The Ashland University women’s basketball team has had a big change in the team with plenty of new transfers.

The women’s basketball team has added four new transfer students and two new freshmen this offseason, with a few players who will return from last season.

“It does feel like a new team,” said Head Coach Kari Pickens.

On top of that, the women’s basketball program will be bringing in a new assistant coach, Jenna Kotas.

One new transfer player, fifth-year Maddy Maloney from Saginaw Valley State University, chose to become an Ashland Eagle because of the goals of the team and the culture of the campus.

“Once I finally was able to meet the team I was all in,” said Maloney. Coach Pickens is excited for what these new girls will bring to the team.

She has been impressed with what she has seen with her girls. Even though they are not allowed to practice together during the summer she was impressed with the new players during a camp that took place. “My first impression is that they are a fun group that works really hard,” she said.

She is prepared to get her team back into the season with drills, conditioning, and game film picked out. Maloney mentions that they want to start working hard and be prepared both physically and mentally. With the new transfers coming in, team bonding will also be part of preparation with encouraging each other on and off the field. As well as doing fun activities with each other.

Even with what seems like a new team their goals and ambitions remain the same. “We still want to win championships and have a positive impact with everyone’s path we cross” she Coach Pickens. For Maloney, she knows that Ashland women’s basketball has proven they are one of the top teams in division 2 women’s basketball. Maloney hopes to help the team in any way possible. “My goal is to be a great teammate and someone that people can trust’’ said Maloney.

It will be interesting to see what the season brings for the Ashland women’s basketball team with all the new players that brings so much depth to the team. With a new playing style, it will be exciting to see everyone getting some shine.

“We have a ton of players who are hungry and ready to compete,” said coach Pickens