Finding new chemistry on and off the court, BYU women’s basketball is ready for the Big 12
Lauren Davenport didn’t know much about her new BYU basketball teammates, but after traveling with the team in Europe for 10 days, the Boston transfer grew incredibly close to her fellow Cougars.
Playing their first games as a group during this past summer’s trip to Europe, BYU’s players were able to test the waters and learn and play to each other’s strengths.
The team left Italy with a 3-0 record, but even more important than that, it left with increased chemistry and stronger friendships.
Davenport’s favorite part about Italy was sitting down every night and eating dinner as a team. Each night the players sat by a new teammate and coach and got to know each other on a deeper level.
According to Davenport, they are all best friends, and that sets BYU apart from any other team. Lauren came from a team where she felt like things weren’t “as connected” both on or off the basketball court, and that impacted her experience as a basketball player.
Davenport recognizes that her relationships outside the gym directly affect the way she plays the game, and she is so happy to be at a school that is conducive to that. She feels like BYU is her perfect fit.
Davenport will be bringing the energy this year. She’s ready to play aggressively and get her teammates excited about the game, especially those new freshmen.
“It’s a super long season and you spend so much time with your teammates, so being able to have those friendships…and loving to spend time together is super helpful,” freshman Kailey Woolston said.
Woolston said it can be hard for freshmen to find their place on the team and the court, but her teammates have helped her find her identity as a BYU women’s basketball player, and she is ready to shoot the ball and dominate.
Woolston and Davenport are both ready to take on the Big 12. Being a part of this new conference was a big reason Davenport decided to come to BYU. She is excited to “make a difference and be an underdog.”
“We legitimately are the underdogs. We don’t have very many tall players. We’re not huge. We are going to need to be in the best shape of our lives to be able to beat these teams we’re gonna play” said Davenport.
She is here at BYU for a reason, and Davenport is confident in her team. She is ready to take on this new season with her best friends. The Cougars’ first exhibition game will be against Westminster at the Marriott Center Nov. 1 at 3 p.m.
