It will be a transition year for the Nipissing Lakers women's basketball team, as they welcome a new head coach to the program.

The new season also brings new hope as the team looks to begin their climb up the standings and towards an improved record and a potential playoff spot in the near future.

The team has shown progress and promise in the pre-season, putting together some strong efforts as they get ready for November and the 2017-18 season.

An infusion of new recruits, combined with returning players and some transfers, the Lakers should be able to compete and use their depth to keep up with almost anyone in the OUA.

There will be a learning curve for the roster, as well as the new coaching staff, but it's an exciting time for the Lakers.

Nipissing begins their season this weekend, hosting a pair of games – Friday versus Laurier and Saturday versus Waterloo.

Laurier had a strong season in 2016-17, finishing with a 13-7 record, while Waterloo ended up 6-14 in the West Division.

Both games tip-off at 6pm at the RJS Athletic Centre.
 
Key returners
1) Heidi Smith
2) Michaela Branker
3) Alexe Galipeau-Wilson
4) Marla Corney

Key departures
1) Claire Abbott
2) Mackenzie Bahm

Key recruits/transfers
1) Natalie Martinez
2) Maria Walsh
3) Nicole Kordez
4) Kylea Galipeau-Wilson
 
Team's "Best"
Outside threat - Maeve Theriault and Heidi Smith
Score threat - Michaela Branker and Jamie Soffer
Rebounder - Devanee Dewey and Alexe Galipeau Wilson
Defender - Nakissa Koomalsingh and Marla Corney
Ball handler - Natalie Martinez and Heidi Smith
Ball distributor - Natalie Martinez and Heidi Smith
 
Coach's Quote
"We feel we have a healthy nucleus of veteran returning athletes mixed with some very talented additions to our roster that will make an immediate impact.  Our athletes have bought in to a new system and culture change and are working tirelessly to reach new levels of success both on and off the court."