HARTSVILLE, S.C. – During the 2012-13 season, the Coker College women's basketball team went 2-0 in the SAC-Conference Carolinas Challenge as a Conference Carolinas member. If the success in the two-day challenge is any foreshadowing of what to expect this year, then Coker's inaugural season in the South Atlantic Conference will prove to be a delightful one for fourth-year coach Jenny Finora.
"I'm very excited about playing in the SAC; it's a top-notch Division II conference in the country," said Finora. "The talent level is great, and we plan to compete right away with the very best teams in the conference. Being in the SAC will allow us to grow as players, coaches and a program."
The Cobras enter the SAC coming off of one of the best seasons in school history. The 2012-13 team won 18 games, finishing fourth overall in conference play, and hosted the program's first-ever conference tournament game.
Coker lost three seniors to graduation from the history-making team. The trio included two-time all-conference selection Amber Lau and team leader Theresa Jackson-Henderson.
"It is hard to replace the scoring prowess of Amber, and the toughness of Theresa," said Finora. "I have confidence in my returners that they will pick up where those seniors left off and continue the recent success of the program."
The Cobras return nine letterwinners, including former all-conference selection Jessica Cohen and team MVP Hailey Yohn. The roster also features nine fresh new faces headlined by junior transfers Tanesha Stenson and Terrika Foster, who will provide the team with versatility and athleticism at the guard and forward positions, respectively.
As the preseason comes to a close and the navigation of uncharted waters in the SAC begins, the Cobras plan to show everyone what all the buzz over the 2013-14 season is really about.
"We don't have one superstar on this team, but we do have a lot of talented players that can make plays," said Finora. "I expect them all to contribute to the team's success and push each other to get better every day we put on that jersey with Coker's name on it."
The Cobras open their season against Pfeiffer University at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at home.
Story written by sports information intern Sharod Williams '13.