DAVIS & ELKINS WOMEN'S BASKETBALL 2021-2022 SEASON PREVIEW

The Davis & Elkins women's basketball program seeks improvement and quite frankly, some revenge in its second season with head coach, Rachel Swartz. After a challenging season last year amidst a pandemic, Coach Swartz and the Senators have made changes in their approach to the game both offensively and defensively. The team returns this year with a sense of excitement as they prepare to turn the ship around and head towards a conference championship. "We are thrilled to be back (on the court) and I'm extremely pleased with the continuous progress this group is making. We have a great blend of new athleticism and returning leadership which allows us to make the jump and be a threat in the Mountain East Conference. These athletes pay attention to detail and possess a work ethic that directly correlates to battling out wins," Coach Swartz states.

THE TEAM
Starting the trajectory upward, this season will be returning senior Allie Taylor and junior Peyton Mohler. Taylor was one of the top 3 players in the conference for steals during the 2020-2021 season and brought the Senators 10.2 point-per-game. Taylor is anticipated to move mountains this year with her sharp-shooting outside the arc. Mohler started in all 15 games last season and led the team with 19 steals. Mohler brings her passion and leadership to the court and will continue to help the team compete in all 30 contests this season. Also returning is senior Amiah Banks, who opened the season with 10 points and five steals against Frostburg State last year and then posted 14 points during the game at Glenville State. Banks and the coaching staff have set high expectations for her contributions in her final season. Sophomore Marissa Berlin looks to fill a void in the paint left by double-double machine Jamiyah Johnson. In Berlin's freshman campaign, she showed signs of greatness posting a 17 point-19 rebound performance in a conference win at Wheeling . Rounding out the remaining returnees are juniors Reagan Sharp and Angel Broadus and sophomore Brooklyn Maxwell. 

The 2021-2022 season will be filled with new faces as Coach Swartz brings in her first recruiting class. The Senators will debut Dream Cherry who will lead the team in the back court. Cherry brings her experience from Akron, Ohio and is focused on being a great on-ball defender and pushing the pace in transition. Transfer LaChazity Shaver (Long Island University), will bring an additional scoring threat to the roster and versatility to play all positions. Additional freshmen that will debut this season will be: Kaylee Milburn out of Fort Washington, Md; Zaakyaa Young out of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Karlie Denham out of Fairview, W.Va.; Jackie Wright out of Salisbury, Md. and Victoria Sturm from Clarksburg, W.Va.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AS A FAN?
With a full preseason and revamped roster, the Senators women's basketball team is looking to bring excitement to the court for the fans in 2021-2022. Coach Swartz is looking to play a fast-paced game full of transition buckets and 94 feet of defense.

THE STAFF
Creating an inclusive culture and understanding the importance of a sincere connection to her team, Coach Rachel Swartz will return to lead the Senators for the 2021-2022 season. Coach Swartz is in her second season with Davis & Elkins and is continuing to build a team that will dominate in the MEC. Off the court is just as important to Swartz, who feels that her players need to come to the gym to win but also win in the classroom. Since her arrival she has worked on promoting a more cohesive operation for the team and has worked on branding the team through social media platforms. Coach Swartz comes from a background of winning and hopes to instill that in her Senators for the 2021-2022 season.

Looking for someone who could help build a winning culture and bring new experiences to the team lead Coach Swartz to her new hire, Mason Samlow. Coach Samlow has had the privilege of working with top coaches in the industry such as Ronald Hughey, Vicky Picott, Jeff Nickel, Tai Dillard, Jamila Ganter, JR Shumate, Joel Baker, and LaSondra Barrett. Coach Samlow has now worked at all levels of basketball including NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NAIA Division I, and high school basketball. Last season, Coach Samlow served as the assistant coach for the Shawnee State Bears who finished the season with a 16-7 record and advanced to the second round of the National Tournament. In addition, he has served as the Assistant Video Coordinator with the University of Houston. 


The Senators will begin their season November 12th in Frostburg, Md. against Shepherd University.
 
The home slate tips off Saturday, November 20th at 2pm with a double-header against Fairmont State. Admission to home games is FREE this season as we welcome spectators back to the McDonnell Center. Please wear a mask and be safe!