2008-2009 Bloomsburg Women's Basketball Preview

Moving into a new season under first year head coach Bill Cleary, the 2008-09 Bloomsburg University women's basketball team is going to be focusing on working hard to improve and build a stronger team and program. "Every day we are getting better, and that is our main goal," said Cleary.

The Huskies biggest strength this season is their veteran group of returners who bring determination, experience, and leadership to the team. Coming off a season plagued by injuries, they have been working hard in the off season and are eager to improve and build a stronger more consistent team that starts strong and finishes strong.

"Our biggest challenge is learning how to win," said Cleary. With the returning veteran group and a strong recruited class of freshman, who are willing to work hard and persevere, the Huskies will be able to put the pieces together to form a group that will win. "If we focus on working hard, getting better, and improving we will win," said Cleary who is confident the group has a strong desire and commitment, giving them potential to accomplish a great deal this season.

RETURNERS

Senior Colleen Kegerreis returns to the frontcourt for the Huskies. Kegerreis has been named All-PSAC two years in a row and looks to expand her already stellar career. Kegerreis succeeds because of her strong work ethic, "Everything comes so easily to her because she works hard," says Cleary of Kegerreis, "You tell her to do something and she will work at it until she gets it done."

Senior guard Kelly Joyce, an extremely hard working and coachable player, returns her greatest asset of leadership to the team. "She picks things up quickly and does a great job communicating them to the other players as well," said Cleary of Joyce.

Senior Lauren Healy also returns to the backcourt for the Huskies. Healy has worked extremely hard over the summer and looks to build off of last season. Cleary believes Healy is a great role model for the younger players, "Her work ethic is second to none. I've never seen anyone with such a great work ethic."

The Huskies return a group of three juniors to the squad. Stephanie Jones returns her great athleticism to the team and will be a strong shooting threat in the backcourt this season. Junior guard Angela Mensch also looks to help the Huskies in the backcourt. Giselle Lara is a strong skillful post player and has potential to make great contributions in the frontcourt.

Among returning sophomores for the Huskies are guards Brea Lewis, Niemah Brooks, Monica Dennison and Stephanie Rankin. Lewis brings back her strong outside shot and exceptional ball handling skills. Brooks is a very athletic player with a quick first step and, along with Rankin, will look to make contributions to the Huskies backcourt this season. Sophomore Monica Dennison returns to Bloomsburg's forward lineup. Dennison has had a great pre-season so far: "She has potential to be a threat this season with a year under her belt and her enthusiasm and energy," said Cleary of Dennison, "She will provide depth to the team and make a stronger frontcourt."

NEWCOMERS

Among the newcomers for Bloomsburg are a group of three incoming freshmen. Lauren Cook is a fierce competitor, intelligent and quick point guard, who will give steadiness to the backcourt. Kelsey Gallagher is a versatile guard and wing player who is a very competitive individual. She has very good defensive skills and is also a very intelligent and quick player. Ashley Waddell is a very determined hard worker who will be a threat in the backcourt for the Huskies and will also compete for valuable minutes.

OVERALL

The Huskies look to improve throughout the season and make the PSAC playoffs. "If we are willing to sacrifice and push through the season with great effort, a lot of great things can happen," said Cleary. "With a strong veteran group and a group of determined young players, the team has the potential for success."

The Huskies look to improve this season with a new coaching staff in the form of Cleary and assistant coach Diane Decker. "With the experience she has as a player and coach (interim head coach at East Stroudsburg last year), I believe she will help make the program the success it once was," said Cleary of his new assistant. He believes that with the experience he and Decker bring to the program, and the six years of returning experience assistant Jennifer Cughan has, the staff complements each other well and will work together to improve the program and the recruiting as well.

In the PSAC East, look for three of the top contenders to be Shippensburg University, Millersville University and West Chester University vying for the top spots. "We have a winning attitude among great players," added Cleary, "and with hard work and dedication, I am confident that we will be successful."