APPLETON, Wis. — It’s been an uphill struggle in the first three seasons of Ashley Wellman’s tenure as Lawrence University women’s basketball coach.
She took over a program that was at the bottom of the Midwest Conference and rolled up her sleeves. As the upcoming season gets set to tip off Tuesday at Maranatha Baptist, Wellman thinks the climb may be leveling off just a bit.
“This is the best team I’ve coached here in regards to the desire to change things and move things forward. We are no long coaching work ethic, attitude. Everyone is on the same page and has the strong desire to move forward,” Wellman said.
“We finally feel like we’re at a turning point. It may not show up in the wins and losses, but we’re going to be more competitive this year because of their strong desire to accomplish something.”
The Vikings return seven players from last year’s squad, including the lone senior, forward and Appleton native Aubrey Scott. She is the top returning scorer at a modest 4.4 points per game.
A strong junior class of guards Natalie Kramer, Olivia Hoesley, Nicole Cummins and Lauren Deveikis give the Vikings shooting and ball handling. Also back is sophomore forward and the Vikings’ tallest player, 6-foot Leah Reeves.
While the Vikings lost their top three scorers from last season, Wellman believes they have the players in place to make up for the losses.
“I think everyone will pick up a little piece of that,” We won’t have someone who is going to give us 15 to 20 points a game, but we will have people who will give us pieces of that every game.”
The Vikings also have four newcomers with guards Shonell Benjamin and Grace Minogue figuring to see major minutes.
“We have a core of eight players who will receive a lot of minutes,” Wellman said. “We’re mixing up lineups a lot right now, and we’re also moving people out of positions they’ve had in the past to get a better fit.”
Wellman readily admits there is work to do for the Vikings throughout the season, but she also sees progress.
“They are getting a little better each day, and that’s all we can ask for,” she said.
Wellman added this group has responded well to criticism and now seeks out the coaches for individual instruction.
“This is the first time in four years that I believe they are hungry for (success),” Wellman said. “Our players have been coming in with some of our assistant coaches and going to work. They have been coming in together and in small groups, but they are together. That shows me they are ready to do something about it rather than talking about it.”