Seasons Greetings! We had our Holiday Party last week and had a great time playing charades and guessing our Secret Santa's. Everyone gave great gifts and it was nice to relax with the whole team. We wanted to thank all of you who have been such avid followers of our Blog and great supporters of our team. We hope you all have a great New Year...see you in 2010!! :)
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
UMES and Fordham "Behind the Scenes" Look
Videos from our UMES and Fordham games from this past week. Post-game interviews from Diana (UMES) and Thazina (Fordham) are at the end of each video.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Coach Bozzella Interview
David Greenwald interviews Coach Bozzella about the season up to this point and our upcoming games this week.
Happy Birthday, Anda!
Anda turned 21 on Thursday...and by now, you all know what that means! A Happy Birthday song led by Anna and a piece of Coach Abbate's cake. We had to get a little creative with the "Happy Birthday" writing on the cake this time around. Great thinking by Kara (one of our managers...not the player) to use Jelly-Belly's and Twizzlers for the letters!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Hola...Cancun Slideshow
The Cancun Challenge was an amazing tournament to be a part of. We would have most definitely liked the outcome of our games to have been a little different; however, it will be an experience the team will never forget. We got lots of great photos while we were there...check out our slide show!!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Cancun Challenge-Arkansas Game
First off....Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!! We hope you all enjoyed your day and had time to spend it with your friends and family!! Among many things, we are very thankful for all of the support you, our fans, have shown us and we want to thank YOU for everything you have done!!
I hate to say it, but it was another tough one today. The girls played great and really went out there and gave it their all...unfortunately, we came up short again. We made some great plays and really kept to what we were supposed to do defensively, which we are proud of them for doing. Anna led us with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while freshmen, Diana Hubbard, is really proving herself by shooting 4-6 from beyond the arc. Check out the full online article and stats at http://www.icgaels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=64325&SPID=7100&DB_OEM_ID=14900&ATCLID=204840729.
The Cancun Challenge Banquet was tonight and all of the teams got together, ate a nice dinner and saw an authentic Mayan ritual on stage (video clips of that to come!!). Coach Bozzella gave a short post-game interview prior to the tournament banquet tonight. We are ready for tomorrow's game...we all know what needs to be done!!
I hate to say it, but it was another tough one today. The girls played great and really went out there and gave it their all...unfortunately, we came up short again. We made some great plays and really kept to what we were supposed to do defensively, which we are proud of them for doing. Anna led us with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while freshmen, Diana Hubbard, is really proving herself by shooting 4-6 from beyond the arc. Check out the full online article and stats at http://www.icgaels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=64325&SPID=7100&DB_OEM_ID=14900&ATCLID=204840729.
The Cancun Challenge Banquet was tonight and all of the teams got together, ate a nice dinner and saw an authentic Mayan ritual on stage (video clips of that to come!!). Coach Bozzella gave a short post-game interview prior to the tournament banquet tonight. We are ready for tomorrow's game...we all know what needs to be done!!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Oh the Places You Will Go
The Notre Dame trip was a great experience for the girls. The chance to see a ND home football game, as well as play in front of a crowd of 8,511 people is something the team will never forget. The outcome of our game was nothing like what we had hoped for, or have worked so hard for these past few months. The word we are using to describe our performance is disappointment. The girls seem to understand that they need to step it up if we want to do anything special this year because playing like we did on Sunday will most definitely not cut it. However, we still wanted to give all of you a little peek at what we saw while we were at Notre Dame...check out the short video of the football festivities.
Right now we are getting ready to play Arkansas and Cleveland State in the Cancun Challenge in Cancun, Mexico. A bunch of us (staff) are already here in Cancun, and let me tell you...it's pretty amazing! Glad to be getting a little sunshine and warm weather...but it's down to business once the team arrives tomorrow afternoon until our last game Friday afternoon. We'll keep you updated on how it's going down here and hopefully be writing about 2 more wins under our belt soon!Saturday, November 21, 2009
Happy Birthday, Coach Bozzella
Although the cake tradition wasn't carried out for Coach B's birthday, I think he'll take tickets to the Notre Dame vs UCONN football game any day of the week...no offense to Coach Abbate's yummy cakes!! The team...players, coaches, managers, SID, trainer, moderator, and all of the above...will be going to watch the Irish play for Senior Day today.
