Women's Basketball and Its Secret to Season Success

Women's Basketball and Its Secret to Season Success

The University of San Diego women’s basketball team is a powerful force. With an 18-2 overall record (8-1 in the West Coast Conference), it’s clear that these women mean business on the court. But what’s been equally special this year is that these student-athletes are a force off the court as well.  

 

A quick scroll through the team’s official social media channels will reveal that these women are constantly having fun. From a team trip to visit LinkedIn's office in the Bay Area that was shared on Instagram to birthday celebrations announced via Twitter, the women’s team appears to be having the time of their lives.

And, as it turns out, the team’s friendship is a key ingredient in their success. According to 11th-year head coach Cindy Fisher, this is the closest group of women she’s ever seen.

“I think they’ve really developed true friendships and this is a very close group. I think this is the tightest knit group we’ve ever had. I think it’s because of unselfish people — willing to be respectful no matter what, and it definitely shows on the court.”

In addition to friendship, Fisher says that the secret to any successful team is always pushing them to be their best, even when it’s hard.

“It’s about pushing them and always asking, ‘Is that the best you have in you?’ And most of the time, they find that they do have more to give.”

For Malina Hood (pictured above), a senior engineering major and a team captain, giving more on the court has been a pleasure. “I have a lot more responsibly as far as being a leader on the team,” she says, “Now I have a lot more on my plate and honestly, I like it. It’s been nice to step up this year.”

But working hard on the court doesn’t mean that Hood isn’t enjoying life off the court. In fact, according to Hood, the two are connected. “There’s a lot of hanging out off the court. It definitely contributes to our chemistry on the court. It helps because we know each other and understand each other.”

Regardless of their secret to success, it’s clear that these women are phenomenal — both on, and off, the court.

To follow along on the team’s adventures, be sure to follow them on Instagram (@sandiegowbb) and Twitter (@usdwbb).

— Taylor Milam