Women's Basketball Media Day
Oct 22 | Women's Basketball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Rutgers women's basketball team hosted its annual media day on Wednesday with head coach C. Vivian Stringer and the Scarlet Knights addressing their expectations on the upcoming inaugural Big Ten season.
Embarking on its first season in the Big Ten, the Rutgers women's basketball team has consistently relayed the same message over and over. The unity and trust the Scarlet Knights have found amongst each other has created the strong foundation on which they will build upon. One other thing that comes with the basis of family is the element of trust. The familiarity and understanding across the board is what each Scarlet Knight factors to be the key to the team's success this season.
With 10 letterwinners returning and four newcomers, Rutgers believes it's this tight bond that will help them reach accomplishments they are all striving for - success in the Big Ten and dancing in the NCAA Tournament. The squad has grown accustomed to one another's playing styles, which helps get things done on the court.
"The team this year knows each other well," said redshirt senior forward Alexis Burke. "That plays a big role in that I know what Betnijah likes, what Kahleah likes and so forth. The four newcomers also came in and gelled with us so well. Together we all decided that we would bind to Coach Stringer's vision. When you have 14 people that want to achieve the same thing, it makes it easier to reach our goal this year."
While the team continues to mesh well in the gym, the Scarlet Knights maintain an unbreakable bond outside of the game as well. Rutgers women's basketball operates by the motto of family, which creates an unwavering team dynamic.
"Coming to Rutgers, I realized it isn't just talk about family, the team actually is all about family," sophomore guard Alex Alfano reflected on her rookie season. "The girls and coaches are so welcoming and we all treat each other like sisters."
Just like sisters and families would, the players find quality time to bond in their busy schedules.
"We always try to hang out," said freshman guard Ashli Jeune. "We practice pretty much every every day of the week and the time we have to get away from basketball we always find something to do together. Whether it's going to the movies, sleepovers or team outings, there is a lot of things we do that makes us closer not just as a team, but as sisters."
"We are close on the court and off the court. If you can trust your teammates off the court as friends, then that builds up the trust on the court," said Alfano.
While the emphasis on team unity has been apparent throughout years under head coach C. Vivian Stringer's guidance, this season's roster stands out from the rest for senior center Christa Evans.
"Over the years, I don't think we have ever seen a team as close as we are now. We get along so well and bond well," the New Jersey native said.
"I think the team's bond is going to be a big factor for us," Burke explained. "Because we are so close, we are going to do whatever we need to do as a group to strive in the Big Ten. This is a great team this year and we are ready for it."
Follow Rutgers women's basketball on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersWBB), Twitter (www.twitter.com/RutgersWBB) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/RutgersWBB) for all of the latest news and updates. Fans also receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on both social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.
