Coaches and players from all 15 Atlantic 10 teams gathered in Washington, D.C. for media day earlier this month. Host Natalie Heavren talked to all of them and will be sharing parts of their conversations in long and short-form content as the season approaches, starting with a three-part podcast series.
In the second installment, Natalie shares her conversations with Saint Joseph’s head coach Cindy Griffin and senior forward Talya Brugler, St. Bonaventure head coach Jim Crowley and redshirt senior guard Dani Haskell, Fordham head coach Bridgette Mitchell and graduate student guard Taylor Donaldson, La Salle head coach Mountain MacGillivray and sophomore guard Aryss Macktoon, Loyola Chicago head coach Allison Guth and graduate student forward Sitori Tanin, as well as Duquesne head coach Dan Burt and fifth-year senior guard Megan McConnell.
Coach Griffin highlighted the importance of building relationships and fostering team chemistry. Similarly, Crowley noted the mix of experience and youth on his team, which he finds exciting, emphasizing that “their investment in bringing people together and leading … has been inspiring to watch.”
Mitchell and MacGillivray shared similar themes of growth and expectation. Mitchell highlighted the importance of creating a strong team culture, particularly among new players. She stated, “We had a chance to see our roles exemplified before the season even starts.” McGilvery noted the emergence of leadership within his squad, praising his returning players for their accountability and communication during practices.
Make sure to subscribe to the Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast to keep learning about the Atlantic 10, women’s college basketball, basketball history and much more!