Drake University women’s basketball tipped off its season with a media day for players to open up about the season ahead and look into what is in store for Bulldog fans. With the season starting Nov. 3, both the team and its coaching staff are looking forward to showcasing what the team has been working on and expanding its talent.
With 11 players able to take the court due to redshirt eligibility, head coach Allison Pohlman is looking forward to embracing the change of a new roster and new opportunities for her players come the team’s game against Eastern Illinois University.
“We have something special in store this season,” Pohlman said. “We are lucky enough to be ranked fourth in the preseason polls, and that means there is room to grow and step up to each challenge we face. We have 11 players out of our 13-person roster who can play, and each of them has something to bring to the table. Our communication will help us through some of the new changes to the lineup, and each game will be a new chance for us to better ourselves.”
Northern Illinois University transfer and sophomore guard Lexi Carlsen chose Drake because of the community and playing experience, but, as Bulldog fans know, the Knapp Center provides a lot more than just an on-court experience. Even though she is no stranger to the court, she has more to look forward to than just playing time, thanks to the community surrounding Des Moines’ hometown team.
“A big part of my decision to go to Drake was the atmosphere that the Bulldog community facilitates,” Carlsen said. “The environment for home games is something most people know about even outside of the fanbase, and it was something that I was really excited to get a chance to experience. The women’s program has such a history and presence, and I am so excited to step onto the court in blue and get to be a part of this group of girls.”
Besides some newer Bulldogs, the team returners are ready to fill in some gaps on the court while keeping the legacy alive to prove the projection wrong as a top contender in the Missouri Valley Conference. The 2024-25 season saw many freshmen take charge of the game and step up early on, and returning sophomore guard Peyton McCabe is ready to continue to grow on and off the court.
“I am really looking forward to taking the court with some more experience and practice under me,” McCabe said. “I think we have a lot of talent and fun matchups to look forward to, and there is a lot of room for new and old talent to step up. We have been really working on team communication and morale so that we are all on the same page going into November. We are ready to compete, and I am looking forward to all we accomplish in the next few months.”
Although the team still has to wait until Nov. 3 for non-exhibition gameplay against EIU before playing Creighton University at home on Nov. 9, the team is ready to start the season strong and showcase all that it has been working on in the offseason.
