After a two‑week hiatus, the University of Southern Indiana women's basketball program is back on the court, gearing up for a demanding slate of games that will test the team early in the season. Based in Evansville, Indiana, the squad is looking to turn the extended break into a period of focused preparation.
Coach Rick Stein has made it clear that the upcoming schedule is intentionally tough, a strategy he believes will sharpen the squad for the rigors of Ohio Valley Conference play. The schedule release is expected toward the end of July, and Stein says the non‑conference opponents have been chosen to provide the right level of competition.
A Blend of Veteran Savvy and New Faces
The roster returns a core of experienced players while welcoming a handful of newcomers, giving the team a balanced mix of depth and fresh energy. Senior guard Shannon Blacher, a standout from the previous season, is eager to see how the new additions will impact the team's chemistry.
Blacher believes the upcoming games will be a crucial stepping stone toward conference success, and she is confident that the challenging schedule will make the team better prepared for the OVC. With the support of the University of Southern Indiana and its community, the team is poised to build momentum as the season unfolds.