The women’s basketball team begins its season searching for yet another successful year. With the loss of several former seniors to college basketball programs around the country, the team has some large shoes to fill on the varsity squad.

One of those players stepping into these shoes is forward and senior Katelyn Nordhoff. Nordhoff has varsity experience but said she hopes to take on a leadership role this season. According to Nordhoff, this year’s season is dependent on how well the team’s chemistry comes together in the next few weeks.

“We have a pretty young, inexperienced team when it comes to varsity playing time. But once we all get used to playing together, we could have a successful season,” Nordhoff said.

Head Coach Scott Bowen said he agrees that team chemistry is important for the team. “It might take us some time to develop our identity,” Bowen said.

According to guard and junior Amy Malone, team identity is extremely important as is filling the former seniors roles.

“I think it’s a completely different pair of shoes we are trying on this year,” Malone said.

However, according to Bowen, team chemistry isn’t the only aspect that is going to bring this team to State. He said he is also a big believer in working hard.

Bowen said, “The big thing for us is to work extremely hard. If we can get that we should see ourselves making a tournament run.”

Work ethic is the only aspect players can control, according to Nordhoff. For a successful season, players must commit themselves completely.

“We’re always expected to work hard on and off the court, and expected to have a good attitude and make good decisions,” Nordhoff said.

To compete with the best teams in the state, a good varsity team needs great senior leaders as demonstrated by the men’s and women’s cross-country teams this year, both of which won their respective state titles. The same is true for women’s basketball, according to Nordhoff.

“There’s definitely a lot of pressure as a senior to keep the team working well together,” Nordhoff said.

Bowen said he agrees. “You look to your seniors first. And half of our varsity team is brand new,” Bowen said.

The team’s senior leaders and returning varsity players are forward Khaila Royster, forward Stephanie Volkmar, guard Allison Silvius, guard Jeralyn Jeniece “JJ” Williams and Nordhoff, according to Bowen.

But along with those seniors looking to lead comes Malone. According to Malone, she is one of two juniors on varsity this year. Malone is not only a leader for her class but a leader for the whole team because of her previous varsity experience.

“I’m the only junior except for a transfer (Kyree Freeman) and we’re all still fighting to make things work. We’re just trying to find out what we are good at,” Malone said.

Bowen said, “A lot of times your seniors are your best scorers, and a lot of times the next year somebody else must step into that role. It’s always a loss, but the cool thing is every year someone must assume that role.”

As far as fundamentals, the team is working on defense and quickness due to the shorter and younger squad this year, according to Malone.

“Primarily right now it’s about working together and having enthusiasm,” Malone said. “But specifically, we need to play good defense.”

And as the seniors look to pave the way for Carmel basketball for years, this year’s team is just another building block.

“This year is a turning point for the program,” Malone said. “It’s not about us but about the next generation.”