While most programs are setting goals of winning the conference, making an NCAA tournament appearance or reaching an elusive win total, the Panthers women’s basketball team is focused on a different goal – being present.
“We really talked about staying present, focusing on each individual moment and winning each day,” said Coach Kyle Rechlicz at the team’s annual media day last week. “The good thing about that is if you have a bad day – you have a bad day at practice or you have a bad game – then it doesn’t matter because you’re onto the next.”
Last season’s 8-12 conference record was the Panthers’ worst in almost a decade. This year’s team hopes to rebound from their lackluster campaign, bringing experience and a clean bill of health.
No player brings more experience to the table than junior guard/forward Kendall Nead, the lone returner to start all 30 games last year. Her 12.1 points per game led Milwaukee last year, culminating in recognition on the Horizon League’s preseason all-league second team.
For as much value as she provides on the court, her value stretches beyond it as she slides into a new role as one of the team’s leaders.
“She brings it every single day… she is the pulse to our team,” said Coach Rechlicz on Nead’s leadership. “She is a fantastic energy-giver for us, so we’re expecting a lot from her this year.”
Coach Rechlicz isn’t the only one who believes Nead will step up – Nead herself expressed confidence in the new role.
“I’m really excited to step into this role both on the mental and emotional side as well as with statistics,” said the junior forward. “Making sure that I win each practice as well as each game is going to be really important for making my mark.”
Nead may be the most experienced Panther, but Milwaukee also returns a number of quality players at the guard position.
“We have a lot of people who will say that we’re young. We’ve been getting that a lot. The truth is I don’t think that we’re young… we have our four top guards that are returning this season,” said Rechlicz.
The Panthers return junior guards Angie Cera and Jada Donaldson, along with a pair of sophomores in Kamy Peppler and Hallie Majoros.
“Angie Cera has really been a consistent scorer for us leading into the practices and coming to the games,” said Rechlicz. “To have her and Kendall on the perimeter for us is going to alleviate some of the pressure for Kendall.”
Kamy Peppler appeared in all 30 games last season but could see an increased role in 2023-24. Rechlicz spoke highly of the sophomore guard.
“Kamy is one of the most aggressive point guards in our league,” she said. “She is always trying to make the play, and she has the ability to make the play.”
Other key returners include forwards Grace Crowley and Anna Lutz. Crowley started nine conference games for the Panthers last year, averaging 5.4 points per game and 4.4 rebounds per game in conference. Lutz shot 58 percent from the field in Horizon League play, which led the team.
Optimism exists for a team that perennially lives near the top of the Horizon League. In a highly competitive league without a clear favorite, the Panthers could make a run at their third Horizon League championship.
The Panthers kick off the Horizon League season on Nov. 30 vs. Green Bay. Their non-conference schedule starts in less than a week, Nov. 7 at Wisconsin.
But in order to reach the levels they hope for, the Panthers must narrow their gaze to today – to focus on winning each practice and game, by being present.
The Women’s Basketball ’23-’24 season starts Tuesday, Nov. 7 when the Panthers play Wisconsin at the Kohl Center in Madison.