INA, Ill. (October 17, 2023)—The Rend Lake College Women's Basketball Warriors faced injuries and challenges last season, but this year they are hoping to come back stronger than ever.
The team is composed of 7 freshmen and 5 sophomores.
Returning players are forward Cassidy Morris (Whitesville, KY), guard Micah Reynolds (Waltonville), guard Dacey Webb (McLeansboro), and forward Ashlyn Childers (Mt. Vernon).
Two sophomores are returning from injury last year: Morris and Reynolds. Head Coach Mike Helton noted that some of the early challenges of the season involve keeping his athletes healthy and building the strength of those players returning from surgery. However, he is confident that the sophomores will provide a strong backbone for the team, especially to the freshmen.
Incoming players are forward Loveleen Dunklin (Mount Vernon), guard Haley Dillman (Shepardsville, KY), guard Carly Foster (Ridgway), forward Sydney Downen (McLeansboro), forward Kaia Grabbert (Bardstown, KY), and center Alaina Maurer (Mount Vernon).
Helton said that the freshmen players are just as good as he thought they would be when he recruited them, and in some cases, even better.
Helton expressed that it is just as important to mentor them in their academic life as much as coaching them on the court. He said this includes making sure they get enough sleep, that they're staying active, and that they get all their school work done so they're not stressed about school while they're playing. He said that the only way they can continue to improve is accept the challenges thrown at them and learn from them. "When we meet our improvement goals, the winning will take care of itself," Helton said.
Despite the injuries suffered last season, Helton said that his team never faltered. "Our effort and attitude last year, under all circumstances, was fantastic. We hope to carry that over to this season."
They have not appointed a team captain yet. What Helton hopes the team captain will bring is someone who will bring energy, positivity, and high effort every day. "It's not just about being the best player or the perceived best player," he said. "It's about understanding their relationship with their teammates, and to guide them through victories and losses."
When asked to describe what his goals are for the season in three words, Helton said, "Academic, athletic, and attitude."
RLC would like to extend their deepest gratitude towards Banterra for donating $1 million to The Game Plan, the largest sponsorship agreement in RLC history.
Construction on The Banterra Sports Complex is estimated to start in Fall 2024.
