Picture of the entrance of the field house. Picture by Sebastian Espino/Vaquero Radio
Coming off one of the program’s strongest seasons, UTRGV women’s basketball is entering the
new year with a clear goal: keep improving and compete for a championship.
The Vaqueros are preparing for the upcoming season after a successful year which saw the
team break several records.
For sophomore guard Chazlyn Detter, success from last season has created a higher standard
for the team heading into this year.
“We came off a great season last year and broke a lot of records. So I’m excited to see what this team holds and we definitely have to set a high standard last year, so I’m excited to keep that standard going this year,” Detter said.
Detter said the team has also built a strong chemistry during the summer.
“I think that our chemistry is pretty good. Honestly, we bought it great over the summer. everyone, you know, we love each other, so that’s great,” Detter said.
The new head coach, Danny Hughes said the team has already made a strong impression
during preseason workouts.
After eight weeks of summer work, Hughes said the team’s attitude and effort have stood out.
“Attitude’s [have] been great with all of them and their effort has been outstanding,”
Hughes said.
Hughes said replacing key players from last season will be a challenge.the younger players on
the roster will have to step into bigger roles [he added].
“We’ve got a group of young women here that I think will step to the plate and assume that challenge, and we’ll do great things this year, ” Hughes said.
Senior Madison Hume, who is entering her third season with the program, said this year’s team
feels different because of its new faces and personalities.
She said the team has continued to work hard every day while building a stronger bond.
Hume also has personal goal
“For me, a successful season would just be a good leader on this team,” Hume said.
The team’s goal, however, goes beyond simply improving on last season.
“This year is really just raising the standard one more notch, winning conference and going to the NCAA tournament, ” Hume said.
Hughes shares that same championship mindset.
“We haven’t won a conference championship here. So that’s going to be our goal,” Hughes said.
And with a challenging non-conference schedule ahead, Hume said the team sees those games
as an opportunity to grow.
As the season approaches, the Vaqueros are also looking for support from the Valley.
Hume said she has a simple message for the community.
“Keep rallying the valley,”
With a new coach, returning leaders, and championship expectations, UTRGV women’s
basketball is ready to see if last season’s success can become the foundation for an even
bigger year.
This is Sebastian Espino for Vaquero Radio
