Oct. 20, 2003
The 2003-04 season promises to be the best season in the history of University of San Diego's women's basketball. The Torero team is prepared to play their best basketball beginning with the opening game in the Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) through the title game of the WCC tournament.
The Toreros will be challenged to replace the 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists per game to make up for the loss of Kerri Nakamoto and Erin Malich. Marta Menuez and Melissa Padgett, the two seniors, are ready and willing to step up to the plate. Both players have made major improvements in each of their three years; and their final season will be no different. Marta is a powerful presence inside and will dominate the key as she has added several inside moves to her scoring arsenal and has improved her defensive rebounding to complement her aggressive offensive rebounding. Marta is poised to be a double-digit rebounder in every game. Melissa Padgett, a coach's daughter, understands the game better than anyone on the floor and will raise the Toreros play in every facet of the game. Melissa will contribute to every Torero win - whether she is needed to defend the best post on the opposing team, hit the three-point shot off the drive and dish, or get a great assist on a pass to Marta in the hi-low attack.
The four returning sophomores will use their game experiences to take the team to the next level. Polly Dong has improved her ball handling and leadership skills. Tiara Harris has gained confidence in her ball handling skills and has continued to progress in her offensive game. Jamie Corwin is stronger and more confident in her ability to score including the three-point shot, driving lay-ups, and pull-up jumpers. Lindsay Helvey will be able to use her all-around skills as our utility player now that she has recovered from a variety of injuries and illnesses. Brandi Collato is back from a medical red-shirt year, having used the year to get her knee healthy and to improve every aspect of her game. Brandi knows how to score when she gets the ball and will be expected to be the Torero's long-range threat.
The four incoming freshmen, Andrea Jacobson, Sabine Loewe, Ashley Voisinet, and Katie Watson, will bring added height, speed, and athleticism. We expect each player to bring added depth and competitiveness to each practice and game.
The schedule begins with the opportunity to participate in the preseason WNIT at Santa Barbara November 15th. They hold a preseason ranking of 21st in the nation. The non-conference schedule features home games with Nevada, Pacific, New Mexico State, Long Beach State, and Oral Roberts. The Toreros also have tough road trips to UNLV, San Diego State, USC, and Kansas. USD's own Surf and Slam Tournament December 28th and 30th features several top programs in Texas Tech, Maryland, and Georgetown.
An exciting addition to the Torero staff is Kerri Nakamoto as an assistant coach. Kerri, who has always been "a coach on the floor," will continue her relationship with the Toreros, share her knowledge and experience, and assist the team in reaching its goal - the best season ever for USD women's basketball.
