2023-24 Women's Basketball Season Preview

ALBANY, N.Y. - The University at Albany women’s basketball season begins in less than one week. Head coach, Colleen Mullen, the coaching staff, and the team are excited to ring in the season and play in the new Broadview Center.

A Fresh Start

Every new season comes with challenges. Ready for the 2023-24 season, the Great Danes did not hesitate to get back to work and take on the preseason.

“Our players returned to campus in great shape with a growth mindset,” said head coach Colleen Mullen. “We have a nice combination of veterans and newcomers. Right now, it’s about building new relationships, developing trust, and cultivating our championship culture moving forward.”

Focusing on those relationships, both on and off the court, and building trust, the team connected right away and became a family.

“I think we just get along really well [off] the court and that made the process of playing together easier,” said Gabriela Falcão. “It takes some time to get to know someone on the court but we all work really hard on growing together.”

“It’s been really fun connecting with everyone and building our chemistry as a team,” said Kayla Cooper. “We are all super close already so there is a big family atmosphere on and off the court.”

Enjoying the new experience of being a Great Danes, the freshmen and transfers are seeing and feeling the benefits of a new team … even if it does mean more (fun) work.

“Since I am new, everyone is new,” said Selina Monestime. “I think it is almost like starting fresh. Getting to everyone and seeing how everyone uniquely plays has been exciting.”

“Playing on a team where there are many newcomers is a tough task but a very fun one at that,” said Sarah Karpell. “The opportunity to start fresh and make so many new relationships is always exciting and a great way to build team chemistry.”

Regardless of the amount of newcomers, the UAlbany women’s basketball coaching staff does not falter in their goals and championship culture. They have pushed forward to make sure the team is game-ready come November 6.

“The development that has happened during such a short time here as a team is amazing,” said Ida Allberg.

Communicating their coaches’ message, the returners have helped to model the team’s standards and values.

“It has been great being a part of this team,” said Deja Evans. “All of the returners are super encouraging and awesome to play with. The new team dynamic is definitely fun and we will continue to grow together as a team.”

With returners who know what it takes to compete at a high level and win a championship and the new combination of freshmen, experienced transfers, and veterans, UAlbany will continue to bring an exciting brand of basketball to the court.

A New Home

Over a year after SEFCU Arena closed down for construction, the completely rebuilt and renamed Broadview Center will open with a grand-reopening basketball doubleheader on December 2.

“Our UAlbany administration and staff, along with the construction team, have worked tirelessly to meet deadlines to enable us to play in the new arena this season,” said Colleen Mullen. 

With a new name and more than $12 million in renovations and upgrades, Broadview Center is expected to be completed within the first couple of weeks of the basketball season. The center will provide the Capital Region with improved and immersive fan experiences and expanded community-based opportunities. 

After over a year of competing without a home gym, the Great Danes are excited to get to work at the official “Home of the Great Danes.”

“The new arena is going to be amazing,” said Helene Haegerstand. “It will feel like a full circle moment being able to play there again. We have been practicing and traveling under different circumstances and we are all so excited to play in the new arena!”

“It is very exciting thinking about being able to use the new arena,” added Hailee Ford. The atmosphere of being in the arena will only make our daily energy even better than it already is.”

“[It’s] all people have been talking about for the last few weeks,” said Jessica Cooper.

“I came to UAlbany last year so I've never really had a home court here,” said Marie Sepp. “I am excited to finally have a home court and have all the students come and watch!”

One Great Dane is even waiting for the construction workers to be finished with the final product.

“I’m so excited that I refrain from looking so that I can be a little surprised by the final appearance,” said Fatima Lee. “I cannot express how grateful I am to see the construction workers hard at work every day.”

The ‘Road Warriors’ of 2022-23 are coming home.

“Over the last year, our players have faced tremendous adversity competing without a home gym, yet still going undefeated in conference play at HVCC and winning a regular-season championship,” said Mullen. “We can’t wait for our family, friends, and fans to enjoy an amazing brand of championship-level basketball in a state-of-the-art sports venue.”

Pre-Season Play

On October 21, the Great Danes began the preseason with a homecoming weekend scrimmage.

“The players were very excited to compete against someone other than themselves,” said Colleen Mullen.

Making the scrimmage as close to a game as possible, the scrimmage served as an opportunity to learn.

America East Coaches’ Poll

Returning co-regular-season champions, the Great Danes earned 48 points to grab the third-place slot. 

UAlbany is preceded by Vermont and Maine, two teams who shared the conference’s nine first-place votes. The Catamounts topped the poll with 63 points, including seven first-place votes. The remaining two first-place votes went to the Black Bears for a total of 58 points.

Expected to see close competition in the 2023-24 season, the remainder of the poll saw some teams divided by just one point.

In addition to a top-three placement in the preseason poll, 2022-23 First Team All-Conference selection, Kayla Cooper, landed a spot on the six-person preseason team for the second-straight season. Cooper returns to the Great Danes after leading the team in both points (15.2 per game and a .486 field goal percentage) and rebounds (8.3 per game).

