Connolly and Rhoades find new home at Valpo
WBB: Two transfers looking to make mark on retooled roster
There has been a different feel at the Hilltop Gym in the Athletics-Recreation Center over the last month.
Summer practices are often a stark reminder of how quickly rosters can change and the Valparaiso women’s basketball team is no different.
Half the roster is gone from last season, including 3-point threat Olivia Brown and converted point guard Ava Interrante. Both players graduated along with Jill Harris, Emma Tecca and Jayda Johnston.
Johnston left the program early in the season and has since transferred to Eastern Illinois. Tecca is staying at Valpo and will serve as a graduate assistant on the coaching staff.
Two underclassmen are also off the roster as Ella Van Weelden transferred to Northern Colorado and Olivia Sims medically retired from college basketball.
In their place comes a group of newcomers varying in experience level. Incoming freshmen forwards Lexi Castator (6’1) and Kylie Waytashek (6’2) bring height to the roster while point guard Mor Shabtai (Tel Aviv, Israel) brings international playing experience.
Bella Swedlund is on her third school in three years, but the Winner, South Dakota native has yet to make her collegiate debut as the former Kansas/Toledo point guard is recovering from a torn ACL.
The two latest additions are a pair of transfers that are expected to provide an immediate impact for the Beacons in former La Salle point guard Fiona Connolly and Radford 3-point shooter Maci Rhoades.