A New Era for the USJ Women's Basketball Program

The Future of USJ Women's Basketball

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) women's basketball team has struggled in recent years, but their savior may have finally arrived. With a new coach leading a crop of talented recruits, hopes are high for the future of the program.

New Leadership Ushers in New Era

After lackluster results the past few seasons, USJ decided to go in a new direction by hiring coach Amanda Smith. Coach Smith comes to USJ after a successful stint as an assistant coach at Division I Bucknell University. Known for her gritty determination as a player and creative coaching style, she looks to implement an uptempo system at USJ.

Coach Smith wasted no time making her mark on the recruiting trail, reeling in the program's best class in years. Her incoming freshmen class is ranked among the top in the conference and features several standout prospects.

Talented Freshmen to Contribute Immediately

The stellar freshman class is headlined by guard Jen Brown, a consensus top 100 recruit nationally with the ability to score from all over the court. She will be expected to step in as the team's primary scoring option right away.

Coach Smith also landed forward Christina Lewis, an athletic and versatile forward capable of guarding multiple positions. Her defensive intensity and rebounding will provide a huge boost.

Rounding out the class is sharpshooting wing Madison Ward and speedy point guard Skyler Davis. This talented quartet will see heavy minutes in their first season as Coach Smith looks to turn around the program.

Newcomers Mesh with Returning Players

While the freshmen class brings hope for the future, USJ also returns several key contributors from last season. Senior guard Lauren Hill, the team's leading scorer from a year ago, will provide valuable experience and leadership to the young roster.

Junior forward Nina Ross emerged last season as an excellent stretch big with inside-outside scoring ability. Her and Hill's shooting gravity should help unclog driving lanes for slashers like Brown and Davis.

Higher Expectations as Team Chemistry Builds

With experienced returners and instant-impact freshmen, USJ will field its most talented roster in recent memory. As the players continue to gel under Coach Smith's system, the wins should follow.

The new uptempo style of play is already being embraced by the team in practices. Expect to see more transition scoring opportunities and three point shooting as the players adjust to the modern pace and space era.

If the players buy into Coach Smith's defensive principles too, this team has the chance to become an exciting two-way squad ready to make noise in the conference.

First .500 Season in Sight

For the first time in years, the USJ women's basketball program finally has the talent and coaching to be competitive. The incoming freshman look to be one of the best classes ever recruited by the school and should make an instant impact.

Paired with key returning players and the leadership of new head coach Amanda Smith, the team has never been in a better position to succeed. There is genuine belief that this could finally be the year USJ women's basketball finishes above .500 for the first time.

Newfound Excitement Around Program

With increased expectations comes increased interest in the program. Season ticket sales are way up and there is finally a buzz around women's basketball at USJ.

The athletics department is heavily promoting the incoming recruits and new coach as the start of a new era. After years of lackluster results, there are indicators the team may be turning the corner.

On campus and around the community there is genuine excitement for USJ women's basketball. Fans are ready to cheer on Coach Smith and her band of newcomers as they usher in a new brand of basketball.

Come Support the Future Stars

After an offseason of change there is renewed hope and belief surrounding USJ women's basketball. Now it's up to the players and coaches to perform when the bright lights come on.

Be sure to come out and support Coach Smith and her talented squad. Get your season tickets now and see for yourself why there is such excitement about the future of USJ women's basketball.

FAQs

Who is the new head coach of the USJ women's basketball team?

The new head coach is Amanda Smith, who comes to USJ after serving as an assistant coach at Division I Bucknell University. She is known for her gritty determination as a former player and creative coaching methods.

What level of recruit is Jen Brown?

Jen Brown, the star of the incoming freshman class, is regarded as a consensus top 100 recruit nationally. She will be expected to be one of the team's top scorers right away.

How will the newcomers and returning players play together?

The freshman bring talent and excitement, while key returning players like senior Lauren Hill and junior Nina Ross provide valuable experience and leadership. The combination of new and returning players hopes to spark an improved season.

Why the increased excitement around the program?

With a new uptempo playing style, star freshmen recruits, and coach Amanda Smith taking over, there is genuine buzz and belief that USJ women's basketball can take a step forward this year.