2023-24 America East Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll

School - Points (1st Place)

1. Vermont - 63 (7)
2. Maine - 58 (2)
3. UAlbany - 48
4. Binghamton - 39
5. NJIT - 38
6. UMBC - 32
7. Bryant - 18
8. New Hampshire - 17
9. UMass Lowell - 11

2023 AE WBB Preseason All-Conference Team

Name (School) - Year Position

Denai Bowman (Binghamton) - Graduate Student Guard

Kayla Cooper (UAlbany) - Senior Forward

Anna Olson (Vermont) - Senior Forward

Anne Simon (Maine) - Graduate Student Guard

Adrianna Smith (Maine) - Junior Forward

Emma Utterback (Vermont) - Graduate Student Guard

Non-Conference Opponents

The Great Danes are scheduled to play 13 non-conference games this year, six of them being in the Capital Region. UAlbany will begin the season on the road at Merrimack (Nov. 6) before heading to Fordham (Nov. 10).

“I am super excited for [the Fordham] game as it is the school I graduated from,” said Sarah Karpell. “I have so many friends and family coming to the game so it feels almost like a homecoming to me.”

A November of action is highlighted by Atlantic 10 opponent St. Bonaventure (Nov. 16) and Pac-12 powerhouse, Stanford (Nov. 26).

“I am excited to play at Stanford because of the history surrounding the gym and the team,” said Lilly Phillips. “I am also excited to visit my best friend from high school - a member of the Stanford rowing team.”

“[Stanford] is a very high-level team,” said Selina Monestime. “It will be interesting to see how we match up to them since I know we have great potential.”

The grand re-opening of Broadview Center will start off December full of (five) home games. Playing the crosstown matchup for the first game in a doubleheader on December 2, many Great Danes are excited for the opportunity to open Broadview against the Saints.

“I am most excited to play against Siena because a lot of my family graduated from Siena including both of my parents and my older brother,” said Meghan Huerter. “Also, I grew up going to the Albany Cup games as a child so it will be a surreal experience playing on the court.”

“The Albany Cup is always a big event,” added Helene Haegerstrand. “This year, it will be even bigger and more exciting since it is our first game in the new Broadview Center.”

America East Lineup

Conference action will kick off just after the new year at home on January 4 with UAlbany hosting Bryant for a 7 pm matchup. After a second league contest at home (NJIT - Jan. 6), the Great Danes will head on the road for three straight games before returning home for the first America East contest while school is in session: Maine (Jan. 25).

“I am looking forward to playing Maine at home,” said Helene Haegerstrand. “It’s always a good game and very competitive!”

Playing three straight games at home, the Great Danes will continue with New Hampshire on January 27.

“I am looking forward to playing UNH,” said Meghan Huerter. “One of my high school teammates plays there and this game will be the first time we play on the same court since before COVID-19.”

UAlbany will close out their three-game home streak against Vermont on February 1.

“I am really excited to play against Vermont,” said Abby Ray. “They are returning a majority of their team and they were our hardest competition last year. It should be a great game.”

The Great Danes’ two Maryland natives are looking forward to visiting UMBC for their home-state matchup on February 3. Both Kayla Cooper and Hailee Ford are excited to have their family and friends come out to the game.

As the season winds down, UAlbany will see three road games and just one home game in the final two weeks of action. Before Senior Day on February 24, the Great Danes will visit Vermont (Feb. 22) with a road trip to New Hampshire (Feb. 29) and Maine (Mar. 2) to close the regular season.

Select-A-Seat Night

UAlbany Athletics will host a Select-A-Night as the first official event in the new Broadview Center.

Given the complete rebuild over the past calendar year, UAlbany fans are highly encouraged to partake in the respective Select-A-Seat nights to ensure their favorite seats are chosen as season ticket holders.

The first step is to make a deposit for season tickets - $75 per set for the women. Although the deadline for priority ranking has passed, fans interested in season tickets are welcome to put down a deposit and participate in the Select-A-Seat night at the end of the selection order list.

Join fellow Great Dane fans for a night of light fare and refreshments while exploring all new seat locations, sight lines, and hospitality areas. Doors will open at 4:30 pm on November 7 for the women’s basketball night.

For more details on the event, click here. 

Drive the Lane with UAlbany Hoops

UAlbany is excited to continue its partnership with ESPN Radio 104.5 The Team and City Line Bar & Grill for the third consecutive year of ‘Drive the Lane with UAlbany Hoops’. The weekly radio spot features head coaches Colleen Mullen and Dwayne Killings, 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 6-7 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 the fans the unique opportunity to talk to the Great Danes in person. The first show of the 2023-24 season took place on October 30.

