Alex Byers
The end of fall brings with it the beginning of the winter sports season. Bryn Mawr basketball practiced during Fall Break, building their strength through sprints and technique through defensive drills. Although Basketball has one of the longest seasons on campus, it runs from mid-October through mid-February, the coaches are optimistic about this season’s potential.
Katie Tarr will be entering her be entering her fifth season as basketball’s head coach, alongside Assistant Coach Deb Charamella ’05, who is returning for her fourth season. Although the team has not yet faced its first scrimmage (which will take place on Saturday, November 15) the coaches are already predicting how the season will shape up, assessing the team’s strengths, and noticing who the key players are.
When asked her general thoughts on the 2008-2009 season, Charamella said “ I am excited for the returning players and for the contributions that the freshmen will be making to impact the team.” Tarr added: “We have a strong nucleus of players, with a lot of experiencing returning this year.”
The Owls ended their 2007-2008 season with a 5-20 record, having defeated Bi-Co rival Haverford twice. “I am looking forward to turning our close loses into wins this year,” said Charamella in reference to past seasons. “We were competitive with everyone we played last year and I think that will continue.”
The Owls have four returning starters on their roster, including Jess Allen ’09, Shanika Bridges-King ’10, Caroline Heffernan ’10, and Callie Jensen ’11, as well as Emilie Naccarato ’11. “All returning five players saw at least 30 minutes a game last season,” said Tarr. “And I think the younger players, the incoming freshman, will only enhance the more experienced players.”
Allen, Bridges-King, Heffernan, and Jensen will all fill important roles on the team, continuing to make an impact as they have in past seasons. Naccarato will be stepping up as point guard, and already shows promise of being a pivotal player. Andrea Zambetti ’09, Yuan Qiao ’11, and Lindsey Darvin ’12 will provide leadership, support, and valuable talent as well.
“Our roster may be small but there is a lot of leadership experience on the team,” said Tarr.
The Owls have a long, but exciting season ahead of them, Their first scrimmage will be at PSU-Brandywine on November 15, but be sure to join them for their first home game on Tuesday, November 25 against Centennial Conference rival Dickinson.