The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Women’s Basketball Holds First Official Practice of 2019-20 Season
9/30/2019 4:18:00 PM | Women's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM- With the 2019-20 season a month away the UAB women's basketball team held its first official practice Monday afternoon at Bartow Arena.
Following practice head coach Randy Norton spoke to the media about high expectations and the upcoming season.
"We don't really talk about expectations with our team," said Norton. "We talk to them about being the best on the court, in the classroom, in the community and in their personal lives."
The Blazers finished second in Conference USA play a season ago and look to compete for the conference tournament title and an NCAA Tournament berth this year.
"In the seven years I have been here this is the most competitive our conference has been," said Norton. "It forces us to be on our game every week because if we fall asleep anyone can knock us out of championship contention."
Norton praised the Blazers six seniors for their leadership on and off the court.
"I think the senior leadership sets this team apart from our previous teams. We have six seniors who have a lot of experience. Four years ago, when several of them got here we started one of the youngest groups in the country. We had four freshmen starting. Now they are seniors who have played in a lot of games and know what it takes to win."
Last season, seniors Miyah Barnes, Rachael Childress and Katelynn Thomas started in every game. Barnes has 94 starts under her belt and Childress has 89 over the last three seasons.
The current Blazer senior class has compiled a 68-29 overall record including consecutive 25+ win seasons.
With the additions of junior college transfer Zakyia Weathersby, freshmen Summer Schloss, Jasmine Gracie and Sam Mitchell and several key returners the Blazers feel poised for the start of a new season.
"I always get excited on the first day of practice," said Norton. "I woke up at 4:30 a.m. ready to go. The minute I stop feeling that way I know it is time to get out, but right now I am just happy to get back to working toward a championship season."
Secure your women's basketball season tickets by purchasing the 2019-20 Gold Card for $65. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB men's and women's soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB women's basketball team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_WBB) and Instagram (UAB_WBBall).
Following practice head coach Randy Norton spoke to the media about high expectations and the upcoming season.
"We don't really talk about expectations with our team," said Norton. "We talk to them about being the best on the court, in the classroom, in the community and in their personal lives."
The Blazers finished second in Conference USA play a season ago and look to compete for the conference tournament title and an NCAA Tournament berth this year.
"In the seven years I have been here this is the most competitive our conference has been," said Norton. "It forces us to be on our game every week because if we fall asleep anyone can knock us out of championship contention."
Norton praised the Blazers six seniors for their leadership on and off the court.
"I think the senior leadership sets this team apart from our previous teams. We have six seniors who have a lot of experience. Four years ago, when several of them got here we started one of the youngest groups in the country. We had four freshmen starting. Now they are seniors who have played in a lot of games and know what it takes to win."
Last season, seniors Miyah Barnes, Rachael Childress and Katelynn Thomas started in every game. Barnes has 94 starts under her belt and Childress has 89 over the last three seasons.
The current Blazer senior class has compiled a 68-29 overall record including consecutive 25+ win seasons.
With the additions of junior college transfer Zakyia Weathersby, freshmen Summer Schloss, Jasmine Gracie and Sam Mitchell and several key returners the Blazers feel poised for the start of a new season.
"I always get excited on the first day of practice," said Norton. "I woke up at 4:30 a.m. ready to go. The minute I stop feeling that way I know it is time to get out, but right now I am just happy to get back to working toward a championship season."
Secure your women's basketball season tickets by purchasing the 2019-20 Gold Card for $65. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB men's and women's soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB women's basketball team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_WBB) and Instagram (UAB_WBBall).
Players Mentioned
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Guard
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
/ Women's Basketball
Forward
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