Correspondent File Photo/Robert Hayes YSU returning senior guard Haley Thierry (right) dribbles while being guarded by freshman guard Hayden Barrier during practice at Stambaugh Stadium this summer.
YOUNGTOWN — Melissa Jackson has five core values on which to build her program. It’s family, passion, toughness, dedication, and gratitude.
Since arriving at Youngstown State in March, the first-year head coach has spent the offseason instilling these values in his players, both new and returning. Jackson believes that establishing that culture and foundation is critical to long-term success.
So, while YSU has a goal of going to Indianapolis in Jackson’s first season to chase the program’s first Horizon League tournament title, she wants to make sure it accomplishes that. “The right way” The Penguins open the 2024-2025 season on Monday.
“We’ve been unashamedly talking about it.” Jackson talked about the team’s goals in Indy. “I think that’s definitely an achievable goal for this group. But even before we talked about that goal, we’ve talked about getting better every day. To get to Indy, we need to be process-driven and You have to keep going, compete every day and improve every day.
“I think it’s about building a program the right way, not skipping steps in a world where everyone wants instant gratification, wins and championships, and really believing it’s going to happen. I just want to make sure I do it the right way and really trust ‘in our process. ”
But Jackson reiterated that the Penguins are still a good team after two preseason scrimmages and a month of practice, with many new players in the new system. “Working” Heading into the first week of the season.
“It’s a new system, so we’re all 15 new students.” Jackson said. “It’s great that some of our players have game experience and have played college basketball, but this is a much different system. It’s more up-tempo, a different style of offense. It’s been different for some of them because some of them haven’t been exposed to the different coverage that we have and the different things that we throw at them in terms of philosophy. , there’s a lot of “new stuff” out there. ”
YSU returns six players from last year’s team, which went 14-18 overall and 9-11 in the Horizon League under interim head coach John Nicholas.
Graduate student Maria Magestro (10.0 ppg) and senior Haley Thierry (5.9 ppg) lead this returning group, which includes junior Abby Lieber (3.4 ppg), redshirt sophomore Also included are freshman Mackenzie Heard (1.0) and true sophomore Bella Sams (0.4). Abby Davidson (0.5 ppg).
The group Magestro and Thierry have built through the program over the past few years graduated last season and moved on, and now it’s their turn to lead the way for the Penguins.
“I’ve always been one of the younger guys on the team because I’ve had a lot of the same teammates for the last four or five years.” Majest said. “Now it’s my turn to be the oldest on the team and I’m committed to Coach Jackson leading this program in the right direction and growing it. She’s really doing a lot of good things. So I’m excited about this season.”
YSU’s four transfers also help bring more experience to the program.
Junior Zoe Rosales joined the Penguins from Seward County Community College in Kansas and averaged 9.8 points per game. Redshirt freshman Dasia Lewandowski is a former recruit for the Jacksons from their time in Akron, but missed last season with an injury.
Homegrown redshirt junior Faith Birch is no stranger to the Horizon League after transferring from rival Cleveland State, averaging 3.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game last season. And finally, senior Jewell Watkins will be a key addition this season following her experience at Coppin State and Charlotte.
“That’s a big reason why they’re here.” Jackson talked about the experience the transfer brings. “When you look at the makeup of our team, you can see how young we were with all the freshmen coming in. So it was important for us in the portal to bring in experience, game experience, Horizon League experience.”
Jackson said the six freshmen – Danielle Cameron, Erica King, Hayden Barrier, Sophia Gregory, Ashlynn Van Tassel and Sarah Baker – have shown improvement in practice thus far.
With the exception of Van Tassel, who will miss the season with a leg injury, Jackson expects them to contribute in a variety of ways throughout next season.
“They are all very important parts of our program.” Jackson said. “Each one of them has shown why they’re here, done a really good job while they were here over the summer, and continues to impress. They’re all very unique in their skill sets and they make each other very I think they complement well and complement our team.”
The Penguins open the 2024-2025 season against North Dakota on Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the newly renovated Zidian Family Arena at Bealey Center, beginning a four-game home series to start the year.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing our fans and supporters.” Jackson said. “I’ve been on the other side of this and heard how loud this crowd is. I’m really looking forward to them cheering me and our team on, so I’m excited to experience that.” I’m looking forward to it and I’m looking forward to letting the new players experience that. …The support for women’s basketball is unparalleled here at Youngstown State University, so we’re looking forward to it. I’m really looking forward to seeing a packed crowd here.”
