a big year from all three of those young ladies. The success of this year's team will depend on the leadership from our returning players and the ability of our freshman to handle the college game.
I look forward to giving you another update after we have had two weeks of practice. That should give me enough time to let you know how everyone is doing.
Until then, Be Good, Be Safe and Be Yourself,
Coach Jeff Walz Head Coach Louisville Women's Basketball
