Hello! Welcome back to the second edition of The Hart Beat! Since the last time I wrote, we were gearing up for Hoopfest and just started first official practices. Since then, we have improved overall as a team and even scrimmaged against Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) this past weekend. That allowed our team to get accustomed to the pace of the game, especially for our newcomers. This Saturday at 12 pm, we have an exhibition versus the University of Southern Indiana (USI) at the Ford Center, which is always a fun and competitive contest for us. So that is what the coaches are currently preparing us for. But today's blog is about my perspective on my teammates, which I love talking about because my team a.k.a. THE SQUAD is pretty talented across the board! Enjoy!!!
 
#2 Kat Taylor
Kat is a very close friend of mine! On the basketball court, many of you know the impact Kat has had in this program over the last couple of years. She is lightning fast! I joke with her all the time about her "slow" pace is faster than people's "fast" pace! Unfortunately, she suffered a major injury this past summer during one of our workouts. However, she is progressing extremely well, and has high hopes of returning to play later on in the season! With this being our final season together, we talk all the time about how we want to enjoy and remember everything about this year, especially, since it's going by so fast already!
 
#54 Mallory Ladd
Mallory is also a close friend to me. When she transferred to Evansville during her freshman year, we both became pretty close buddies because we both had to redshirt. That was a fun year for the both of us. Mallory is a local star, so if you're from Evansville, you have probably heard her name plenty of times in the sports world. I would say Mallory is a BEAST on the court. She is highly skilled in many aspects of the game. She can shoot, which is probably her most lethal weapon, and good luck guarding her in the paint! Again, Mallory and I talk all the time about cherishing every moment this year!
 
#13 Laura Friday
I started calling Laura my "lil homie" when she was a freshman. She came onto the UE campus and had a huge role and responsibility to obtain and I did everything I could to make her feel welcomed and comfortable because I knew we would be playing together. Laura makes what I call heady plays. She's fundamental but also adds her own style to the game. I'm waiting to catch one of her behind the back passes this year. She has grown as a player since she's been here and is extremely mentally tough, which is something you need on a team. She has stepped into her leadership role very well. 
 
#22 Sasha Robinson
Sasha doesn't realize what all she brings to this team. She has great size, runs the floor well, and is athletic, which if you've ever seen her play; you see that consistently each game! She is a beast on the boards and just flat out works hard. She has a positive energy that the rest of us feed off of. Her game has improved as well since last year. She's more comfortable putting the ball down on the deck and confident with her shot! She's going to be hard to guard this year. I'm excited I get to play with her for another year!
 
#24 Sara Dickey
Suuura is what I call Sara! Our relationship is quite funny and I think she would agree. I'm not only her teammate but also her hairdresser. So all those quality pony braids you all see Sara whipping around on the court, which were done by yours truly! I'm actually keeping track to see how many we do by the end of the season! I know that Sara is going to have another stellar year. She's put in the hard work and time, so she deserves it. She can shoot, she can drive, and post up with her size. Sara is extremely humble which is why I think she's had so much success. I'm looking forward to playing with her as well, and just seeing her continue to develop and elevate herself as a player.
 
#33 #Ashley Hawkins#
We all call her Ash Cash or just Cash. She's all the way from California but is a JUCO transfer from Vincennes (VU). She's struggling with Evansville cold weather, which is pretty funny. Ashley can run the floor and uses her body well to rebound in the paint. She's learned a lot since being on campus and is adjusting to our system. She is a good edition to our team!
 
#5 Aaliyah Gaines
Aaliyah joins our team as a transfer from Eastern Illinois (EIU). She will be a redshirt sophomore next season. Aaliyah is quick as well and has a lot of flavor in her game that within our offense will allow her to make plays. She can shoot and get to the rim. When I found out she was coming to Evansville, I talked to her a lot about using her redshirt year to truly develop and to get better as a player. Redshirting is a great opportunity and I think she understands it's a privilege.
 
#10 Taloni Reese
Taloni, or as I sometimes call her "T," is from South Bend. She is a point guard for our team and does a lot of good things for us. Offensively, she can penetrate and looks to dish to open players, which is great since we have a lot of scorers this year. Defensively, she is able to get a lot of steals due to her ball pressure. She has made big strides since the summer and is continuing to soak it all in. I believe the scrimmage was beneficial for her because it allowed her to feel the pace of the game and how hard you have to work out there. She handled her own on the court and does a good job of rallying the team!
 
#14 #Peyton Langston#
Pey Pey! Peyton is one of those people you have to listen closely to because every once in awhile she's going to say something that is absolutely hilarious! She is also another teammate that I try and do her hair! We still are having our struggles with that! Haha Anyway, Peyton is one of the most versatile players I've seen. I seriously love watching her play because at any moment she transforms and goes to the rim like a baby Kevin Durant! Seriously, our strength coach Sunny called her baby KD one day in practice. I'm anxious to see her play and what she will bring to the team this season. Peyton will also be hard to guard because of her height and skill level. I think you all will be impressed.
 
#15 #Kenyia Johnson#
Nyia is so athletic it's insane! She can jump out of the gym. She can touch the rim and she's about my height… so yes, I'll let you think about that for a second. Nyia is also lightning fast and when she decides to go to the rim, you might as well just move out the way, because you will not stop her. She finishes very well and has good body control. Nyia comes to me all the time asking questions and I try and do my best to help her and explain things to her if she doesn't understand. She sometimes reminds me of myself because she has a smile that forces others to smile with her. She's absolutely hilarious and I can't wait to see her impact on this team!
 
#31 Asia Petitte
Asia is from West Virginia, where we will actually get to travel to and play during the nonconference season. From playing pickup with Asia this summer, she can shoot the three very well when her feet are set! Asia is a sweet person and loves her hair, makeup, and fashion, as do I! I think college has been quite an adjustment for her so far, especially with the distance but I believe she will be just fine. I look forward to her transformation during this season.
 
Well, that's the squad and I hope you all enjoyed! We look forward to stepping onto the court this Saturday to battle against USI. It should be a great day for UE as our men's team plays immediately after us. There will be a tailgate before our game outside of the Ford Center, so please join us!
 
That's all from me, K. Hart with the Hart Beat!