Emily Orsini, Sports Editor–
The Denison women’s basketball team finished last season with an overall record of 20-7 and an in-conference record of 10-4.
So far the Big Red has picked up right where they left with an overall record of 6-3 and a roster of returning players and a talented freshman class.
Senior Abigail Westmeyer leads the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 13.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Westmeyer’s growth on the court and leadership off it has made her a key figure in the team’s success.
Westmeyer credited her early-season success to the confidence she had built over the years.
“I think what contributed most to all my success so early on in our season had to be just trusting myself and all the work I’d put in,” said Westmeyer. “That confidence went a long way in not just basketball, but in every aspect of my life.”
Westmeyer emphasized the importance of staying grounded during tough moments and how critical it was to both her physical and mental performance.
“Whenever I felt like my confidence might be faltering, I tried to remind myself that you can only control the controllables. That piece of advice helped me a lot in keeping myself calm and collected,” Westmeyer said.
Westmeyer’s game has underwent significant evolution since her high school days. Having previously played point guard, she faced a major adjustment when transitioning to a forward position in college.
“Transitioning from a position where I handled the ball most of the time to more of a power forward position was a bit challenging,” Westmeyer said. “I learned to love the four position and honestly preferred it more than any other because of how my own game evolved.
Driving to the rim has always been my strongest part of my game. In high school, I was never much of a 3-point shooter, so improving my confidence and shot had been a focal point for the past four years.”
One of the highlights of Westmeyer’s season so far was being named MVP of the Sara Lee Classic tournament on Nov. 17.
“It was such a special moment for me for so many reasons. It felt like such a full-circle moment,” Westmeyer said. “Being surrounded by such an awesome team that celebrated that accomplishment with me was just so awesome.”
Leadership has always come naturally to Westmeyer, but she feels even more confident in her role this season.
“I didn’t think my leadership role changed much this season; I feel like I have always held a leadership role on the team,” Westmeyer said. “If anything, I definitely feel more confident in speaking out and taking control of situations now than I did before.”
The team culture this season is one of inclusivity, which Westmeyer deeply values.
“We aren’t just teammates, we are a family,” Westmeyer said.
She also praised the younger players, especially the freshmen, for their seamless transition into the team.
“The younger players contribute to our success enormously. It feels like they were a missing puzzle piece to our team.”
As the season progresses, Westmeyer has one goal in mind: to win the conference and make a deep run in the tournament.
“I want to win our conference and make a run in the tournament,” Westmeyer said. “It’s time to dominate our conference and make our mark in the NCAC.
This is it—I will never have the opportunity to compete at this level again with the sport I love, so I might as well give it my all,” Westmeyer said.