We are all so excited!! After practice today on Notre Dame's campus, we saw hundreds (maybe thousands) of Irish fans tailgating all over the place...parking lots, yards, fields, you name it, they were there. It's going to be a crazy day and we can't wait to get it started! And, of course, our game tomorrow will be a great experience for the girls, as well.
Happy Birthday, Coach Bozzella!! Videos from our trip will be up soon!!
We are all so excited!! After practice today on Notre Dame's campus, we saw hundreds (maybe thousands) of Irish fans tailgating all over the place...parking lots, yards, fields, you name it, they were there. It's going to be a crazy day and we can't wait to get it started! And, of course, our game tomorrow will be a great experience for the girls, as well.
Happy Birthday, Coach Bozzella!! Videos from our trip will be up soon!!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Season Opener Against Arizona
So the end result may not have been what we were looking for in our first game, but what an effort put forth by the girls...especially in the 2nd half! After losing last night to Arizona in our Tip Off Tournament / season opener (75-70 in overtime) we are putting our game-face on and coming ready for tonight's game against Bucknell.
Last night was a true test of the team's character and determination to fight back. Down by 21 points with 19:08 remaining in the game, we chipped away point by point and brought the game into overtime. Unfortunately, Arizona took the lead right away and we never got it back. Anna McLean showed how hard she's worked in the off-season to come back for her senior year and really kick it into gear! She ended the game with 22 points and 19 rebounds. Cat Lutz came ready for game-changing plays...she hit 5-11 from behind the arc, several of them coming at critical points in the game.
The fan attendance was great! They were into the game from the very beginning and stayed loud to the last few seconds. It was nice to see some of the summer camp girls come to support us...they helped out with the water and were great cheerleaders.
If you want to check out the article online or the stats from the game you can see them at http://www.icgaels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14900&ATCLID=204834205.
Last night was a true test of the team's character and determination to fight back. Down by 21 points with 19:08 remaining in the game, we chipped away point by point and brought the game into overtime. Unfortunately, Arizona took the lead right away and we never got it back. Anna McLean showed how hard she's worked in the off-season to come back for her senior year and really kick it into gear! She ended the game with 22 points and 19 rebounds. Cat Lutz came ready for game-changing plays...she hit 5-11 from behind the arc, several of them coming at critical points in the game.
The fan attendance was great! They were into the game from the very beginning and stayed loud to the last few seconds. It was nice to see some of the summer camp girls come to support us...they helped out with the water and were great cheerleaders.
If you want to check out the article online or the stats from the game you can see them at http://www.icgaels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14900&ATCLID=204834205.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
After a good start with our win in our Dowling exhibition game last Saturday (97-63), everyone is ready for the regular season games to be underway! Our Tip Off Tournament is this weekend and we expect a great showing from all of the teams...Univ. of Arizona, Bucknell Univ, Miami OH Univ., and of course, the Iona Lady Gaels!!
The tournament kicks off this Saturday with Miami (OH) vs. Bucknell at 5:00pm then Iona vs. Arizona at 7:30pm. As we've been saying all year long so far, the girls are working as hard as ever and are excited to see all of their time and effort pay off in the games!!
We look forward to seeing all of our "blog fans" at the games cheering us on! Go Gaels!!
Friday, November 6, 2009
GAMESSS
It's November and that only means one thing...GAMES ARE STARTING! We have our first exhibition game vs. Dowling tomorrow at 1:00pm and then we are full-swing into the regular season. We are so excited about our Tip Off Tournament on Nov 14th & 15th and having Arizona, Bucknell & Miami (OH) on campus.
