UMW basketball prepares to start their season

By ZACH WOHLEKING

Senior Writer

As we say goodbye to another exciting and successful volleyball season, and the many club sports seasons as well, the next competitive winter sports are right around the corner. After Thanksgiving break, men and women’s basketball will be starting up their seasons, both teams have made some drastic roster changes in the offseason.

There is a combined total of 15 new players this season. The men’s team has an especially large amount of new talent, with nine new players joining the roster. Some notable additions include, guard Kile McNair, guard Jordan Shaw, forward Drew Johnson and guard Zack Calloway. Most of the new additions are freshmen and transfers, but some, such as Zach Calloway are walk-ons.

Having previous success with the UMW men’s club team, Calloway decided to take his talents to a higher level and turned some heads during tryouts, earning him a spot on the roster.

When asked how he felt about his new role within the team he went on to say, “as a new player, I am just trying to make my path and show what I can do [by] supporting my team and working to make everyone better,” said Calloway.

Another notable story with one of the new additions is freshman forward Drew Johnson, younger brother of UMW alumni and star forward, Taylor Johnson, who broke many records during his time at UMW.

Johnson seems confident and ready to contribute, showing a lot of talent much like his older brother, and could make an impact right out of the gate for the Men’s team. Their season starts Wednesday, Nov. 15 against East Mennonite.

The women’s team has their share of new faces as well with six new additions to the team. With a very successful season in the previous year they are expecting more success this year. They have lost many important players from the previous season but are still very optimistic that they will be successful this season, hoping to make another appearance in the CAC championship. The women’s team has always shown a strong culture and bond that is not always present. This group definitely has an edge when it comes to chemistry.

Senior guard Kendall Parker said, “Our team [is like] a family… We compete with each other on a daily basis to make us the best we can be [but] we are also always there for each other on and off the court, which shows in our team chemistry during games.” The women’s season starts Wednesday, Nov. 15 against Washington and Lee.