Preseason Polls are Out!

This year, MAAC Media Day turned out to be a record-setting event for the Iona WBB team! This is the first year in school history we've had 4 players named to Preseason All-MAAC teams. We were also chosen 2nd place by a poll of the league's 10 coaches. BUT it's only preseason...the end of the year honors are what counts the most!! (But that doesn't mean we don't appreciate the preseason honors now.) :)

Thazina was named to the Preseason All-MAAC First Team and Anna, Andja and Kristina were all named to the Preseason All-MAAC Second Team. Congrats girls...we are very proud of you all!! (You can check out the full preseason releases with Coaches Polls and All-MAAC teams at http://www.maacsports.com/.)

Suzi, Thazina and Anna all came to the event in the city...looking very nice in their "fancy clothes". You get so used to seeing the team in their sweaty practice gear that it's nice to see them dressed up every now and then; although, I'm not sure if all of them quite enjoy it...I won't mention any names! :)

Bye Bye Teenage Years!

Another birthday on the team...Jess turns the big 20!! Anna leads the way in song and everyone's beautiful voice follows in harmony...or something like that. Happy 20th Birthday, Jess!!

Make a Difference Clinic

What a great Saturday we had!! We had practice, watched some of the volleyball game and put on a clinic for the community for Make a Difference Week. Make a Difference Week is a full week of service dedicated to the spirit of helping others and our community...and we are so happy we had the chance to be a part of it!

The players did an outstanding job of getting all 62 children involved and making it fun for everyone. They set up 5 different stations (Agility's, Shooting, Rebounding, Defense & Ball Handling) and did drills and played games. However, it may have been difficult to concentrate with the defensive station being so loud...Jess had the kids screaming and falling all over the place!! All of the groups couldn't wait to get to the defense station...great job Jess!!

At the end, Cat put together a relay race and the rest of the girls gave out awards to the hardest workers. We gave out some Media Guides and signed some autographs...all-in-all, it was a great way to give back to those who show us so much support!

Maroon Madness Marks Beginning of Season

"Basketball season is officially underway. The Iona College women’s basketball team kicked off the 2009-2010 campaign with the celebration of Maroon Madness on Friday, October 16 in the Hynes Athletics Center.

Maroon Madness, which was one of the marquee events of Iona's Homecoming Weekend, featured performances by the Iona pipe band, cheerleaders, dance team, and Born Talent (who performed the Iona basketball song). The event also included an assortment of prizes and contests.

The players and coaches received a special introduction as they entered the gym one at a time. The team delivered a big surprise to the crowd by performing a rousing rendition of Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

Following the introduction of the men's basketball players and coaches, players from both teams participated in a number of skills competitions. The freshmen and sophomores competed against the juniors and seniors in a 3-point contest, and then one player from each team was paired up with a student in a rapid-fire shooting drill.

Assistant Director of Athletics Elizabeth Faia coordinated the festivities. Associate AD Brian Beyrer and student Scott O'Donnell shared the role of master of ceremonies. At the end of the evening, head coach Anthony Bozzella addressed the audience and thanked the fans for their support. Maroon Madness marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year for the Iona women's basketball program!!" -Michael Sacks

Dr. Rosenberg at his Best!

Dr. Rosenberg, the Provost of Iona College, and our team moderator, does a phenomenal job of putting together slide shows for different parts of our season. He really gets the girls motivated with the pictures and music he puts together. He just finished our End of Preseason slide show...take a look, he's pretty good at what he does!! :)

Welcome Back Practices!

We can't say enough about how hard the team worked this preseason...they really pushed themselves to the limit throughout all 7 weeks. Our captains and seniors really stepped it up and led the team while our underclassman persevered through the adversity. We are all extremely excited about the upcoming practices and ready to get our season underway. Maroon Madness will be a fun way to start it off...can't wait to see the team's dance this year, it's always one of the highlights of the night!!

Congratulations to our Preseason Award Winners:

Best Preseason Weightlifter--Marissa Flagg
Most Inspirational Players of Preseason--Anna McLean & Thazina Cook
Most Improved Player--Anna McLean

Check out our preseason video...you can see the team working hard, having fun and unwinding!

Homecoming Weekend

This weekend is Homecoming Weekend, and there are tons of fun things happening around campus. Maroon Madness is Friday at 6:30 in Hynes Athletic Center...Intro of men's and women's basketball teams, skill challenges, performances & LOTS of prizes to be given away (chance to win $10,000, ipod docking stations and free airline tickets!)

Come meet us on Saturday at "Meet the Gaels" from 11:30-2:30. You will have the chance to meet the players and coaches, as well as see our practice for the day. Saturday night at 6:00 is Margarita Madness where there will be a margarita-themed dinner/dance featuring a variety of food, music, raffles and a silent auction. We are looking forward to a weekend of fun and getting started with our season!!

If you want to know more information about Homecoming Weekend, see our website at www.icgaels.com.

Happy Birthday, Sam!!

And another freshmen turns 18!! Sept. 30th was Sam Kopp's birthday...and we all got Coach Abbate's famous cake, once again :) Happy 18th Birthday, Sam!!