Team had an open practice on Sunday preceded by a chalk talk session with Coach G. Believe the latter may have been limited to season ticket holders (Yes, there are still some of us). Hard not to be optimistic about the transformation of the women’s program heading into the new season. When she was here on Rizzotti’s staff, I always thought of Coach G as the quiet one the players could go to as a safe haven. As the head coach, G is the one with the determined fire in the belly instructing and guiding her team. She’ll stop practice and instruct if she sees something she doesn’t like. But she also is quick to pass on encouragement and praise when it’s warranted. Team appears to respond well to her and her staff that should translate into much improved play this year. Coaches always talk about wanting to play an uptempo game and as a self proclaimed coach who loves guards, G has GW playing in a five out offense with emphasis on disciplined passing and cutting. Anyone merely going through the motions was immediately called out as a reminder that turnovers can be minimized if not eliminated by proper attention to fundamentals. Gonna take all 5 on the court to garner our share of rebounds but at least based on that public practice and social media interactions, the canvas being painted will be pleasing to the eye. Time will tell how many wins that will mean. But I’m encouraged, even beyond looking through my usual rose-colored glasses.