Since the close of last season, the Lady Bisons basketball team has worked diligently to improve the program with a batch of fresh faces both on the court and on the sideline.
Greg Brown, in his second year as the women’s head coach, has made numerous changes to the roster by letting some people go and signing several true freshman, as well as commit Chandler Cooper, a transfer from the University of Florida.
“Chandler was a Top 50 kid coming out of high school,” Brown said. “She just brings a different level of competitiveness and a different level of skills.”
Cooper’s parents went to Lipscomb, and her father played for the Bisons during his time as a student.
The team has spent a good deal of time together over the summer months.
“The summer rule has been great for us,” Brown said. “Being able to work out our players was huge. They were able to hear our voice and it also allowed them to be around each other.”
The NCAA has made a new rule allowing coaches to spend time and coach their players during the summer. They have also made it acceptable for every player to work summer camps.
“Camp has helped our players see the different roles, and we were able to teach the culture,” Brown said. “I can’t imagine getting into this in August.”
Despite all the changes this program is going through, senior Jess Reece, one of the few returners for the Bisons, will be a familiar face to all. Being one of only two players on the current roster that has been here since her freshman year, Reece looks to take a leadership role for the upcoming season.
“I am really excited about this upcoming year,” Reece said. “I think our work ethic as a whole has really been at a more competitive level than it has in the past, and I’m really looking forward to being able to go out there and show our hard work.”
While the team will have new dynamics and several new players, the girls are excited to get going.
“I think it’s a positive thing, and that we will be able to feed off each other on the court and each contribute individual skills that form a strong team,” Reece said. “I’m really excited that I’m able to spend my senior year with these girls who I feel confident that will work hard to achieve the same goal: to be the best that we can be each day.”
As Brown looks to challenge his players for success, he takes into consideration that there is more to it than just winning and losing basketball games.
“I think there needs to be a consistency in all that you do,” Brown said. “I just think it’s our job and important to manifest the university’s mission.
“You can’t just pursue excellence on the court. It has to be a way of life.”