The Youngstown State women's basketball team emphasized communication and energy on its first official practice of the 2024-25 season and its first session under head coach Melissa Jackson on Monday.
The Penguins had workouts throughout the summer, but Monday was the first session of the official practice season as the opener is six weeks away.
YSU held a film review to start the morning, and it was on the floor for just over two hours. It was the team's first practice in Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center as renovations forced it to practice in the Stambaugh Stadium gyms over the summer and early part of the fall semester.
The 2024-25 Penguins will feature six returners and 10 newcomers to the program. The returners include fifth-year senior Malia Magestro, fourth-year senior Haley Thierry, junior Abby Liber, and sophomores Abbie Davidson, Mackenzie Hurd and Bella Samz. The large group newcomers include transfers Faith Burch (junior), Dacia Lewandowski (redshirt-freshman), Xoe Rosalez (junior) and Jewel Watkins (senior). The six-member true freshman class is Sarah Baker, Hayden Barrier, Danielle Cameron, Sophia Gregory, Erica King and Ashlynn Van Tassell.
Video of Jackson's comments after practice are below, and links to coverage of the practice are above.
