The Schreiner women’s basketball program begins a new era with the commencement of the ’05-’06 season and brings with it new faces. Among those is new Head Coach Jeanette McKinney, who takes the reigns of the Mountaineer program after serving for three years as an assistant coach for conference opponent Concordia University at Austin. McKinney looks forward to the challenge of building a competitive women’s basketball program at Schreiner, but realizes the scope of the task. “Our main agenda as a team this season is to earn respect. We hope to achieve that with renewed attitudes and a tremendous amount of hard work,” says McKinney.

Optimism is high in the women’s camp as the Mountaineers return a solid core of veterans complemented by a strong group of newcomers. The Mountaineers will be a young team with only one senior and one junior on the roster, but McKinney is undaunted. “The coaching staff certainly anticipates growing pains this year, but we feel this squad can set new standards for the program.” Look for an up-tempo style of play from the Mountaineers this year, combined with a more aggressive defensive effort. “We hope that our defense will force opponents out of their comfort zones and result in high percentage transition opportunities for us,” states McKinney. “The team likes this style of play and it’s more enjoyable for those watching the game as well.”

The women begin their season on Monday, November 21 against Texas Lutheran University in Seguin. The Mountaineers take on U.T.-Tyler in their home opener on Thursday, December 1.