MORAGA, Calif. – The Saint Mary's women's basketball team continues to train in preparation for the 2014-15 season. In the coming weeks leading up to the season opener on November 16
th against Boston College, SMCGaels.com will speak with head coach Paul Thomas on his thoughts of each class of this year's Gaels.
Coach Thomas started off the season preview speaking about the SMC newcomers in Alia McCoy,
Carly Turner,
Stella Beck, Lisa Janko and Devyn Galland. Saint Mary's also has Northwestern transfer Devon Brookshire on the squad but will sit out the year due to NCAA transfer rules.
NEWCOMERS
Alia McCoy (G, 5-11, RFr., Canyon Country, Calif.):
Carly Turner (G, 5-11, Fr., Etham, Victoria, Australia): "The other day I told her that I think she's better than we originally thought," said Thomas. "She's got a quick release and is an exceptional shooter. A very capable defender than what we projected. She's going to compete for a magnitude of minutes. If she continues on her current path, she's going to be on the court quite frequently. She has a tremendous attitude and work ethic."
Stella Beck (G, 6-0, Fr., Lower Hutt, New Zealand): "We had a preview of what she could do during the summer months as she came over during summer school," said Thomas. "She blew our socks off with her maneuverability. She's long and strong and plays with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. She's another person that will have the opportunity to earn a lot of minutes on the floor."
Lisa Janko (F, 6-1, Fr., Essen, Germany): "She is another one who has exceeded our expectations," said Thomas. "She came in incredibly fit and healthy. Had a little set back with an injury. A versatile 6-1 person who can play on the perimeter and also going inside the paint and being effective."
Devyn Galland (G, 5-8, RSo., Spokane, Wash.): "Transfer from Oregon and sat out last season," said Thomas. "One of the top 2 or 3 leaders in conditioning. She's a competitor and hungry to get better. Can't say enough good things about Devyn… her skill set is that she can really shoot the basketball. I'm super thrilled where she's come in the last few months and she's a joy to coach."
Next week SMCGaels.com will speak to coach Thomas about the Sophomore class of Sabrina Engelstad, Samira McDonald and Valerie Moore.
