Saint Mary Of The Woods Women's Basketball
Saint Mary of the Woods (SMW) women's basketball team has rapidly risen to become a force to reckon with in the US collegiate basketball scene. This small private institution located in West Terre Haute, Indiana, has been able to attract and nurture highly talented basketball players, thanks to its rigorous training and competitive program. In this article, we explore the SMW women's basketball program, its history, current achievements, and future prospects.
The History of Saint Mary of the Woods Women's Basketball Program
The SMW women's basketball program dates back to the 1920s when the school first started admitting female students. At the time, the program was relatively small and played games against local high schools and community colleges. However, the program grew in stature over the years, and the college joined the NCAA Division III in 1978. In the early years of the program, the team struggled to make an impact, but things started to change in the 1990s when SMW hired a new head coach, Frank Cox. Cox was able to attract top talent to the program, and the team started winning games and making the post-season playoffs. However, in 2005, the SMW women's basketball program was disbanded due to financial constraints. It was not until 2018 that the program was resurrected, and the team resumed playing competitive basketball. The current head coach, Deanna Bradley, has worked tirelessly to rebuild the program, and the team is now a serious contender in the competitive Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC).
Current Achievements of the SMW Women's Basketball Team
The SMW women's basketball team has had an impressive run of form in recent years, making the HCAC playoffs twice in the last three seasons. In the 2019/2020 season, the team had a 20-7 record, finishing third in the HCAC, and making it to the HCAC tournament semifinals. The team's success is thanks to a combination of factors, including talented players, rigorous training, and excellent coaching. One of the standout players on the team is senior guard, Delaney Kendall. Kendall has been a vital player for the team over the past four seasons, averaging 15 points per game in the 2019/2020 season. Kendall has also been instrumental in helping the team make it to the HCAC playoffs in each of the past three seasons. The team's success has not gone unnoticed, and several of its players have been recognized for their outstanding performances. In the 2019/2020 season, Delaney Kendall was named to the All-HCAC first team, while junior forward, Hailey Cripe, was named to the All-HCAC second team.
The Future of the SMW Women's Basketball Program
The future looks bright for the SMW women's basketball program. The team has a solid core of talented players, and the coaching staff is dedicated to developing the next generation of basketball stars. The team's success on the court has also helped to raise its profile, attracting more talented players to the program. The SMW women's basketball team's success is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. The program has overcome significant challenges to become one of the most competitive teams in the HCAC. With continued support from the college and the community, the team is poised to achieve even greater things in the years to come.
