QUINTIN JAMES
Staff Writer
A new year means a new season of Fredonia women’s basketball, and this year, there is a different vibe around this time. Coming off a season where they went 19-8 and won their first home playoff game in school history, Fredonia looks to build on that success.
Even though they made it to the semifinals last year, the Blue Devils are very confident coming into this year and look to bring a championship to Fredonia.
Head coach Linda Hill-MacDonald explained that she is confident in her team’s ability and that she knows the high expectations they have. “With the veterans we have on the team, we understand what it takes to get back to the playoffs or do better,” she said.
Hill-MacDonald also mentioned that the pressure is something the team knows is on them this year. “I hope they play better with the pressure on. Pressure can help them or immobilize them, and it’s important to keep it in perspective.
“The team is like a sisterhood this year, and they must be hardworking and use teamwork to repeat the success from last year,” said Hill-McDonald.
In an always tough SUNYAC conference, the Blue Devils must rely on their senior class, which has a huge responsibility this year with new freshman and transfers coming in. They will be expected to lead by example and show the new girls how to work.
One of those seniors is Alexis Cheatham, who won the female Rookie of the Year as a freshman. Years later, she’s being counted on to lead this team not only as their starting point guard, but their leader.
Cheatham explained that she knows the team has high expectations. “Our goal this year is to win SUNYACs,” she said.
She understands the pressure this year but says the team is doing just fine handling the extra expectations.
“I think our team is handling the pressure well. We’re obviously not at the level of how we were last year in the playoffs, because it’s still early in the season. I think the freshman and transfers are still adjusting, but they are getting better and better each day,” said Cheatham.
With the team and coaching staff focused on the task at hand, this season looks to be a very exciting one for the Fredonia women’s basketball team.