KANSAS CITY, MO. (WIBW) – Following Ron McHenry’s retirement after 22 years, the ‘Bods are turning to a familiar face to lead the program.
Washburn alumnus and former Washburn women’s basketball player Lora Westling is entering her first season as a coach after spending the previous six seasons in western Colorado.
Westling is ready to shake things up.
“We want to put a product on the floor that people are passionate about,” Westling said. “We want to make sure that we recruit and retain young women that people can relate to and are really proud to see succeed and I think that’s what we have here at Washburn and what we’re building for.”
The Ichabods are expected to finish 10th in the MIAA this year, and Westling says they’re preseason polls for a reason.
“Sometimes it’s fun to play with that chip on your shoulder and prepare with a chip on your shoulder and that’s what this group will do. “We really try to focus on daily habits and making sure we have a good day every day and so far they have.
For junior forward Lauren Cassaday, she believes this team will go far.
“Hearing that we should be ranked 10th right now kinda hurts, but at the same time we like being the underdog,” Cassaday said. “We like to come in and people don’t think we’re going to win and we just show up and play ball.”
Washburn was 14-16 last season and they lost leading scorer Hunter Bentley, ending her career last year.
Westling and the players are excited and they feel the energy around this team.
“I see a lot of potential in this team, I see a lot of potential in the individual players and I see the coaches really working to get the best as a team,” said senior guard Macy Doebele.
The ‘Bods will kick off their season with a show in Nebraska on October 30 at 1 p.m.
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