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 & Threads - @ualbanywbb
Facebook – facebook.com/UAlbanyWBB

MEET THE NEWCOMERS

#10 Selina Monestime

Guard

5-11, Freshman

Framingham, Mass. / Framingham

“I chose UAlbany based on how inviting the players were and how devoted they are to the concept of defense which I agree is the basis of winning.” - Selina on why she chose UAlbany

“Selina is a dynamic guard whose size and strength are a great addition to our backcourt. She is an athletic hard-nosed defender and skilled rebounder. She is a great addition to our pressure defense.” - Colleen Mullen on Selina Monestime

#12 Ida Allberg

Guard

5-9, Freshman

Stockholm, Sweden / Riksbasketgymnasiet Lulea

“I chose UAlbany due to [the team’s] foundation of hard work as well as their team spirit. I also thought it was a great place for me to continue developing my game.” - Ida on why she chose UAlbany

“Ida is a tremendous athlete who is a versatile playmaker. She is a scrappy off-ball defender and has great lateral quickness on the ball. Ida is a terrific teammate and brings consistent energy to practice daily.” - Colleen Mullen on Ida Allberg

#13 Sarah Karpell

Guard

5-7, Graduate Student

Holmdel, N.J. / Saint John Vianney / Fordham

“I chose UAlbany because I have always wanted to win a championship at the collegiate level. This has been a goal of mine since I was a freshman in college and I have never been able to check it off my list. I am hopeful that this is the year where it can be done.” - Sarah on why she chose UAlbany

“Sarah is a floor general who plays with poise and great pace. She will add a spark to our defensive backcourt and bring a level of toughness that will motivate her teammates.” Colleen Mullen on Sarah Karpell

#15 Hailee Ford

Guard/Forward

5-11, Freshman

Perry Hall, Md. / Concordia Preparatory School

“I chose UAlbany because of the team culture and the people.” - Hailee on why she chose UAlbany

“Hailee is a competitor with a high motor. She does all the intangibles to lead her team and is incredibly unselfish. Hailee can stretch the defense with her range and make an impact on the defensive end with her ability to guard multiple positions.” - Colleen Mullen on Hailee Ford

#21 Gabriela Falcão

Center

6-1, Sophomore

Figueira Da Foz, Portugal / Joaquim De Carualho / Lasalle

“While looking at this program, I saw the culture I was searching for - a hard-working team that holds themselves to a higher standard and is always supportive. Besides that, the campus is beautiful and the location is ideal.” - Gabriela on why she chose UAlbany

“Gabi is a tough, physical post player that can finish through contact inside. She has played at the highest level in her country and is an experienced winner. She will be a strong presence in our front line given her ability to score, rebound, and defend.” - Colleen Mullen on Gabriela Falcão

#22 Deja Evans

Forward

6-2, Freshman

Conshohocken, Pa. / Archbishop Wood

“When I came for my visit the coaches really made this place feel like a second home for me. Also, I loved what the program stood for and I loved the players on the team.” - Deja on why she chose UAlbany

“Deja is an athletic post player that has the ability to score in a variety of ways. She has a great touch around the basket but also has the ability to face up and attack from anywhere on the court. She is a talented rebounder and shot-blocker and will provide great depth for our front line.” - Colleen Mullen on Deja Evans

#23 Meghan Huerter

Guard

5-11, Junior

Clifton Park, N.Y. / Shenendehowa / Providence

“I wanted to play for Coach Mullen and I wanted to play for a championship! She and her staff have built such an impactful relationship with me since high school and I never forgot that. Also, playing close to home was important to me because I am very big on family … and Coach Mullen and her staff have built a culture that is all about being a family.” - Meghan on why she chose UAlbany

“Meghan is a local talent. She is a pure shooter who has the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. She is a true student of the game and her high basketball IQ will make the players around her better.” - Colleen Mullen on Meghan Huerter

#32 Jessica Cooper

Forward

6-0, Freshman

South Plainfield, N.J. / St. Thomas Aquinas

“I chose UAlbany because of the atmosphere. I wanted to be a part of a team that puts in hard work.” - Jessica on why she chose UAlbany

“Jess 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 Jessica Cooper

MEET THE RETURNING STUDENT-ATHLETES

#1 Fatima Lee

#1 Fatima Lee

Guard

5-7, Graduate Student

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

Fourth 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 three-point 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, Junior

Greenwich, N.Y. / Cambridge Central

Third 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 gain more confidence as a three-point shooter. Her leadership will prove to be invaluable this year.” - Colleen Mullen on Lilly Phillips

#14 Helene Haegerstrand

Forward

6-1, Graduate Student

Stockholm, Sweden / Morbyskolan

Fifth year at UAlbany

“Helene’s versatility at her position makes her a very hard player to scout. She is a knock-down three-point 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. We are thrilled to have her back for her fifth year and are excited for her to make an impact in the league at both ends of the floor.” - Colleen Mullen on Helene Haegerstrand

#20 Kayla Cooper

Guard

6-0, Senior

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

Fourth 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

#24 Abby Ray

Guard

5-8, Junior

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. / Saratoga Springs

Third 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 three.” - Colleen Mullen on Abby Ray

#33 Marie Sepp

Guard

5-5, Sophomore

Tallinn, Estonia / Audentese Spordigümnaasium

Second year at 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 three-point 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