For head coach Kelsey Hogan the 2022-23 season was one of steep peaks and valleys. The third-year head coach became a first-time mother, but also dealt with a season on the court that was besieged by injuries and illness for her Wildcats, and it kept them from ever fielding a complete roster over the course of the year.
This year Hogan is excited about the direction of the program thanks to a number of upperclassmen returning from injury, the improvement of impressive young talent already on the roster and a strong group of newcomers who can help push the program forward.
“This team is coming together strong,” said Hogan. “Now the young ladies who were injured last year, their mindset is to bring our team and our family to a whole other level. The energy in the weight room, the competitive edge on the court, they’re raising the bar and its exactly where we need to be.”
The team brings back four of its five starters from a season ago, not including Belen Morales Lopez who started seven games before a season-ending injury and Bella Stuart who started 24 games and averaged 6.5 points and 2.2 rebounds in 2021-22 but missed last season due to injury.
Two players who burst onto the scene last year were Breezie Williams and Avery O’Connor, who both earned All-Rookie team honors. Williams took over point guard duties and finished the year averaging 9.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. O’Connor, meanwhile, led the team in scoring last season, averaging 12.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while making a team-high 57 three-point field goals. Hogan also expects good play from returners Adara Groman and Paige Cote, who both started over 20 games last season.
New Hampshire opens against the University of New England on Nov. 6 before facing Boston University and Howard during the first week of the season. The Wildcats then head out west to play Colorado State and UNLV before returning back to New England for the rest of the month. UNH begins conference play on the road against the defending conference champions of Vermont on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 6 p.m.
New Hampshire – Roster - Schedule
Head Coach: Kelsey Hogan
2022-23 Record: 7-21, 2-14 (9th)
Scoring Offense: 53.6 points per game (9th)
Scoring Defense: 62.8 points per game (5th)
Def. Rebounds/Game: 24.4 (5th)
Returning Starters (4)
Avery O’Connor, G – 12.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 57 3pt fg
Breezie Williams, G – 9.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.8 apg
Adara Groman, G – 8.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 spg
Paige Cote, F – 3.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg
Notable Newcomers (3)
Clara Gomez, G - transfer from Colorado State
Maggie Cavanaugh, G - freshman
Fans will once again be able to watch every #AEHoops home game on The AE on ESPN with all games airing on ESPN+ or ESPN3 domestically and AmericaEast.TV internationally.
Follow the @AEHoopsNews X (Formerly Twitter) account to stay up-to-date on #AEHoops news all season long.
About America East: The America East provides its member schools and their athletic programs a platform upon which student-athletes can achieve both collegiate and life success through the promotion and nurturing of athletic excellence, academic achievement and leadership, on and off the field.
- Building the Complete Student-Athlete –