Women's basketball seniors prepare for final season

It’s a brand new season and a fresh start, which is exactly what the IU women’s basketball team might need.

The squad officially opens its season Friday with Hoosier Hysteria.

The Hoosiers will look to the leadership of their four seniors to move past the injuries and rough patches they encountered toward the end of last season.

“Obviously we had a little detour that we had to take last year, but I think I’m excited about beginning again this year,” senior forward Hope Elam said.

This year, the team has high expectations and goals of significant postseason play.

Senior guards Andrea McGuirt and Jori Davis each spoke about hopes of a solid seasons and playing late into the year.

“It’s getting to the NCAAs and winning a Big Ten championship or winning a Big Ten regular season,” Davis said. “Just accomplishing something a little bit higher on the ladder this year.”

The climb up that ladder starts in a much more entertaining way with Hoosier Hysteria.

Davis added that personality and entertainment is a key component for the women’s basketball team, and the players will be able to showcase it this week.

“We show the fans that when they come to see us play, they will also be entertained,” Davis said. “It’s not just boring girls playing basketball. We can entertain you.”

During the summer, team members each took a different approach in preparation for a successful season.

Senior guard Whitney Lindsay spent her time getting mentally strong and is looking at different ways to help her team than in previous seasons.

Chosen as one of 32 participants in Point Guard College’s “College Athlete” Session in August, Lindsay had an opportunity to grow in her understanding of the game.

“I’ve always been able to contribute to the team, but this year I want to contribute more of a knowledge of the game, being a smart point guard instead of a fast point guard,” she said.

With their final year beginning, the seniors are reluctant to dwell on the fact that they have only one year left.

“I have a sense of urgency in my spirit,” Lindsay said. “I’m more just taking every moment in and trying to give it the best I can.”

As the season approaches, each of the seniors knows her own expectations and how she hopes to achieve it.

“For now I’m going to try to stay in the moment and focus on the team and what we’re trying to accomplish.” Davis said.