2022-23 Women's Basketball Season Preview

ALBANY, N.Y. - The University at Albany women’s basketball season begins in just one week. Head coach, Colleen Mullen, the coaching staff, and the team are excited to ring in the “season on the road” and welcome its challenges.

Road Warriors

Coming back from the break, the 2022 America East Champions returned ready for more.

“Our players returned to campus this past July in tremendous shape and with a high level of confidence,” said head coach Colleen Mullen. “Our veteran team moved quickly through concepts which allowed us to introduce new information every day. It’s exciting to return a team with so much experience and depth.”

After just a couple of weeks back, SEFCU Arena closed for construction and was unavailable for practices. The Great Danes found themselves traveling all over the Capital Region. From using the Armory to practicing down the road at Sage College, the team has found difficulties being away from their home court.

“Many challenges have come up with practice not being in SEFCU,” said senior Grace Heeps. “One such challenge is having to adjust to playing on different courts with different hoops.”

Though the transition was initially difficult, the Great Danes are looking on the positive side and embracing the lack of a home gym.

“The challenges we have faced with not being in SEFCU this year have forced us to adapt to the adversity which will set us up for success throughout the season.” Heeps continued.

When official practices started, UAlbany began seeing more time in the PE Building on campus. Looking for a little bit more consistency, the old pool was turned into a practice court. While that consistency is good, the makeshift court provides its own set of challenges.

“Practicing in the pool has [provided us opportunities to be] flexible and not get too dependent on routines,” said senior Helene Haegerstrand. “Routines and habits are good but I also believe that getting too attached to those things can become "toxic". I think that moving around and going with the flow will be great for us especially since we have to win so many games on the road this year.”

Overall, the Great Danes are ready to take on the 2022-23 season as ‘Road Warriors’.

A New Home

Earlier this summer, the UAlbany Athletic Department announced transformational renovations of both SEFCU Arena and the Physical Education Building that will improve the fan experience and provide state-of-the-art facilities for the University’s athletic programs and Capital Region community events. 

Due to the construction, the team will play all but one of its 2022-23 home games at the McDonough Sports Complex on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College. The November 19 game against Colgate will be played at the College of Saint Rose’s Events and Athletics Center.

“We are thrilled to be playing our home games at HVCC,” said Colleen Mullen. “It is spacious, convenient to Albany, and will be a great atmosphere for our fans. Our players have already mentioned how much they love playing on the court. We are excited to make HVCC our new home and we hope our fans, alumni, friends, and season ticket holders come to HVCC to continue to support these talented, impressive young women.”

Pre-Season Play

On October 29, the Great Danes began the preseason with a scrimmage at HVCC.

“The players were very excited to compete against someone other than themselves,” said Colleen Mullen. “We focused on making the scrimmage as game-like as possible so that it could serve as an opportunity for growth and learning. It was exciting to see our defensive intensity and unselfish play. Our depth and experience is one of our biggest strengths as a group this year.“

UAlbany will play one final preseason game before the official start of the 2022-23 season. In a cross-divisional matchup, the Great Danes will visit Saint Rose for a Monday night showdown (Nov. 7) at the Events and Athletics Center just down the street. 

“What an event for the Capital Region to have the opportunity to get a glimpse into two terrific local programs,” added Mullen. “It should be a fun match-up for families, friends, fans, and community members to watch a terrific brand of basketball. We hope to spark interest in each of our programs and provide an opportunity for the youth in the area to gain new role models within their communities.”

America East Coaches’ Poll

UAlbany earned 59 points with seven first-place votes to land in first place just one year after being picked fifth. The returning America East Champions are followed by the 2021-22 AE Regular Season Champions, Maine, with 54 points.

In addition to the highest placement in the preseason poll, 2021-22 all-conference honorees, Helene Haegerstrand and Kayla Cooper notched a spot on the six-person preseason team. Haegerstrand returns after leading the Great Danes in scoring (11.8 points per game and a .384 three-point percentage) while Cooper returns with last season’s team-highs in rebounds (7.2 rebounds per game - 84 offensive and 153 defensive total).

