Since rejoining the Western Athletic Conference in 2022, the Lady Mavericks have shown steady progress in their postseason journey. In 2023 they faced a first-round exit and in 2024 they advanced to the semifinals. Looking ahead, the goal remains unchanged: Winning a championship.
Coming off a 17-win season, the team continues to improve and understand its strengths and weaknesses, head coach Shereka Wright said. The team uses the offseason to experiment with different lineups, and players are excited for the opening tipoff to showcase that progress.
Having a core of returning players like fifth-year forward Avery Brittingham, senior guard Taliyah Clark and junior guard Nya Threatt has helped shape the Lady Mavericks’ culture, setting the standard of what it’s like for newcomers to play here, Wright said.
“I give credit to that core that has returned because they’ve welcomed them, but they also have helped them to understand what is the expectation to wear a Lady Mavs uniform,” she said.
Gearing up for year five, Wright wants the team to blend in and build relationships with new transfers, create a welcoming environment and translate that chemistry to the floor.
Starting the season from scratch is like starting a puzzle, Brittingham said. It’s an adventure where the team empties all the pieces on the table, and learns about new people and their personalities along the way. The fun part, she said, is watching it come together by March.
Getting new players to buy in is like a double edged sword, she said. Everybody wants to win, but it’s a team effort when educating everyone on doing things the right way.
New transfers include fifth-year forward Koi Love, senior guard Aspen Thornton and senior forwards Laura Bello and Zoe Nelson. Joining the team as the lone freshman, guard Kendal Robinson said the team’s been welcoming but has known Brittingham and Nelson prior to joining UTA.
“They just treated me like a true sister, honestly,” Robinson said.
The biggest improvement going into the season is players getting used to playing with each other and holding each other accountable, Wright said. While the team isn’t where Wright wants it to be, everyone is learning to understand the process.
“[Wright has] helped me be a better leader,” Brittingham said. “She's taught me how to do things the right way, as far as habits, as far as on the court and off the court.”
Entering year two, Brittingham said she’s comfortable in her role and Wright makes it easy for everybody to adjust and come out of their shells. In addition, Wright is family oriented and has also helped Brittingham become a better playmaker.
Prior to the season, Brittingham was named to the Preseason All-WAC Team. It’s nice being recognized, but she said she’s more excited for her teammates to showcase their talents. Last season, Brittingham surpassed 1,000 career points and is poised to reach 1,000 rebounds this season.
“I just want to win,” she said. “It's my last year. I want to finish with a ring.”
Brittingham played basketball with Robinson’s mom as her coach when she was 14 and helped Robinson stay positive, she said. The pair have known each other since they were kids and although it makes Brittingham feel old, she said it’s fun bringing those Fort Worth ties to UTA.
“I think [Robinson’s] going to be freshman of the year, if not the runner-up for it,” she said. “She's been really, really good this summer.”
Growing up around basketball and watching her mom play, Robinson said it didn’t take long before she was inspired to give the sport a chance. Now with her mom cheering her on, Robinson said she plays for her and always will.
Since joining the team, every day’s been a challenge, Robinson said. The biggest obstacle was conditioning, as she said she thought she was “gonna die.” Wright added pressure, challenging her defensively during practices.
Adjusting to stiffer competition, Robinson said being a good teammate and not being too hard on herself as a freshman are some of her biggest goals this semester. Not everything is going to be perfect, but showcasing her talent can help the team win, she said.
“They’ve given a lot of advice on the court and off,” Robinson said. “It has helped me because I know they see potential in me, so it’s very encouraging for me to keep going.”
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