A-10 Women's Basketball Season Preview

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The return of six seniors along with last year's Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year are among the reasons third-year Spiders head coach Aaron Roussell enters the 2021-22 campaign full of optimism.

"A few times at Bucknell and going back to the University of Chicago, our best seasons were when we had a large group of seniors," said Roussell, who had success at both programs prior to coming to Richmond.

It's no surprise that Addie Budnik, the conference's breakout newcomer a year ago, and all-conference guard Kate Klimkiewicz are expected to play key roles.

As good as Budnik was a year ago, the 6-2 sophomore made significant strides during the offseason in improving her strength and quickness. But perhaps her biggest adjustment is mentally. She didn't expect the limelight to be so bright her freshman season – exposure that comes with the gig when you go off the way Budnik did. Richmond's first-ever Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year finished second on the team in scoring, third in rebounding and eighth in the entire country (Division I) in blocks (2.95 bpg).

"She had a fantastic rookie year," Roussell said. "When your top player from last year is at the forefront of people who made strides over the summer, that's a big deal. She's more comfortable spreading her wings, and I think that will show."

Klimkiewicz led Richmond in points with 19 double-doubles in 22 games. With program stalwart Alex Parson having graduated, the senior will be the offense's top engine.

"Klimkiewicz is a special gift for us," Rousell said of the former Boston College Eagle now set to begin her third season with the Spiders. "Being a 6-1 long wing in this league, those kids have always done well. She's in the gym all the time."

Speedy sophomore assist-leader Grace Townsend will be at point guard. "We're giving her the keys," Roussell notes. "She's about as quick as they come out there. I keep telling people if she weren't playing basketball, she should be running track in the SEC or ACC."

Senior forward Emma Squires struggled physically last season after offseason surgery. The undersized post is among the Spiders' most cerebral players and is poised to expand her role.

With so much experience on hand, Richmond's three freshmen – guards Sydney Boone and Katie Hill along with forward Cayla Williams – will fight for time. While Roussell expects all three to be part of the rotation, Hill has an early edge. Roussell calls the 6-foot guard "college ready." Hill twice captained a team ranked No. 1 in New Jersey and considered among the best in state history.

The Spiders were too turnover-prone for Roussell's liking last season – Richmond finished 2020-21 last in the A-10 averaging 17.5 giveaways a game – and the coach is hoping more experience in his system will clean that up.

"All of our players have gotten more comfortable in the offseason with what we're doing," he said. "On the flip side, outside of the turnovers, we had a pretty efficient team. If we're not turning the ball over, we're scoring at a pretty decent clip."

The Spiders host Charlotte to open the season on Nov. 9 and will travel to Charlottesville over Thanksgiving for a date with Virginia in the Cavalier Classic. They'll head south for a pre-Christmas tournament at Florida Atlantic.

"It'll be nice to get on a plane," Roussell said. "It's fun to travel again. Hopefully the season is somewhat normal."

He looks forward to an improved A-10. "I've only been in the league for two seasons, but it's easily the best it's been in my time," Rousell said. "Even being in this region for the last 10 years, I can easily say it's the best I've seen. I don't know if we have the WNBA MVP (former George Washington star Jonquel Jones), but the talent is really good."

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Players Mentioned

Sydney Boone

Addie Budnik

Katie Hill

Kate Klimkiewicz

Alex Parson

Emma Squires

Grace Townsend

Cayla Williams

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