Quick Facts: 2009-10 Record: 11-19 (4-12 America East)
Letterwinners Returning: 12
Starters Returning: 4
Newcomers: 1
Head Coach: Katie Abrahamson-Henderson/ 95-61 career-record
After struggling through an 11-19 (4-12 America East) season
in 2009-10, University at Albany decided it was time for some changes within
the women's basketball program. Following eight seasons as head coach of the
Great Danes, Trina Patterson announced her resignation. While the search for a head
coach is never easy, Albany found a tremendous replacement when it hired Katie
Abrahamson-Henderson.
Abrahamson-Henderson arrives at Albany after spending the
past two years working as the Associate Head Coach at Indiana University. Prior
to that, Abrahamson-Henderson served as the head coach at Missouri State from
2002-2007 and as an assistant coach at the University of Washington from
2007-2008. After beginning her coaching career at Duquesne,
Abrahamson-Henderson gained some first-hand experience working in the America
East Conference, as she served as an assistant coach at the University of Maine
from 1992-1994.
While a change in head coaches often signifies a roster that
is lacking in talent, that is simply not the case with this team. In sophomore forward
Julie Forster, who led the America East in rebounding, and sophomore guard
Ebone Henry, Albany returns two players that were selected to the America East
All-Rookie team last season. The Great Danes return 13 letterwinners from last
season, which means the cupboard is well-stocked for "Coach Abe". Even with a
nice core of returnees in place, Abrahamson-Henderson is focused on implementing
her philosophy with this team.
"We are working on developing our new philosophy of winning,
along with our three top priorities: 1. Family, 2. Academics, 3. Basketball,"
emphasized Albany's first-year head coach.
Apart from two seniors who were part of the 2007-08 team that
finished 10-6 in America East play, the girls on this roster haven't
experienced a winning season since they have been at Albany. One of the key adjustments
that Abrahamson-Henderson is looking to make is to develop a mindset of winning
and success throughout the program.
"When it
comes to basketball, we will work on developing a winning attitude in everything
we do," Abrahamson-Henderson explained. "We will compete on the floor every
practice and every game with high energy, focus and the determination to win.
We are implementing high-level skill development, both physically and mentally.
Winning will become a learned behavior."
Even with
the return of four of the top five scorers from last season,
Abrahamson-Henderson isn't the least bit focused on individual goals or
statistics. Instead, she believes that for this team to reach its potential,
team goals and a winning attitude must become the priority.
"I am looking at the whole team,"
emphasized Abrahamson-Henderson. "This season will be a team effort. We will
play as a team, win as a team and lose as a team. Every player will understand
that the TEAM will lead."
With all
but one player returning from the 2009-10 campaign, and the addition of
Abrahamson-Henderson as head coach, it won't be a surprise if the Great Danes
make significant improvements from last season. Both FHenry and Forster should make
improvements heading into their sophomore season, but replacing the production
of Charity Iromuanya will take the team effort that Abramhamson-Henderson has
been looking to instill. If Albany can gain some confidence throughout the
non-conference schedule, which is highlighted by a visit to Duke, the Great
Danes are capable of surprising a lot of people once America East play begins.