2022-23 America East Women's Basketball Preseason Poll

No.        School - Points (1st Place Votes)

1.             UAlbany - 59 (7)

2.             Maine - 54

3.             Vermont - 46 (1)

4.             NJIT - 42

5.             Binghamton - 39 (1)

6.             UMass Lowell - 27

T-7.          New Hampshire - 21

T-7.          Bryant - 21

9.             UMBC - 9

2022 America East Women's Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team

Name                                   School                 Yr.          Pos.

Denai Bowman                   Binghamton       Sr.          Guard

Kayla Cooper                      UAlbany              Jr.          Guard

Helene Haegerstrand        UAlbany              Sr.          Forward

Anna Olsen                         Vermont              Jr.          Forward

Anne Simon                        Maine                  Sr.          Guard

Emma Utterback                Vermont             Sr.          Guard

Mid-Major Preseason Poll

The only team in the America East, the Great Danes tallied 195 points to earn a #19 ranking in College Insider’s Preseason Mid-Major Poll. 

“We are very honored that the College Insider coaching panel views our team as having the potential to be a mid-major top 25 contender,” said head coach Colleen Mullen. "My staff has worked extremely hard over the last four years to develop and recruit high-character, hard-working athletes who strive for excellence in the classroom and on the court.  This recognition truly is a testament to our player's work ethic, selflessness and buy-in to our championship culture.  We are lucky to return a lot of experience and depth.  If we continue to focus on getting better every day and elevating in all we do, we will have the opportunity to accomplish our team's goals." 

Non-Conference Opponents

The Great Danes are scheduled to play 14 non-conference games this year, four of them being in the Capital Region. After starting the season hosting Merrimack (Nov. 11), the team will head to Siena for the Albany Cup (Nov. 13).

“I am excited to play Siena because of the local rivalry and how hungry they are to play us,” said senior Grace Heeps. “I am excited to showcase the depth and talent we have and to once again take home the Albany Cup, which is important to me as a local.”

A trip to the UNLV Thanksgiving Tournament highlights a road slate that includes three Power Five teams - Boston College (Dec. 10), Ohio State (Dec. 16), and Syracuse (Dec. 20). 

While fifth-year Lucia Decortes is ready for the cross-country trip - “I can't wait to play in a tournament against different teams and to visit [Las Vegas] for the first time,” - and redshirt-junior Morgan Haney is excited to visit her home - “I get to play against a great [Ohio State] team, in my home state, and in front of family and friends” - many Great Danes are excited for the rematch at Boston College.

“[Boston College] is a big game for us,” said fifth-year Ellen Hahne. “We played them well last year but ended up losing. I’m excited to play them again and compete for a win.”

“I am really excited to play Boston College,” added junior Kayla Cooper. “We are a much better team than we were last year, and I think it'll be fun to have a rematch.”

America East Lineup

Conference action will kick off just before the new year at home on December 29 with UAlbany hosting Vermont for the 7 p.m. matchup. 

“I look forward to starting off the conference season against [Vermont] because I think they are excited to play us since we finished their season last year,” said Hahne. “I think it will be a competitive game and a good way to kick off conference play.”

After traveling to head coach Colleen Mullen’s alma mater, New Hampshire, to kick off the new year (Jan. 1), the Great Danes are set to return home for their first home game of 2023 - UMBC (Jan. 4). 

Bryant (Jan. 11), NJIT (Jan. 14), and New Hampshire (Jan. 25) will close out January’s home competition while games against UMass Lowell (Feb. 1), Binghamton (Feb. 11), and Maine (Feb. 18) highlight the final month of regular season play.

“I am excited to play Maine,” said Lilly Phillips. “They are such a tough team and it will be super fun getting a rematch from the conference championship game.”

Drive the Lane

UAlbany is excited to continue its partnership with ESPN Radio 104.5 The Team and City Line Bar & Grill for another year of ‘Drive the Lane with UAlbany Hoops’. The weekly radio spot features head coaches Dwayne Killings and Colleen Mullen, along with select student-athletes, on air with ESPN Radio 104.5 The Team’s Charlie Voelker and Dan Bahl. The show will be held live every Monday from City Line Bar & Grill on Western Ave across the street from UAlbany’s campus. 

