San Jacinto College Women’s Basketball kicked off the new season Oct. 31 with a slew of wins over fierce competition.

Last year, the Lady Gators went 3-27 with a new coach and a new team, but this year, six sophomores lead the roster including three returning veterans and three new transfer students.

Women’s Basketball Head Coach Brenita Williams said, during her first season with the team, she wanted to create a new culture with higher expectations and standards.

“Last season was my first year,” Williams said, “and the first year is always a rebuilding season.”

Furthermore, she said she believes this team composition is primed for a successful season.

“I think they are ready because they are hungry and we’ve got a good balance of sophomores and freshmen to keep us grounded,” Williams added.

Currently, co-captains Kendra Howard and Miranda Lejune, who were voted in by their fellow players, lead the team.

Williams said each of her players brings a unique talent to the game.

“Kaelynn Wilson comes off the bench because she does it all,” Williams said, adding, Howard is the “go to player,” because “she definitely has that clutch gene.”

Meanwhile, Howard indicated she does not mind the pressure of taking a game-winning shot.

“I have always pictured myself putting the team on my back and finishing the game,” Howard said.

They will face tough competition this season, according to Williams, but there are two teams she considers their biggest threat.

“Trinity Valley and Tyler Junior College,” she said,“ and those are two teams that are in our conference, and also, Trinity Valley won the National Championship last year.”

Moreover, Williams said she is hopeful the team will reach the playoffs, but they remain focused on immediate challenges adding, “we just try to take it one game at a time and one practice at a time.”

Furthermore, Williams cites work ethic and basketball IQ as two main areas that were lacking last season, but have since seen progress.

“Kristel Reid, I think she’s starting to get it,” Williams said. “You see her every game getting better and every practice getting better. I think by the end of the year, she’s going to be tough.”

Similarly, Howard points to team members whose hard work led to promising results.

“Vanessa Jones is a player that no one knows about,” Howard said, “but by the end of the season everyone will know her name.”

According to Howard, the team’s strengths are defense and transitional offense. However, she points to rebounding and the need to “communicate more on the court,” as deficient areas. Regardless, she said she feels the group is coming together well as a cohesive team.

“This year we have more talent and everybody is on the same page as a whole,” Howard said. “And the way we play has improved from last year.”

Williams said she feels students that never attend games are missing a worthwhile experience.

“(The) energy, atmosphere, and the environment in women’s basketball culture in San Jac has changed,” Williams said. “It’s fun, it’s exciting, and the girls enjoy playing.”