As the Marquette women's basketball team embarks on a new era under the leadership of head coach Cara Consuegra, the Golden Eagles are poised to showcase their tenacity and determination on the court. Despite facing roster challenges and a predicted lower-tier finish in the Big East, Consuegra and her squad are committed to defying expectations and proving their mettle through gritty, defensive-minded play.

Forging a New Identity: Marquette's Defensive Dominance

Cara Consuegra, the newly appointed head coach of the Marquette women's basketball team, has wasted no time in instilling her vision for the program. Her emphasis on defensive intensity and grit is palpable during practices, as the Golden Eagles are expected to be a formidable force on that end of the floor. While the team may not possess the same level of offensive talent as in future seasons, Consuegra is confident that her players' tenacity and determination will translate into unexpected wins.The Golden Eagles' defensive prowess will be a key factor in their success this season. Consuegra has challenged her players to embrace a "no-easy-baskets" mentality, ensuring that opponents will have to work hard for every point. This defensive-minded approach is designed to compensate for any potential offensive struggles the team may face, as Consuegra and her staff work to quickly assemble a cohesive roster after their late-April hiring.

Overcoming Roster Challenges

The Marquette women's basketball team faces a unique challenge this season, as Consuegra and her staff had to quickly assemble a roster after their late-April hiring. This compressed timeline has made it difficult to establish a clear-cut offensive identity, with the team lacking a dominant scorer or go-to bucket-getter.However, Consuegra remains optimistic about the team's potential, recognizing that the squad they see on November 7th will not be the same as the one that takes the court in Big East play. She emphasizes that the team is "getting better every day" and still has "a lot of room to get better," suggesting that the Golden Eagles' identity and performance will continue to evolve throughout the season.

Embracing the Underdog Mentality

The Marquette women's basketball team has been picked to finish 10th in the 11-team Big East conference, a preseason prediction that could serve as additional motivation for the Golden Eagles. Consuegra and her players understand that they may not be viewed as a top contender, but they are embracing the underdog mentality and are determined to prove the doubters wrong.This underdog status could work in Marquette's favor, as the team can play with a sense of freedom and fearlessness, unencumbered by lofty expectations. The Golden Eagles' gritty defensive approach and relentless effort may catch opponents off guard, leading to a few unexpected wins throughout the season.

Building for the Future

While the 2022-23 season may not be a banner year for the Marquette women's basketball team in terms of wins and losses, Consuegra and her staff are laying the foundation for long-term success. By instilling a culture of toughness, defensive intensity, and a relentless work ethic, they are shaping the identity of the program and setting the stage for future growth and prosperity.The Golden Eagles may not have the same level of talent as they will in future seasons, but this year's team represents an opportunity for Consuegra to mold and develop her players, both on and off the court. As the team continues to improve and gel throughout the season, the groundwork will be laid for a more competitive and successful Marquette women's basketball program in the years to come.