The 2002-03 edition of the Christian Brothers University women’s basketball team will have a specific set of obstacles to overcome to be successful this season.  According to fourth year Head Coach Todd Schaefer, “The first thing will be, and we haven’t been able to achieve this yet, we need to stay healthy.”  “But, that would mean we would have to get healthy!” 

The Lady Buccaneers have been beset by a rash of injuries, even before playing a single game.  Their locker room on most days resembles a M.A.S.H. unit. 

That being said, Schaefer knows that health will not be the only deciding factor in how the Lady Bucs perform this season.  “I think to be successful, for this team and this program, we have to find a way to be consistent for 27 games.” “We’ve made great strides in the three seasons that I have been here, but we need to find a way to become mores consistent to give ourselves a chance to win more games.”

Schaefer will depend heavily on senior leadership this season.  “Our seniors have to carry us.”  “We need to get better play out of (Senior Captain) Sarah Condra than she has ever given us before,” the coach said. 

Condra had a fantastic season last year, leading all of Division II in made three-pointers with 102.  She will be the driving force on offense.

The coach will also be counting on point guard Tamara Twinn to get the job done.

Schaefer said, “The kid’s a really good player, a better player than most people know about because she was hurt most of last season with a shoulder injury.”  “She’s a good ball handler, good decision maker, and we are looking forward to getting her back.”

Also at the guard position will be sophomores Ashley Smith and Carrie Roth, and freshman Samantha Greer.

“Ashley is probably our most athletic player, great ball defender, and the kid can really slash and get to the basket.  She’s got a good shot from the perimeter, and for her it’s just a matter of putting it all together on a consistent basis,” according to Schaefer.

“Carrie Roth is a transfer from Missouri-Rolla.  She’s a solid player, fundamentally sound, with good decision making skills.”  Schaefer added, “She’s a good spot up shooter who will be a roll-player for us.  And, if she can fill that roll, she will play a lot of minutes.”

Greer is a freshman from Chicago who is described by the coach this way.  “She is quick-on-quick.”  “A lefty with good ball handling skills, great on-ball defender who will probably play mostly at the point.”

The front-court will also be a key to success for CBU.  The most experience player is junior forward Crystal Howard who was the 2000-01 Freshman-of-the-Year in the Gulf South Conference.  “She had a disappointing year last year being injured on and off.  She really couldn’t get into a flow or rhythm.  Hopefully, she will play like she did her freshman year, because if she does, then this team has a chance,” Schaefer said.

Junior transfer Leah Hetzler, and sophomores Heather Dirks, and Gail Fridy will also be counted on for strong play underneath the basket.

“Leah is a junior college transfer from Iowa Western, and her team finished 5^th in the country last year.  She’s very athletic and versatile, but she’s struggled early on with injuries.”  Schaefer added, “Heather Dirks is a big strong kid.  A good roll player, great worker, and a great team player.  She will be a great defender in the post, because she is really our only kid with true size and strength.”  “Gail Fridy is also a strong kid who can shoot from the perimeter.  She comes from one of the better high school programs, (Henry County) and she is really knowledgeable of the game.”

Going into battle every night in the Gulf South Conference with wounded soldiers might get some coaches down, but Schaefer relishes every opportunity.  “This conference is unbelievable, it’s extremely competitive, it has good players, and extremely good coaches.  There are a lot of teams in this league that finish 6^th or 7^th that could definitely finish 2^nd or 3^rd in other conferences.  Eventually, you have to ante-up.  If you have expectations of being in the top three, you have to have good player, and do a good job of teaching them.”  He added, “You also have to have some fortunate breaks, but as a coach, I’d much rather coach in this league.  I think the player’s enjoy it too, because they know they have to show up every night, but I love to coach in this league!”