The College of Wooster women's basketball team enters a new era under head coach Mary Kate Tierney for 2021-22.
Tierney enters her first year as head coach for the Fighting Scots and the ninth in the program's history. This is also her first opportunity in the head role following assistant stints as Case Western Reserve University, Ithaca College, New York University and Dickinson College.
"More than anything, I feel fortunate," Tierney said. "Becoming a head coach has long been a goal of mine. The opportunity to do so at The College of Wooster, an outstanding institution with a rich athletic history, is a dream come true."
Tierney inherits a Wooster program that has struggled in recent years, including an 0-8 mark in last year's shortened season.
Wooster graduated three seniors from that team including leading scorer and post player Maria Janasko. top three-point threat Sarah Marion and another post player in Austrella Balley.
Losing two post players left this year's team lacking in the size department with no true centers and just one player, sophomore Nikki Pendleton, towering over 5'10".
"We will be small this season, but we talk everyday about how important it is to bring energy and effort," Tierney said. "Every day we discuss our strengths and what we can do to develop into a competitive team in the NCAC this season."
Three new seniors lead this year's roster of 16 – Masani Francis, Jenna Stanton and Krista English.
Francis has increased her production each year as a Fighting Scot and should be one of the main scoring threats on the team. She was third in scoring at 8.4 ppg last year.
Stanton was second on the team last year in minutes played before getting sidelined with an injury, and English was one of the team's most improved players, finishing with 5.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.
Wooster also has a pair of sophomores who will look to improve upon strong starts from a year ago. Harley Holloway ended up the team's second leading scorer at 8.9 points per game, and Alyssa Chritz saw solid time at forward with 4.8 points per game and 4.4 rebounds.
Wooster's three juniors, Namara Rwakatare, Riley Thorr and Paige Wells should see increased playing time this year also. The team also welcomes three first-years in Tamara Turner, Maia Doescher and Kay Robinson.
"We are focusing on the present and striving to get a fraction better every day in practice," Tierney said. "We talk a lot about staples within our culture - connecting, communicating, being consistent and celebrating each other. Those are the expectations I have for the team and by doing those things, ultimately, we will have a successful season."
The Scots open the year Nov. 10 at Capital University. Shortly after they have their home opener on Nov. 13 against Franciscan University. Finally, the Scots open North Coast Athletic Conference play Dec. 1 at Denison University.