Wilfrid Laurier University’s women’s basketball team is eagerly preparing for the 2024-25 season with a renewed sense of ambition and determination.
After ending the 2023 regular season with an overall record of 13-9, the Golden Hawks are looking forward to building on their successes and addressing their challenges.
Dylann Mazzuchin, a fourth- year health-science student and team veteran, reflected on the team’s performance last season.
“Last year was a really competitive year for us. We went into the season with more experience, which gave us an edge we hadn’t had before,” said Mazzuchin.
The team has many returning veterans heading into this season. Fourth-year key players Miranda Campbell, Mazzuchin and Cassidy Hirtle are ones to look out for this season.
Third-year players like Kate White, Janet Agege, Isabel Cotton and Britton Graves will also be crucial to the success of the Golden Hawks.
Campbell, a fourth-year business student, is strong in transition, good at finishing at the rim, developing outside shooting and is an excellent rebounder.
Hirtle is a strong outside shooter, a good overall player and the team’s top scorer.
Mazzuchin is a good rebounder, smart player and capable of shooting the three and defending.
“They sort of got thrown into it in their first and second year because after the pandemic, our roster was sort of gutted, and they were asked to take on a leadership role early, which maybe wasn’t fair,” said manager of the women’s basketball operations and head coach Paul Falco about his fourth-year stars.
“But they did a good job and stepped up to the challenge, and now they know the importance of being strong leaders and bringing that team-first attitude to practice and games every day.”
Key matchups this season include rivals like the University of Guelph Gryphons, Western University Mustangs, University of Windsor Lancers and University of Waterloo Warriors.
The team’s approach to scouting and game planning involves focusing on limiting key opponents and sticking to their defensive strategies.
“Every game in our division is intense. The OUA has become very competitive, and any game can go either way on any given day,” Mazzuchin said.
Known for her versatility and defensive prowess, Mazzuchin aims to enhance her offensive game this season.
“I’m a versatile player and go where my team needs me. I play multiple positions and focus a lot on defense,” she said. “This season, I aim to enhance my offensive game to be a bigger threat.”
Speed and the ability to create opportunities both offensively and defensively are crucial. The team recruits committed players who work hard on strength, conditioning and skills.
“We need to continue being a really good transition team with our quickness, as we’re not the tallest team in the league,” said Falco. “This means we must create opportunities on offence, but also be a pest on defence and create turnovers. And we like to play an unselfish brand of basketball as that makes us better.”
The 2024-25 season opener is set for Oct. 25 against the York University Lions. The Golden Hawks will have an early chance for revenge against the McMaster University Mauraders on Oct. 27.
Their home debut is scheduled for Nov. 1 against the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, followed by a tough challenge against the Carleton University Ravens on Nov. 2.
The much-anticipated battle of Waterloo will take place on Jan. 24, 2025.
