Story by Zoe Harmon, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of Andris Visockis

As a young group, the Aquinas Women’s Basketball team has been working hard to ensure success. They have been putting in many hours both on the court and in the gym, and are looking forward to showcase their talents beginning at the end of October.

The Lady Saints have a fresh, young team with six first-years, five sophomores, and only two upperclassmen (one junior and one senior). It is clear by the comment from first-year Hannah Brefeld, in which she said “Young but hungry,” that despite their experience level, these ladies have the passion to succeed.

They also have the skills to succeed. Sophomore Katie Theut notes,

“Our biggest challenge this year will be our inexperience. However, we make up for our inexperience with quickness, aggressiveness and pure skill.”

The hours that they have put in for practice will certainly help them on the court.

Dedication to practice has been and will be key for the team. Right now, the ladies have morning lifts three days a week and practice in the gym five days a week. Katie Spitzley, the team’s only junior, commented about practices mentioning,

“They are intense and we get a lot of work done in our time frame.  We push each other in practice to be the best we can be.”

Coach Linda Nash adds,

“Our workouts are very intense and competitive.  We are striving to get all of our players on the same page working together.”

With this kind of drive, it will be interesting to see the team progress throughout the season.

In every competitive sport, a team has at least one rival in their conference. Most of the Saints’ players and coaches feel that Davenport has been a powerhouse, however Nash notes,

“They have a new coach so it will be interesting to see how they do.”

Regardless of who is coaching, Davenport is certainly a team that the Lady Saints want to beat.

It is clear that the team is prepared to start games and show their competitors what they have. Spitzley was quick to say “We are a gritty team and we give 110% every time we step out in the court.” With a hard-working and determined attitude, nothing will stop these ladies from winning.

Be sure to catch a Women’s Basketball game at Sturrus as soon as you can. The ladies have their first game on Thursday, October 29 at 7:00 pm. They will host Bethel College and fight for their first win. If you cannot make it on Thursday, check out their schedule online to find an upcoming game. These ladies will be fun to watch, so do not miss out.

About the Writer…

Zoe Harmon is in her final year at Aquinas College, majoring in Sports Management/Business Administration and minoring in Communication. Zoe is a member of the Sports Management Club where she serves on the board as Treasurer.She is also a Disney College Program Alumni after spending 7 months in Orlando. Zoe has a great passion for travel and health/fitness and in her free time, she enjoys hiking adventures, biking, and spending time with her friends and family.