It is hard to believe our 2008-2009 season is only a week away! The off season (if there is such a thing!) went really quickly. Our team had a very productive spring and summer, and that bodes well for a successful fall and winter!

We are returning the core of our team with one major exception - Candice!!!

Contrary to some people's opinion, there is basketball at Stanford after Candice. As much as we miss her, I feel and see her legacy with our team.

One of Candice's greatest strengths was how hard she competed every day! This year’s team is practicing with great intensity. Our returnees understand what it takes to compete at the top, and they share this knowledge with the freshman. We are able to practice at a faster and harder pace because we are deeper and our top players are in excellent physical condition.

Another wonderful thing that Candice brought to the gym was her enthusiasm. Everyone on this year’s team has been very energetic in our practices and scrimmages. It is really important for a team to show excitement and enthusiasm for their teammates and I have seen that. They are very supportive of each other and pick their teammates up!

Next, Candice had the ability to play through bad spots. She handled adversity well. This is something that I hope our team has learned as this year's schedule is THE TOUGHEST ever!

Finally, this team will establish its own identity. It is exciting to watch each day as "the foundation is being built"!!!

We are led by Jayne Appel at center and what a great center she is. Jayne is healthy and playing with supreme competitiveness and confidence. She is leading the way for our young post players Sarah Boothe and Nneka Ogwumike. These two post players are SPECIAL!!!

Another leader by her terrific example is forward Kayla Pedersen. She is such a smart player and so versatile! Kayla can play almost any position on the floor. Other players that we hope to contribute like Kayla are Michelle Harrison (I am looking forward to her being 100% after her knee surgery), Morgan Clyburn (returning from foot surgery) and Ashley Cimino.

Our "Tall Fern" Olympian senior Jillian Harmon leads the way at the small forward spot. Jill had a super summer and is back for what we all hope is a spectacular senior season.

The "2 spot" is open and we have the most intense competition on our team for contributing here. One starter from last season Ros Gold-Onwude is being challenged every day in practice by Jeanette Pohlen (Jeanette gets my vote for most improved over the summer, but others are close!), Hannah Donaghe, Lindy "shoot the rock" La Rocque and Grace Mashore.

Finally at our point guard position we have returnee JJ Hones (JJ is another vote getter for most improved) or as Jennifer Azzi said to me at a recent practice watching JJ, "WOW she is good!!!" JJ's running mate at point is Melanie Murphy. It is GREAT to have Mel back. She will make major contributions to our team's success this year. After a year off, Mel is hungry!!!

Our staff is intact and thoroughly enjoys working with each other. We expect to do a better job of preparing our team for the season.

So now the only question is, " Are you ready to run it back!?" We hope so, as we are counting on you! Let's get Maples rocking.!! It is going to be a very exciting and fun season. Thank you all for your support. See you at the games!

Tara VanDerveer - Head Basketball Coach