The show is set to run every Monday throughout the basketball season from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Coaches and student-athletes join Charlie and Dan to break down games, give an inside look at the program, and connect with the Capital Region community. In addition, having the show at City Line Bar & Grill gives fans the unique opportunity to talk to the Great Danes in person.

Season Tickets

Season tickets for the 2022-23 season are now on sale. To purchase your season tickets, just log in to your online Ticket Return account and select 2022-23 women’s basketball. Renewals can be processed online, and game tickets will be delivered to your mobile device or, if you choose, emailed. To start your season ticket renewal, click here. If you are a first-time season ticket buyer, click here. 

Social Central

For more information on the University at Albany women’s basketball team, follow the squad's official social media accounts shown below.

Twitter - @ualbanywbb

Instagram - @ualbanywbb

Facebook – facebook.com/UAlbanyWBB

MEET THE FRESHMEN

#23 Taylor Moffat

Guard

5-8, Freshman

Mount Barker, Australia / St Francis de Sales College

“I had various colleges show their interest but something about UAlbany really stuck with me. Coming all the way from Australia, I wanted a family away from home and I wanted a program that would have my best interests at heart. I am a person and player that is all about positive culture and building connections, and with the majority of the championship team remaining for the 22-23 season, that aspect really stuck out to me. My conversations with the coaches went really well and they showed that they were interested in me and wanted to develop me as a player. I chose UAlbany because of the family culture and the opportunities I was presented with.” - Taylor on why she chose UAlbany

“Taylor is a scrappy, crafty, blue-collar guard. She can knock down an open ‘3’ consistently and plays the game very hard. She does all the dirty work on the defensive end; she takes chargers and gets every 50/50 ball. She is a great addition to our backcourt.” - Colleen Mullen on Taylor Moffat

#30 Karyn Sanford

Guard

6-0, Freshman

Bergen, Norway / Metis videregående

“I chose UAlbany because of the culture. I loved how the coaches cared about personal development as well as basketball development. The team made me feel at home on my visit, and I felt like UAlbany could be a place I fit in well.” - Karyn on why she chose UAlbany

“Karyn’s basketball acumen as a freshman is one of the best I’ve coached. Her ability to pass and create is special and with her size and length, she can defend multiple positions. She has NBA range along with a crafty interior skill set. Karyn has played at an elite level on a national stage and as she continues to gain experience in the states, her ceiling is endless.” - Colleen Mullen on Karyn Sanford

#33 Marie Sepp

Guard

5-5, Freshman

Tallinn, Estonia / Audentese Spordigümnaasium

“I chose UAlbany because I developed a good connection with the coaches from the start and all of my teammates made me feel like a part of the family. UAlbany also had a lot of international players which had a huge impact on my decision. In addition, I liked their playing style and I think my playing style fits into it.” - Marie Sepp on why she chose UAlbany

“Marie is a pure point guard who has played at a very high level in her native country, Estonia. She is a floor leader and creator. She stretches the defense with her 3-PT range which allows her to attack the paint and utilize her tremendous court vision and passing ability to get us easy looks at the basket. She provides us critical depth at the point guard position.” - Colleen Mullen on Marie Sepp

MEET THE RETURNING STUDENT-ATHLETES

#1 Fatima Lee

Guard

5-7, Senior

Queens, N.Y. / Putnam Science Academy / Providence College

Third year at UAlbany

“Fatima is an explosive offensive player. She is quick, athletic, and has a tremendous pull-up jumper. She can stretch the defense with her 3-pt shooting range or break down her defender and get to the rim. She is a vocal leader and brings amazing energy to our team.” - Colleen Mullen on Fatima Lee

#3 Lilly Phillips

Guard

5-11, Sophomore

Greenwich, N.Y. / Cambridge Central

Second year at UAlbany

“Lilly’s versatility, length, and athleticism at every guard position make her very hard to defend. She is a consistent decision-maker and can get to the rim and finish with contact. She continues to improve as a floor leader and has gained confidence as a 3-pt shooter.” - Colleen Mullen on Lilly Phillips

