Athletes in action: Inside a midseason women’s basketball practice

By Danielle Towers and Sage Russell • February 13, 2023

Sage Russell | Staff Photographer

(L-R) Natalia Sierra-Vargas and Jayla Thornton interlock their pinky fingers as they stand in a team huddle.

Women’s basketball hit the court with energy and enthusiasm at practice last week before heading into two A-10 games against Rhode Island and Saint Louis.

Take an exclusive look at the team as they practice:

Senior forward Essence Brown and freshman guard Nya Robertson stand among their teammates in a circle as they prep for practice. (Sage Russell | Staff Photographer)

Senior forward Essence Brown sinks a free throw. (Sage Russell | Staff Photographer)

The team does pushups at the baseline. (Sage Russell | Staff Photographer)

Assistant coach Adria Crawford practices with freshman guard Natalia Sierra-Vargas. (Sage Russell | Staff Photographer)

Freshman guard Nya Robertson moves the ball down the court against graduate assistant Moriah Crisp. (Sage Russell | Staff Photographer)

(L-R) Freshman forward Caia Loving and sophomore guard Maxine Engel practice with student managers. (Sage Russell | Staff Photographer)

(L-R) Junior guard Asjah Inniss and senior forward Faith Blethen share a laugh during practice. (Sage Russell | Staff Photographer)

Faith Blethen helps her teammate, Asjah Inniss, relax by massaging her shoulders as they listen to instructions from head coach Caroline McCombs. (Sage Russell | Staff Photographer)

Freshman guard Maxine Engel works on her jump with the help of practice player Nico Schwartz. (Sage Russell | Staff Photographer)

Assistant coach Adria Crawford demonstrates a hand signal for the team, a tool for on-court communication between players. (Sage Russell | Staff Photographer)

(L-R) Natalia Sierra-Vargas, Nya Lok and Mia Lakstigala take drinks of water during a break. (Sage Russell | Staff Photographer)