Oct. 13, 2005

Sometimes it's hard to believe that another exciting basketball season is upon us. It only seems like yesterday, I was in homes of some of our freshmen recruiting them to come to Texas State, and now I see them taking on the daily challenge of balancing books, basketball and the social life of college student.

It's a constant reminder that life is a lot like the game of basketball - constant movement and constant change; nothing stays the same for very long. We see that reflected every day in our preseason workouts. Saturday, October 15th is our first official practice date, but we are allowed to work with the players on a limited basis since school started. During those workouts we've managed to catch glimpses of promise, often followed by reminders that it does take time for a team to gel together. These instances highlight what will be, I sense, a season of change for this year's team.

Over the years, I've learned that change manifests itself in many ways; freshman leaving home for the first time, returnees grasping and filling the void of leadership left by seniors from the previous year. The constant question I've been asked is, "Who is going to take Tori's place?" Honestly, you don't replace Tori, Ashley McGruder, or an Ashley Perkins. What you do is look at each year as a new team with new opportunities for growth and again, with the sense that change is a good thing. That's what makes what we do as coaches so much fun.

Speaking of change, the Bobcats have to adapt to a big scheduling change. We will have our own night during conference play. That's right, no more double-headers! I know that some of you are sad about this, but I am very excited about it because it gives us the opportunity to get to know each of you better. Since we will be the only game of the night, we can stay on the court to "meet and greet" each of you after the final buzzer. You'll get a chance to meet the special young ladies who make up our team this year and for them it's a chance to meet the fans who make such a difference and give us a home court advantage.

Even our staff is different this year. Patrick Henry joined our staff in August to replace Joe Reints who took a head coaching position in Jackson, Tennessee. I'm excited for Joe and even more I'm excited about the potential of our staff this year. With returning coaches, Noel Johnson and Valery Jackson, and the addition of Patrick we have a coaching staff that's talented, knowledgeable and does such a great job relating with our players.

I cant' tell you enough, about how I am excited about what our players have done thus far. I will be writing a bi-weekly entry to share with you what's going on in our program. There will be ups and downs (smile), as every season has them. And, I have asked Joyce Ekworomadu, a sophomore from Coppell, Texas, to give you her perspective on my off weeks. I know that will be entertaining! She, like many of our young ladies, is quite a character.

Someone once said that a basketball season is a journey. I'm looking forward to experiencing it with this team and I can't wait to watch them grow and learn to play the Texas State way -- Having a passion for the game of basketball, a passion for playing with each other and a having a love of wearing the maroon and gold. I hope you come along for the ride -- A change will do you good.

Suzanne Fox

Head Coach - Women's Basketball