#10 Ellen Hahne

Guard

5-11, Graduate Student

Stockholm, Sweden / Riksbasketgymnasiet Lulea / Wake Forest University

Third year at UAlbany

“Ellen is tough as nails and has continued to expand her game season after season. She competes on both ends of the floor, is one of our hardest-working players, and always leads by example. She is terrific in our pressure defense and is a mismatch nightmare offensively.” - Colleen Mullen on Ellen Hahne

#12 Freja Werth

Guard

6-1, Sophomore

Aldred, Sweden / Riksbasketgymnasiet Lulea

Second year at UAlbany

“Freja is a dynamic player who can play most positions on the floor but is most dangerous as a trail post shooter. She can lead the break, shoot the ‘3’ and post up. She has a high basketball IQ and knows how to create driving lanes for herself and her teammates. She is a creative finisher at the rim and can finish through contact. Her length is beneficial in our full-court pressure defense.” - Colleen Mullen on Freja Werth

#13 Lucia Decortes

Forward

6-3, Graduate Student

Bonate Sopra, Bergamo, Italy / Liceo Delle Scienze Umane e Musicale

Fifth year at UAlbany

“Lucia is a huge piece to our defense. She is always tasked with defending our opponent’s best post player. She uses her length well to block and alter shots and serves as our enforcer inside. Lucia is a relentless rebounder and consistently creates extra possessions for our team.” - Colleen Mullen on Lucia Decortes

#14 Grace Heeps

Guard

5-11, Senior

East Greenbush, N.Y. / Northfield Mount Hermon / University of Massachusetts

Third year at UAlbany

“Grace’s vocal leadership on the court is invaluable to our team’s success. She has worked hard in the off-season to expand her game beyond her consistent 3-pt shooting ability. Grace has also established herself as one of our most consistent team defenders.” - Colleen Mullen on Grace Heeps

#15 Morgan Haney

Guard

5-8, Redshirt-Junior

Piqua, Ohio / Miami East 

Fourth year at UAlbany

“Morgan’s ability to create for herself and her teammates is special. She has a scorer’s mentality but her unselfish play and court vision allow her to create open looks for her teammates. Morgan has proven to be a consistent pull-up and 3-pt shooter and is great off a pick-and-roll. She is a scrappy off-ball defender and has great lateral quickness on the ball.” - Colleen Mullen on Morgan Haney

#20 Kayla Cooper

Guard

6-0, Junior

Frederick, Md. / St. John’s Catholic Prep

Third year at UAlbany

“Kayla is an explosive rebounder and a tremendous athlete. She has an uncanny ability to finish around the basket in a variety of ways. Her face-up game makes her dangerous from multiple areas on the court.  Kayla’s ability to play in pressure defense keeps offenses off balance. She is coachable and her best basketball is still ahead of her.” - Colleen Mullen on Kayla Cooper

#21 Helene Haegerstrand

Forward

6-1, Senior

Stockholm, Sweden / Morbyskolan

Fourth year at UAlbany

“Helene’s versatility at her position makes her a very hard player to scout. She is a knock-down 3-pt shooter but also is very consistent in the paint. She is challenging to defend inside because of her high release and face-up game paired with her ability to stretch the defense with her range. After losing Lucia to injury last season, Helene’s defense has elevated to a new level in her absence.” - Colleen Mullen on Helene Haegerstrand

#22 Taniya Hanner

Forward

6-1, Senior

Hillside, N.J. / Roselle Catholic

Fourth year at UAlbany

“Taniya adds tremendous depth to our front line. She is a tough, physical post player who bangs inside and frustrates her opponents. She has a great knack for rebounding. She can finish around the basket and does a great job of setting screens which create opportunities for her teammates.” - Colleen Mullen on Taniya Hanner

#24 Abby Ray

Guard

5-8, Sophomore

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. / Saratoga Springs

Second year at UAlbany

“Abby is an athletic, hard-nosed defender and rebounder. She has developed into a terrific playmaker who is skilled in a pick-and-roll situation. She can consistently find the open player. She has worked hard in the off-season extending her range to be a consistent threat from the 3.” - Colleen Mullen on Abby Ray