Walz Provides Updates on the Cardinals

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville women's basketball head coach Jeff Walz addressed the media on Thursday afternoon. He provided updates on the Cardinals' offseason, including the successes of many players competing internationally, the arrival of the newcomers, the improvement of the returnees, the upcoming non-conference schedule and much more.

(On players competing internationally over the summer and getting everyone back on campus next week)

"We have had an outstanding summer, I'm absolutely pleased with the effort that all of our student-athletes have put forth. We have had several play internationally. Payton Verhulst just recently won the gold medal with the under 19 team over in Hungary. Emily Engstler and Hailey Van Lith played on the three-on-three team over in France and were runner-ups twice in the three tournaments. So, we've just had a really good summer in terms of individual players working on their individual games and now we're excited to get back here on campus next week and to be able to start more team related activities."

(On transfers coming in this year)

"Chelsie Hall arrived in June and she's had a really good summer. I'm really impressed with her basketball IQ, her ability to get others involved. She passes the ball well and she's more of a floor leader. Emily Engstler has had a good summer of just getting involved with our team and we all know what Emily can do, she was close averaging a double-double at Syracuse last season. She brings great length, rebounds the ball, can shoot the three and showed us how well she can pass the ball. So, I'm just looking forward to seeing how we put all these pieces together once we're allowed to officially have practice."

(On non-conference schedule for the 2021-22 season)

"We start in South Dakota against Arizona, our national runner-up this past season and they're a very talented ball club. We know going into it, we're going to be thrown into the fire. It's going to be fun to see how we handle it. We're at Washington, we play Kentucky and Michigan here at home, playing UConn at a neutral site, and Belmont here at home. We've got a good non-conference schedule and it's going to be one that will definitely challenge our kids."

(Hailey Van Lith taking on a larger leadership role)

"She's going to do a great job with her leadership role. Dana (Evans) was the leader on last year's team and now I think Hailey is ready to take over some of that responsibility. I think you'll see her score a little bit more. She's really been working on her offensive game and she was third or fourth in the team in rebounding last year, so she gives you a really solid all-around game."

For the latest on Louisville women's basketball, visit GoCards.com, or follow the team's Twitter account at @UofLWBB or on Facebook at facebook.com/UofLWBB.

University of Louisville Athletics

Players Mentioned

Emily Engstler

Chelsie Hall

Hailey Van Lith

Payton Verhulst

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