Season Preview: Women’s Basketball

There is an undeniable sense of refreshed energy, potential and confidence for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s (UTRGV) women’s basketball team as the new season draws near.

The 2023-24 season threw many obstacles at the Vaqueros, who will be the first to admit the injury-plagued campaign was disappointing. It also taught the program valuable lessons of physical and mental health, camaraderie and resilience. Now, one week out from the season opener, the Vaqueros believe the 2024-25 season can be a pivotal one.

“Every year is different. Every year has its challenges, its good times and bad times. Winning and losing is very much mental. We can only say so much as coaches, but it has to be a belief from the players,” head coach Lane Lord said. “Right now, we have a great mental space. Our players believe they can win. They believe in each other, and that’s the main thing. You have to have great leadership to grow your culture and we really feel we have that this year.”

Lord credited four returning starters for leading the charge through summer workouts and setting the tone as official practices began in September. Graduate student Kade Hackerott, UTRGV’s top returning scorer and rebounder who started in all 29 games last season, headlines the core group which includes senior guard Tierra Trotter, junior forward Charlotte O’Keefe and sophomore guard Jayda Holiman, who made the Western Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team despite missing the first 10 games of the season.

Hackerott has been praised by many teammates for the leadership she shows day in and day out. She, in turn, has raved about the young women suiting up beside her. She tries not to compare this year to last, choosing instead to turn the page and focus on the opportunities a new season brings. But the change in the locker room and on the court is intoxicating and has the coach’s kid eager to achieve.

The Vaqueros were picked to finish ninth in the Southland Conference (SLC) their first year in the league. They have a tough non-conference schedule ahead, featuring games against Power 4 schools like #4 Texas and Houston and other tournament contenders like South Florida and UTSA. UTRGV is highly anticipating getting in competition mode, facing the challenges and showing outsiders why this group is confident expectations will be exceeded.

“We’re really excited to get the season rolling. I think we have a chance to shake up the conference. Preseason we were picked ninth, and it is what it is. Based off last year, part of me understands it, but part of me is also really excited to get the chance to prove some people wrong,” Hackerott said. “I think we have a much more talented squad than ninth place and we’re really looking forward to the chance to get up toward the front of the conference.

“One thing we want to focus on is who we are and not who we were,” Hackerott continued. “Sometimes I even catch myself comparing it to last year, but with how bad, in a sense, last year was, I think we can kind of just let that year go. This year is much more exciting, much more promising. I think UTRGV can have a whole new meaning for women’s basketball if we take this year and keep it going in the right direction.”

Injury issues limited UTRGV’s roster depth last season, which spiraled into turnover issues and low-scoring games as players clocked so many minutes. The quality depth on the current roster is something the Vaqueros are excited to showcase.

Lord has talked all preseason about wanting to score 70 to 80 points per game. He loaded the eight-person recruiting class with guards who can shoot efficiently, but also brought in a key piece to strengthen the inside game. Graduate student Chynell Mitchell is a 6-1 forward with four years of basketball experience who brings size, speed and incredible energy to UTRGV.

Sophomore guard Madison Huhn is another transfer the Vaqueros believe will contribute immediately. She has a high basketball IQ and plays selflessly. Gianna Angiolet and Kayla Lorenz are two members of a highly touted freshmen class Lord has been particularly impressed with as the season draws near. With an even split of returners and newcomers, all talented and determined and enjoying playing for UTRGV, Lord believes the Vaqueros will play with variety and toughness.

“We got a really good mix of experience and newcomers. It’s been neat to see how the chemistry has grown from June to now. I think that’s the biggest difference from this year and last year. Our chemistry is at an all-time high,” Lord said. “The quality of depth we have is great, and we’re staying healthy. I believe we’re going to have balanced scoring. We’re not going to have to rely on one person every night. We have a lot of different weapons, so it’ll be seeing who’s hot that night and riding them.”

The improved camaraderie and culture didn’t happen by accident. Lord and his staff aimed to bring in student-athletes who wanted to work hard and make a difference. The players approach every practice, workout, film session with a positive outlook. It won’t take long for outsiders to see the benefit of the strong team chemistry.

“We have great people on the team and it has really made all the difference,” Hackerott said. “It’s just people’s attitudes. People really want to be here. Every day at practice I can tell people are practicing harder, giving extra effort, putting extra shots up. There’s a lot less negative talk in the locker room, I’ve not seen any of that at all. It’s been really refreshing, honestly, and I’m really excited.”

UTRGV plays its first four games on the road before taking on an eight-game homestand that beings with a Nov. 23 contest against Arlington Baptist. The Vaqueros were at the top of the WAC in terms of attendance last season, drawing 1,224 fans per game, and they’re determined to treat their supporters to more wins this season.

The 2024-25 season offers many opportunities to right the ship and take advantage of the excitement surrounding women’s basketball and UTRGV. The Vaqueros are equipped to do just that.

“We feel good about our group,” Lord said. “We have some really good shooters that I think our fans will be excited about. We spent most of the summer and fall on taking care of the basketball and we shoot and shoot and shoot and shoot. We have a unique balance of experience and youth and we really challenged ourselves with the non-conference schedule so we’re playing our best basketball when we get to SLC play. We’re excited to get going.”