University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Women's Basketball Begins Practice for Upcoming Season
10.06.2014 | Women's Basketball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville women's basketball team began practice for the 2014-15 season this afternoon as the Bulldogs went through an afternoon workout at Kimmel Arena.
Brenda Mock Kirkpatrick is in her third year as head coach of the Blue & White. She'll have her most experienced team returning this year. The Bulldogs return all five starters and 11 letterwinners from last year's club.
“This is an exciting time for UNC Asheville basketball. Coaching these kids every day has been both a blessing and an honor for me. I have a tremendous staff whose effort and care level is invaluable to me and these young ladies,” stated Kirkpatrick. “It will take our entire roster and this coaching staff to continue to build off last year's success and continue to move UNC Asheville towards the top of the Big South.”
Asheville improved from two wins to 11 last season. The Bulldogs posted some memorable victories last year and finished in eighth place in the Big South Conference. It was the highest finish for the Asheville program in three years. Kirkpatrick wants that growth to continue this season.
“A year ago at this time there were several question in regards to what our product was going to look like and what everyone's role on the team would be. We are returning 11 members from last year's squad who have benefited from game and practice experience,” commented Kirkpatrick. “There is also a clearer understanding of our individual and collective goals. We want to build off of last season's turn-around from zero Division I wins in 2012-13 to 10 Division I wins in 2013-14.
“It's time now to take this program to the next level and begin competing consistently which is not something we did last season. We need to be a more disciplined team on the court in all facets. I was not always pleased with our shot selection on offense and our lack of discipline on defense, in particular our average production on the boards,” added Kirkpatrick. “We are capable of being a much better rebounding team with the personnel we have. We have recruited that skill set with our three freshmen and our returners are dedicated to a more consistent approach to competing for rebounds in practice and in games.”
The Bulldogs will play an exhibition game against Brevard College at Kimmel Arena on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. Asheville opens the season at Kimmel Arena on Friday, Nov. 14 vs. ETSU starting at 7 p.m.