The girls have been going so hard these past few weeks in practice, I know we are all ready to get the games going and see all the time spent in the gym pay off! Just like last year, there will be a theme for every home game this year, starting off with Kids Day Out / National Diabetes Day on Nov. 20th against Pacific. The full themed schedule will be up on our website soon, so be sure to check it out!!
The girls have been going so hard these past few weeks in practice, I know we are all ready to get the games going and see all the time spent in the gym pay off! Just like last year, there will be a theme for every home game this year, starting off with Kids Day Out / National Diabetes Day on Nov. 20th against Pacific. The full themed schedule will be up on our website soon, so be sure to check it out!!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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! :)
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! :)
Monday, October 26, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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!! :)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
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!
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
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!!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Birthday Tradition Continues
Yesterday was Diana's 18th birthday!! As the tradition has been for several years now, Coach Abbate brings in her amazingly delicious cake, everyone sings Happy Birthday to the "birthday girl" and we all dig in!! This year we started the season off with Diana's birthday and it was great to get it all on camera.
It's nice to have Anna back so she can lead the team in the song...she really gets into it! And it's good to see the upperclassmen leading the underclassmen in how to blow out the candles :) In the video you'll hear Thazina telling Diana "Don't spit on the cake" and Suzi telling her to "Blow all the candles out at once". Our captains are such great leaders :)
Can't wait for the next birthday to get here!!
It's nice to have Anna back so she can lead the team in the song...she really gets into it! And it's good to see the upperclassmen leading the underclassmen in how to blow out the candles :) In the video you'll hear Thazina telling Diana "Don't spit on the cake" and Suzi telling her to "Blow all the candles out at once". Our captains are such great leaders :)
Can't wait for the next birthday to get here!!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
One Week Down
The first week of preseason has come and gone and the girls are counting down the remaining 6 weeks left until we can start practicing as a team!! All of the coaches are impressed with everyones shape coming back into the year. So far, 6 people have passed the Beep Test...we know the other girls are going to beat it any day now!! They are all pushing themselves so hard that we know they are trying their best to get through it!
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Beep Test, it is a conditioning test that lets us measure the shape of each player coming back from the summer. It's a series of sprints that needs to be completed in a certain amount of time...don't worry, they get a break in between each sprint :)
Besides the Beep Test, the team is going through individual workouts (one-on-one with coaches, as well as group individuals...no more than 4 people at at time though--don't want to break any NCAA rules!!), team conditioning, lifting with Khyl (our Strength & Conditioning coach), and playing open gym together.
Towards the end of preseason, we will be sure to put up a video and some pictures of the player's workouts so you all can see how much work they are putting in for the upcoming season!
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Beep Test, it is a conditioning test that lets us measure the shape of each player coming back from the summer. It's a series of sprints that needs to be completed in a certain amount of time...don't worry, they get a break in between each sprint :)
Besides the Beep Test, the team is going through individual workouts (one-on-one with coaches, as well as group individuals...no more than 4 people at at time though--don't want to break any NCAA rules!!), team conditioning, lifting with Khyl (our Strength & Conditioning coach), and playing open gym together.
Towards the end of preseason, we will be sure to put up a video and some pictures of the player's workouts so you all can see how much work they are putting in for the upcoming season!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Judgement Day
Friday was Judgement Day for Iona Women's Basketball. We had Eric, Mike and Jim, from The Program, come to our campus and put the girls through 4 quarters of intense obstacles that tested their endurance, teamwork, leadership and ability to overcome adversity. The girls seemed a little hesitant after they realized what was going on, but once they got through it, there wasn't a single player that didn't think it was well worth it.
Eric Kapitulik, the founder and CEO of The Program, said that he was extremely impressed with the team's leadership, teamwork and tenacity throughout the whole day. Although there were SEVERAL girls he was impressed with, he was most intrigued by Anna and Marissa's ability to take his teachings and apply them in such a short period of time.
