Practice makes perfect and that’s what the UW-Platteville women’s basketball team has been doing since starting the season Oct. 20.

“Practice is going great! Everyone goes to practice ready to go and has the want to get better,” junior forward Druscilla Schneider said. “I think the season will go well.”

Photograph by Jodi Krautkramer
Sophomore guard Angie Vamstad gets ready for the rebound as junior guard Charity Stotmeister guards freshman forward Mallory Mau at a practice on Nov. 4.

“The Pioneers have a very strong overall athletic ability and have been working hard in and out of practice turning their weaknesses into strengths,” head coach Tina Kuhle said.

“The players have made a commitment to coming to practice everyday with a good work ethic,” Kuhle said.

Junior forward and guard Stacia Nemitz says the team has been going hard for two to three hours a day in practice working mainly on defense.

Team chemistry is going to be one element the women will need to work on to have a successful season due to a younger and newer team but the team also has a lot of returning key players.

“I think with so many new players working on our team chemistry is going to be very important,” Kuhle said. “Our captains have done a good job of incorporating our newcomers into team functions.”

The Pioneers return nine letter winners back for the new season and welcome eight freshmen to the roster.

“We have eight newcomers to the team this season,” Kuhle said. “They are a very talented young group that will add depth to our roster; which is critical in a very long and tough WIAC season.”

Nemitz returns to the team after not playing since the 2005-06 season.

“Staica brings a lot of maturity and leadership to our team from her past life experiences,” Kuhle said. “She appreciates the opportunity that she’s been given and works extremely hard every day in practice. Stacia is a great role model for the younger players when it comes to work ethic and her love for the game of basketball.”

The thing coach Kuhel is most looking forward to this season is seeing these young student-athletes develop into women who represent the UW-P basketball and community in a positive way. The Pioneers jump-start the season in Missouri against Webster at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15.