Aggies Embark on a New Era with Renewed Vigor and Promising Talent

Utah State women's basketball team has kicked off its 2024-25 season with a renewed sense of energy and optimism. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Wesley Brooks, the Aggies are poised to make their mark on the court, blending the experience of six returning players with the fresh perspectives of ten talented newcomers.

Unlocking the Aggies' Potential: A Transformative Season Ahead

Laying the Foundation for Success

The Aggies' first official practice of the season was marked by a relentless focus on effort and execution. Coach Brooks emphasized the importance of getting the fundamentals right, recognizing that attention to detail will be the key to unlocking the team's full potential. "We talked to the team about how we had to get the effort right," Brooks said. "I think the effort was good and it's where it needed to be. The thing is execution is what wins at a high level. We have to execute what we're trying to do defensively and we have to execute what we're trying to do offensively."The Aggies' roster boasts a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, each bringing unique strengths to the table. The six returning players, including senior leaders Ivory Finley, Cheyenne Stubbs, Samiana Suguturaga, and Allyzee Verdan, will provide the team with valuable experience and leadership. Meanwhile, the ten newcomers, comprising three transfers and seven incoming freshmen, are poised to inject fresh energy and talent into the squad.

Embracing a Fast-Paced Approach

One of the Aggies' key objectives for the season is to establish themselves as one of the fastest-paced teams in the country. Coach Brooks believes that playing at a high tempo can be a significant advantage, especially at the elevated altitude of the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. "We want to play fast, we want to play at pace. One of our goals is to be one of the fastest teams in the country. The only way you play at pace is by practicing at pace. That's what we're striving to do and I think that can be an advantage for us, especially at elevation."The team's commitment to this fast-paced style was evident during their first practice, as the players pushed themselves to the limit. Junior Jamisyn Heaton, one of the team's newcomers, expressed her enthusiasm for the team's approach, saying, "It's been fun, it was a good day. I felt like we really worked hard with the three-hour practice we had. I felt like everyone pushed themselves and everyone got one percent better today. It's just fun to be out here and get the three-hour practice we've been needing."

Blending Veteran Leadership and Youthful Talent

The Aggies' roster boasts a diverse mix of experience and fresh faces, creating a dynamic and exciting team dynamic. The six returning players, led by their senior captains, will provide the foundation for the team's success, offering their hard-earned wisdom and leadership to guide the newcomers.Among the newcomers, the three transfer students – Jamisyn Heaton, Sophie Sene, and Mia Tarver – bring a wealth of collegiate experience and a hunger to make their mark at Utah State. Sene, in particular, is optimistic about the team's progress, stating, "I think we've really gotten better since this summer. Just like coach Wes (Brooks) always says, we have to pay attention to little details. And I think we're doing that better and better every day. We just need to keep working on new things. We're a new team so obviously, it's going to be hard, but I think we're getting better."The seven incoming freshmen, hailing from diverse backgrounds and regions, add a fresh perspective and boundless potential to the Aggies' roster. These young talents, including Karlie Banks, Carlie Latta, Elise Livingston, Taliyah Logwood, Denae Skelton, Ava Smith, and Riley Ward, will have the opportunity to learn from their veteran teammates and contribute to the team's success in their own unique ways.As the Aggies embark on their 2024-25 campaign, the blend of seasoned leadership and youthful exuberance promises to create a dynamic and formidable team, one that is poised to make waves in the upcoming season.