The Hamline University Women’s basketball team dominated their season opener in a 87—48 victory. With this incredibly strong start and hope for many more ahead, the season is shaping up to be one to remember. Backed by impressive depth and a supportive, high-energy team atmosphere, the future of the team looks promising.
Although the first game has just been completed, the team has been working hard for months to prepare for this time of the year. Head Coach Joshua Hersch shares what he has observed over this time.
“Between our allotted nontraditional practices before the season began on October 15 and our traditional practices that we’ve had since that date, we’ve seen a lot of growth and execution in skillwork and bigger picture schemes,” Hersch said via email. “This group is the most competitive I’ve seen in my time at Hamline, and it is great to have a team that pushes each other to be their best every day.”
With the addition of five first-year students and a handful of veteran players, Hersch expanded more on how the team works together with the strong diversity of players among the roster.
“The team is a healthy mix of upper and underclassmen, showing the diversity of experiences throughout the team,” Hersch said via email.
Finishing third in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) last season, the Pipers are hoping to keep up this strong momentum and bring this level of competition into the new season.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what steps each of those groups has taken to improve on our last season. The MIAC is a tough conference, and every team has a shot at winning games,” Hersch said via email. “We are coming off one of the most successful seasons in our program’s history, and we want to be consistent with that success, so I am excited to compete with every team we face.”
One way that the Pipers are hoping to maintain their level of momentum is by making sure all the players remain healthy throughout the season. Hersch provided some insight into how beneficial the health of the roster will pay off in the long run.
“If the majority of the team can remain healthy throughout the season, we are doing the right things to put us in a good spot,” Hersch said via email.
While the season is long, stretching from early November to late February, and the fact that there are some tough competitors in the conference, the Pipers are honed into the fact that staying strong together is something important and valuable to them.
“The teams that can stick together through it all have a better shot at success – whatever that means for any individual program,” Hersch said via email.
Looking ahead, the team faces off against UW-Superior, Martin Luther and UW-Stout in the next two weeks. In December, however, the conference games begin, starting with Gustavus Adolphus on Dec. 3.
The season will be long, strenuous and fun to watch. With a focus on athlete health and well-being, plus having a group of competitive individuals, Hersch explained one final sentiment about the season.
“We’re excited about the potential ahead, but are also excited about developing our student-athletes in preparation for life outside of the court someday. Knowing that we are doing that, we’re already succeeding,” Hersch said via email.
