Coach Shane Sowden is happy to have eight returning players to the Clipper Women’s basketball team this season.

With the addition of four talented rookies, Coach Sowden is looking forward to the season ahead.

“I am excited to see the team continue to grow and make strides in the ACAC. It will be fun watching the girls grow together and figure out how to work as a team and make each other better,” he said.

Sowden is unsure of who his leaders will be this year and wants to give some time for the captains to emerge before naming them.

He says there are definitely some talented returning players to watch for this year, though.

One of those players is Amara MacCormack, who is making history this year as the first ever fifth-year women's basketball player to play all five seasons with the Briercrest Clippers.

Sowden says she will certainly Dress up Games provide some leadership and strong play on the court.

“Amara is a strong defender and also one of the top three point shooters in the ACAC," he said.

Another key returning player for the Clippers is Brittany Leung, who is entering her third season as the team’s starting point guard.

Sowden says Brittany “will be relied upon to get everyone involved on the offensive end and provide pressure on the defensive end.”

Brooke Olmstead, a second-year Clipper, has the athleticism to make her a threat on both offense and defense.

Val Robinson is returning for her third season and will be expected to contribute with her strong rebounding and play around the basket.

Coach Sowden says he expects “to make playoffs and play with excellence and integrity every time we step on the floor.”

The team has already been working hard to prepare to meet those expectations, and will have their first game action this weekend, Sept. 10-11, as they compete against alumni teams during the annual Briercrest Athletics Alumni Reunion Weekend.

Other pre-season action for the Clippers will include games against the University of Regina on September 22 and 29. They will also travel to Winnipeg to play in the Canadian Mennonite University pre-season tournament on October 1 and 2.