2009-10 Kalamazoo College Women's Basketball Preview
by Brennan Davis

With one season under her belt at Kalamazoo College, Head Coach Sharri Brumfield is looking for her team to improve every day throughout the 2009-2010 season. Plagued by injuries in the 2008-2009 season, one of the Hornets many goals during the off-season was to improve their strength, conditioning and agility. They have also added to their depth with four newcomers.

The Hornets will turn to their seniors - Nyemade Cooper, Andrea Bedway, Brianna Hendrix and Sarah Thomasma - for scoring and leadership. Cooper, a senior from Ypsilanti, Mich., led the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association in scoring last season (15.3 ppg). In addition to her scoring title, Cooper grabbed over nine rebounds per game in 2008-2009 and was named to the All-MIAA Second Team. Andrea Bedway (Grosse Pointe, Mich.) returns for her senior season after posting career highs in both scoring (8.4 ppg) and rebounding (4.7 rpg). Brianna Hendrix looks to return after an injury sidelined her for all but three games last season. Sarah Thomasma looks to strengthen the Hornet front line along with Cooper and Bedway.

Courtney Kaplan returns for her junior season after posting career highs in scoring at 8.6 ppg (2nd on team), rebounding at 3.6 rpg, and steals at 2.5 spg (led team).

"Courtney had a great season last year," said Coach Brumfield. "She really carried the load at the guard position, especially after the loss of three guards to season-ending injuries. She played out of position at the point and did a great job."

Returning sophomores Carly Zeitlin, Laura Burnett, and red-shirt freshman Kelsey Johnson all look to have a major impact for the Hornets this season.

The Hornets added three freshmen who look to contribute early and often throughout the 2009-2010 season. Anne Colonius (Chippewa Valley High School), Lauren Rosenthal (Okemos High School) and Katrina Carlsen (Lakeside High School/Seattle, Wash.) have made their presence felt through the first month of the season, and Coach Brumfield has high expectations for them.

"I believe all three freshmen will play significant minutes for the Hornets," Coach Brumfield said.

The Hornets play their first game at the Sodexho Tournament in Hanover, Ind. on Saturday, November 21st at 6:00 p.m. against Hanover. They play their first home game on November 24th against Robert Morris-Chicago at 5:30 p.m. The first league game at home is against Olivet on December 9 at 7:30 p.m.

"I am looking forward to the season as I look to the foundation for the short and long-term vision for the program," said Coach Brumfield. "We have great chemistry with this team and that will be critical for our success. If we can stay healthy this season, I believe we can find success."