Eric Kapitulik, the founder and CEO of The Program, said that he was extremely impressed with the team's leadership, teamwork and tenacity throughout the whole day. Although there were SEVERAL girls he was impressed with, he was most intrigued by Anna and Marissa's ability to take his teachings and apply them in such a short period of time.
Anna lead the team in jumping-jacks; while she was supposed to finish the quarter with a set of 6, she went to 7...replying to Eric's questioning with "We need to do 'One More'". "One More" is The Program's trade marked phrase, to emphasize the importance of pushing yourself to the limit everyday to get better. While doing the log and sand bag quarter, Marissa was quick to realize that each team needed to line up in ascending height order. Eric later told us it sometimes takes military teams up to 3 months to understand this concept. Way to go girls!!
Overall, it was a great experience and we all enjoyed a nice team dinner at Posto 22 afterwards. We want to thank everyone from The Program for coming and helping our team. We look forward to seeing how this will help us in the future...Let the season begin!!
If you want to learn more about Eric Kapitulik and The Program, visit http://www.theprogramathletics.com/aboutCEO.htm.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Welcome Back!!
Wow...the start of another year is here! All the girls are back on campus and are settled into their dorms, apartments and houses. Kara, Sarah and Robin graciously volunteered their time on Sunday to help move the freshmen class into the dorms. (Not just the basketball freshmen, but the entire class of 2013!!) I'm sure they got their workout in for the day :)
We had our first team meeting on Tuesday (Aug 25th) and it was great to see everyone together again! All of the players look great and they seemed excited to be back. The biggest surprise--Milica got a nose ring...who would have guessed!! A bunch of the girls went to the Luau on campus Wednesday night...they said it was a great time...looks that way from the pictures! We are glad to see the freshmen (Sam and Haley) getting comfortable with their new college life!
We have our team event this Friday, which is "hush-hush" until Friday comes around, but we know it's going to be a great experience for the girls. We will be sure to take good pictures and video so everyone can see how it went.
We had our first team meeting on Tuesday (Aug 25th) and it was great to see everyone together again! All of the players look great and they seemed excited to be back. The biggest surprise--Milica got a nose ring...who would have guessed!! A bunch of the girls went to the Luau on campus Wednesday night...they said it was a great time...looks that way from the pictures! We are glad to see the freshmen (Sam and Haley) getting comfortable with their new college life!
We have our team event this Friday, which is "hush-hush" until Friday comes around, but we know it's going to be a great experience for the girls. We will be sure to take good pictures and video so everyone can see how it went.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
First year of Girls Summer Camp
We couldn't have asked for a better turnout for our first year of Girls Basketball Camp. We had about 42 campers...all of whom were eager to learn more about the game of basketball, play lots of scrimmages and win tons of prizes. The prize that all the girls wanted the most (besides the NY Liberty tickets) were the signed basketballs...who would have thought they'd be such a hot commodity! We also had signed Media Guides, NY Liberty t-shirts, NY Liberty tickets, Iona WBB bags and Iona WBB t-shirts.
At the end of each day, we all went down to the pool for our "Swimming Cool-Down", which was much needed after all of the hard work they had put in during the day. The campers also impressed us with their enthusiasm to participate in the "Spirit Theme of the Day". Monday-Support Your Team Day...Tuesday-Crazy Sock Day...Wednesday-Crazy Hair Day...Thursday-Mix-Match Day...Friday-Maroon and Gold Day. We gave some individual prizes for campers who went the furthest with each theme...some of those socks were CRAZY!!
We also gave out a few trophies on Friday during the Awards Ceremony. Most Spirited for the Week...Most Outstanding Player...Most Enthusiastic Player of the Week...Hustle Player of the Week...Sportsmanship Award.
We all (coaches, players and managers) had a great time running the camp and were so excited that the campers had such a good time throughout the week. We hope to see a lot of the faces from camp at some of our games this season and back at camp next year!!
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