“The way we ended was a disappointment, the whole season was a disappointment. We lost in the first round for the first time since I’ve been here. Our girls had about six injuries last season, all from returning players,” said newly hired women’s head coach Toyelle Wilson.
After serving four years as assistant coach, Wilson was named head coach after women’s basketball legend Cynthia Cooper-Dyke left for North Carolina-Wilmington.
With the absence of Cooper-Dyke and the graduate Players of the Year, Gaati Weerma and Candace Thomas, the Lady Panthers are looking to continue the success that they had in recent years.
Wilson said, “We’re excited about a new wave of Prairie View basketball, and hope to continue the traditions that have been set at Prairie View.”
The Lady Panthers are lead by senior guard and preseason Player of the Year, Dominique Smith. Trinity Robinson is the floor general, with 5-10 lefty guard Latia Williams who tore her ACL last year, and senior forward Robin Jones.
Experts project the Lady Panthers to finish second in the division in 2010.
Wilson said, “Smith is a special player that you only get once in a lifetime to coach, she is a great person to be around. She brings an aura. She is smart and funny, but she can also play basketball.”
Smith and Jones are the only returning starters this season. Jones, at 6-0, is a mobile player who can knock down the outside shot, while Smith is an outstanding all-around player who can score from anywhere on the court.
The Lady Panthers are returning eight players in 2010. Sharde Henry, Dieynaba Toure, and Robinson are X-Factors, they have to make plays in-order for the Lady Panthers to take the next level.
Wilson said, “They are all leaders vocally and on the court action wise.”
The Lady Panthers will have their season-opener in Ruston, La. against Louisiana Tech on Nov. 13.