MONROE, La. – The regular season is fast approaching for the ULM Women's Basketball team and as head coach Brooks Donald Williams puts it, the demand on the players has been extremely high.
"We just had our 31st practice since July and we're excited about the growth we've had," Williams said.
This will be Williams' first year as head coach at ULM. Williams previously was the head coach at McNeese State, where she became the all-time winningest head coach in school history before spending the past three seasons at the University of Alabama as an assistant coach.
The Warhawks have spent the offseason focusing on fundamentals, building relationships and being in the moment.
"Building relationships and trust is going to be our core," Williams said. "Those things translate to players playing a little bit tougher for you."
ULM finished 10-19 last season and Williams has only one goal in mind moving forward this season.
"We want to be competitive," Williams said. "The history of this program is special and there's a lot of excitement in the region. Recruiting shows that. We want to be competitive and respected."
The Warhawks have eight returners and four newcomers on the squad for a nice mixture of experience and fresh faces. Their main focus in practice lately has been basic defensive fundamentals
"This group really likes to defend," Williams said.
Williams added a brand new staff to her team in the offseason as well. Jessica Barber joins ULM as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Barber has 13 combined years of experience at the high school and collegiate levels and also spent eight years coaching the New Orleans Dominos AAU team.
Kendra Wells and Amber Donnes also joined the staff in the offseason and both played under Williams at McNeese State. Wells is an assistant coach and Donnes is the director of operations.
"We're getting along very well," Williams said. "The chemistry is great. I've got two former players on the staff and that transition has been really nice. And Jessica is as good as they come."
Familiar Faces on a New Team
The Warhawks are led by three key returners, Whitney Goins, Diamond Brooks and Lauren Fitch.
Goins, a junior from Anacoco, says that the new coaching staff has been a large, but good adjustment.
"Coach Williams is expecting a lot more of us, not only on the court, but in our efforts to graduate and being better people," Goins said. "We bought into it."
Brooks, a junior from Kentwood, agrees with Goins, but adds that this will be a faster team.
"Coach Williams brings a faster-paced style and I think it's going to lead to more wins," Brooks said.
Fitch, a senior from Decatur, Alabama, joined the team last season as a transfer from Itawamba Community College and is excited about the season.
"We're a better team this year," Fitch said. "We have a more exciting atmosphere in the gym and the locker room. It's going to be a fun year."
The Warhawks open their season with a home exhibition matchup at 11 a.m. on Nov. 4 against Millsaps. For season tickets, call 318-342-HAWK or visit ULMWarhawks.com.
