Thoughts on the 2007-8 Season

This year was an incredible turnaround for the team. While the improvement in the record was impressive(10-20, 3-13 to 19-14, 9-9), the difference in attitude was even bigger. This team expected to win and played like it. This was most noticeable on the offensive end of the court - they played with confidence and they knew they had several players that could could & did contribute.

The change was so big that by the end of the season, some people were disappointed that the team failed to finish strongly and receive an NCAA bid. While understandable, it is important to remember how far they have progressed. For some perspective, just a year ago, 3 conference wins was an *improvement* over the previous two seasons.

Among this teams accomplishments:

• Tied for the 3rd most wins in the program history
• Most wins since 2000-1 season
• Best Big 10 record since 2000-1 season
• Ending the Big 10 conference road losing streak going back to 2003-4
• Ending losing streaks to Purdue, Michigan State, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin
• Winning a game in the Big 10 tournament for the first time in 6 years
• First post season invitation in 6 years
• Winning 2 post season games for the first time ever
• Most Wins at Crisler (12)
• Biggest crowd at Crisler for a women's basketball game (5596 on Jan 13th against MSU)

Things look bright for next season and beyond. While the team loses two starters, there are a few players that appear ready to step in and contribute. With a senior class of Carly Benson, Ashley Jones, Jessica Minnfield, Melinda Queen and Stephany Skrba, the team appears to be in good hands. In addition, recruiting appears to be going well with four incoming freshman and three verbal commitments for 2009.