By Jenx Ervin

Going into the new season, the Greensboro College women’s basketball team enters the year with a new, young roster with plenty of potential and an up tempo style of play. Head Coach Aaron Fernandez says the team is young but believes the players are ready to embrace the
challenge. With several freshmen and other young players on the roster, there could be times
where multiple young players are all on the floor at once with big minutes.

“While there may be ups and downs as there always are for young players, they are ready to rise up and meet the challenge and contribute,” Fernandez stated.

One of the team’s biggest focuses while in the preseason has been getting in shape and becoming comfortable with the speed and intensity integrated in The Prides’ system. The team hopes to play at a fast pace and be more aggressive this season.

Fernandez and the team’s goal is to become one of the fastest teams in college basketball. Digging into the system a little, the team wants to score within 12 seconds or less and get the ball back within 12 seconds or less. The Pride also wants to apply constant pressure, forcing turnovers and, on the offensive end, shooting plenty of threes to put up high scoring numbers.

Even though the team is young, the coaching staff has already noticed development. The Pride has already shown the ability to learn new concepts quickly and has demonstrated versatility as
different players have been flexible learning different positions.

“I really appreciate the vibe and energy this team naturally has,” Fernandez mentioned. “They have been a ton of fun to be around and be in practice with.”

Returning players also have an important role this season because they have experienced this unique system in previous years. This is knowledge that they can use to help the younger players understand the intensity at which the Pride plays.

Leadership has also continuously been developing through the roster as players learn not to rely on a few others but instead focus on their responsibilities to lead through their own actions as well, whether it is through accountability, commitment or being coachable.

Beyond the wins and losses, Fernandez and the coaching staff want the players to become better people, better students and better basketball players. As the season starts and the preseason ends, the goal is for the team to have a strong understanding of the unique system and its pace to achieve the success it brings.

With a younger, determined roster, high energy playing style and the teams’ willingness to learn and grow, the Greensboro College women’s basketball will be exciting to watch this season.