Jackson, MS – The Millsaps Women's Basketball Team is set to begin their season this Sunday, Nov. 15th in the Hangar Dome against Rust College.
 
Building a team is a new process every season, but it doesn't hurt to be coming off a 22-6 season and a second SAA conference championship in 2014-15. 
 
This year, the Majors have nine returning players on the roster.  The leadership and experience will be beneficial for Millsaps as they welcome 13 newcomers as well.
 
"The season is a process," Head Women's Basketball Coach Chuck Winkelman said.  "I know the returners will bring experience, what they went through last year, we certainly value that."
 
Last year's team had a great deal of success, but Coach Winkelman and his staff know that a new chapter starts Sunday.
 
"Every year we're writing a new story, that's been a theme and part of our DNA since we've been here," Coach Winkelman said.  "Obviously this season presents its own challenges."
 
The players are not the only new faces on this year's team either.  The Majors recently hired Megan Tait as an Assistant Basketball Coach.  Megan is familiar with Majors athletics as she also assisted the Millsaps Volleyball team this year.
 
"Coach Tait has been a great addition for us, she has helped us respond well to the early challenges," Coach Winkelman said.
 
"Everybody likes to get excited about the huge class and what that brings to the table, which can be many good things.  However, there aren't many times when you're building a team and you have more newcomers than returners," said Coach Winkelman.
 
Despite the challenges and new faces, Coach Winkelman feels his returners provide the necessary leadership to move forward in a positive direction this season. 
 
"We have created a competitive environment in practice, but also we don't want to forget who has played here for three, four years either," Coach Winkelman said.  "We appreciate our seniors a great deal and value their contributions."
 
There is always an added feeling of excitement with any recruiting class regardless of the size.  However, Coach Winkelman and his staff understand that the most important thing moving forward is successful production both on and off the court.
 
"We don't get overly excited about potential here," Coach Winkelman said.  "What really gets us excited is production, that's what we hang our hat on.  We haven't played any games yet.  We'll see that all unfold, that's part of embracing the process."
 
There will be plenty of opportunities for the Majors to grow and produce this season, as they face a competitive and challenging schedule.  Millsaps begins play at home this Sunday against Rust, but will travel in nine of their first 14 games.  The early set of road games this season also includes a series of challenging nonconference games in Las Vegas for the D3 Hoops Classic.
 
"The schedule is interesting, we really like our nonconference matchups," Coach Winkelman said.  "We play some quality teams and some teams with real quality players.  Howard Payne comes to mind right away; they've got an All American on their team and First Team All-South Region player.  Right away we're playing a team that's favored to do well in a league that I have a lot of respect for.
 
"The Vegas trip will be a great experience for our kids too, I think those who have gone before them have paved the way for that trip.  We play Bethel out of Minnesota, who was an NCAA Tournament team last year with almost everybody back - that will be a stiff test for us.  We also play DeSales, who comes out of a region in our country very committed to the values of NCAA DIII athletics.  Those will be two real competitive games after Christmas that will get us ready for the upcoming conference play."
 
Again, the action begins this Sunday, Nov. 15th against Rust in the Hangar Dome at Millsaps College.
 
"I'm looking forward to watching this team come together this season," Coach Winkelman said.  "It'll be fun to get started here in a few days and finally play some ballgames."