Sherri Murrell could not be happier. The new Portland State women’s basketball head coach, landed a job with an improving program in a town she loves, with two returning all-conference performers and eight new players on a team loaded with potential.
Seemingly undeterred by the challenges of a new school, players, system and conference, Murrell and her players have optimistically prepared for their season.
“This team really fits me, and I couldn’t be happier with the way things have gone as we’ve prepared for the season,” Murrell said. “Of course we have a ways to go, and if we finish sixth in the conference, where we are picked, it will be disappointing.”
While Murrell’s hiring came amid Viking football’s preseason hype, her team, and two players in particular, will be followed closely this season by opponents and fans alike.
Those two players are Claire Faucher and Kelsey Kahle, of course.
Faucher, a sophomore guard, was awarded the Big Sky Conference Outstanding Freshman award last season, the same honor Kahle, a junior forward, earned two seasons ago.
With a new coach and new system this season, Faucher, Kahle and the rest of the Vikings will look to improve on last year’s 8-8 conference mark, the Vikings’ best in five seasons.
Inexperience and lack of depth will be challenging obstacles for the squad. Only four upperclassmen will return for the Vikings this season, with only one senior returning in forward Delaney Conway, meaning it will be key for the team’s seven freshman to acclimate quickly. “Our youth is a good thing and a challenge, because we have so much potential and an opportunity to develop,” Murrell said.
Relying on the youth will fit Murrell’s coaching style best, as she will encourage the team to push the ball whenever possible.
“We are going to run as much as we can, especially with Claire [Faucher] at point, because she is very good at pushing the ball,” Murrell said.
Despite the need for contributions from the youngsters, the Vikings will be better than expected if they continue to utilize Kahle’s versatility, Faucher’s playmaking and Conway’s sharp shooting.
“Our goal every year will be to win the conference championship and go to the NCAA tournament,” Murrell said.
That may be a bit optimistic for a program that has not enjoyed a winning season since the 1998-99 campaign. But Murrell seems focused on the bigger picture.
“What we really want is for our players to have good experiences, and have positive memories when they finish here.”