By Jadon Frank

“Young” and “coachable” are the words used to describe the 2012-13 Briercrest women’s basketball team.

When second year Briercrest women’s basketball coach, Chad Romanuk, looks at his roster for the 2012-13 season he describes it as “young and inexperienced, but we have skill and work ethic.”  With only three players returning from the 2011-12 season, the veterans will be leaned on heavily this season.

Romanuk will be looking to his two captains, second year student-athletes Brittany Larson and Claire Richardson, to lead the team this season.

Caronport High School product Larson “needs to have a high amount of assists and low turnover numbers for us to be successful this year,” says Romanuk.

“Claire needs to be our leading rebounder and one of our leading scorers every game.”

Romanuk will also be looking to his third and final returning player from the 2011-12 team, third year Meghan Carr, this season.

“She needs to be one of, if not our leading scorer this season.” Romanuk explained. “All of my returners are young, but I am counting on them to lead this team both on and off the court this season.”

Having Meghan and Nicole Meyer return after a year away from studies is a welcome relief to the young team.

“The twins are returning after taking a year off and I am expecting big things out of both of them,” says Romanuk. “Their coachability, passion and work ethic is a great asset to our team.”

Coach Romanuk likes what he has seen from the newcomers.

“We have some good young talent this season.  And I am excited to see how they will step it up this season.”

“I am excited to have a young team that can be molded and shaped,” explained Romanuk.  “They are very willing to learn and are very coachable.” 

Co-captain Brittany Larson agreed, “We have a competitive nature, and lots of energy.”

“Our theme verse is Isaiah 40:31,” Romanuk said. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

“Our goal is to win, but it goes much further than that. We’re here to grow closer to God, which is something that other schools might not offer,” Larson added.

The team begins the ACAC regular season at home against Lakeland College Oct. 26 and University of Alberta, Augustana Oct. 27. Both games will begin at 6:00 pm in the Margaret P. Reimer Memorial Gymnasium.