The 2008-09 Warren Wilson women's basketball team looks to improve on last year's 2-9 finish, which was two wins more than the previous three years combined.  Under second-year coach Rob Shook, the Owls have already seen much improvement from a year ago and Shook expects last year's momentum to carry over.   

"We have shown improvement from where we were at this time last year and our women continue to get better everyday," said Shook.  "Our women are learning and catching on quicker."  "We are anxiously awaiting the start of the season"

The 2008-09 edition of Fighting Owls basketball will see the return of four letter winners and three starters led by junior captains Georgia Anton (Santa Rosa, CA) and Laura Dison (Murfreesboro, TN).  Anton returns to the point guard position where she led the team averaging almost 14 points per game.  The versatile Dison will start aside Anton at the guard spot as she averaged 10 points per game last season.     

"Georgia and Laura have set the tone for our team," said Shook.  "They are committed to the success of Warren Wilson College basketball and have worked hard to improve themselves and the team."

Also returning are guards Seanna Bellinger (Mound House, NV) and Tashia Vargas (Naples, FL).  Bellinger started last season and has returned for a final semester of play.  Also competing for playing time will be newcomers Jessica Bailey (Santa Cruz, CA), Hannah Martinez (Piedmont, CA), and Kelsey Chandler (Williamstown, MA).  Chandler is a two-sport athlete who started at center midfield for the Owls this past fall. 

Shook is also excited about the prospects at the post position as he has much more depth and athleticism to work with.  The Owls return forward Hannah Hess (Louisville, KY) as she returns from a season ending injury suffered last year.  Joining Hess will be newcomers Leah Cameron (Milford, NJ), Alissa Gore (Leonardstown, MD), Phillippa Sanders (Chapel Hill, NC), and Bri MacIntosh (Edinboro, PA).  

"Across the board we have added depth and athleticism to every position," said Shook.  "Our team should be very versatile with women playing multiple positions."
Shook has been pleased with what he has seen through the first two months, "I can't be more pleased with their effort.  They've made a huge commitment to the success of the Warren Wilson women's basketball program."

The Owls open up their schedule on Thursday, November 13 at Johnson Bible College and play their first home game on Thursday, November 20 versus Piedmont Baptist College at 7:00 pm.