2024-25 Hartford Women's Basketball Season Preview: Goals, Key Players, and High Expectations - News Directory 3

2024-25 Hartford Women’s Basketball Season Preview: Goals, Key Players, and High Expectations

November 15, 2024 Catherine Williams Sports
News Context
At a glance
  • Team Composition The Hartford women's basketball team will feature a youthful roster in the 2024-25 season, with 18 underclassmen including 10 returning sophomores.
  • Previous Season Performance In the 2023-24 season, the Hawks finished with an overall record of 11-14 and a conference record of 7-11.
  • Taryn Blevins, a vocal leader, averaged 9.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in the previous season.
Original source: hartfordhawks.com

Hartford Women’s Basketball Team Overview for 2024-25 Season

Team Composition
The Hartford women’s basketball team will feature a youthful roster in the 2024-25 season, with 18 underclassmen including 10 returning sophomores. This season is crucial, as the team is eligible for postseason play for the first time since 2021-22.

Previous Season Performance
In the 2023-24 season, the Hawks finished with an overall record of 11-14 and a conference record of 7-11.

Returning Players
Key returning sophomores include:

  • Ella Marchesani
  • Taryn Blevins
  • Sidnee Bowden
  • Paige Loughman
  • Megan Benner
  • Kristen Trembley
  • Kendall Rieman
  • Ava Naszimento
  • Madison Baird
  • Jaida Cunningham

Taryn Blevins, a vocal leader, averaged 9.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in the previous season. Sidnee Bowden contributed with 5.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks.

Freshman Additions
The roster will see seven new freshmen and one transfer from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute:

  • Guards: Megan Lesevoli, Mackenzie Hohulin, Mikaela Williams, Megan O’Hare, and Elizabeth Johnson.
  • Forward: Maddie MacCannell.
  • Center: Maya Okoro.

Team Goals and Expectations
Blevins stated that the team aims to build a strong foundation and compete for a championship by focusing on improvement and camaraderie. Hohulin emphasized hard work and communication as keys to success in the new Conference of New England (CNE).

Coaching Staff
Head Coach Polly Thomason enters her third season, supported by Hailee Curry and newcomer Hannah Everidge.

Season Schedule
The Hawks will play 25 games, with 10 home games at Chase Arena. The season begins on November 16 against Connecticut College. The conference play starts on December 4 against Western New England University, the preseason favorite.

Preseason Poll
Hartford was picked to finish sixth in the CNE Preseason Poll, trailing Western New England, Roger Williams, and Endicott College.

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