NEW YORK – Xavier women’s basketball was picked to finish 11th in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The poll and the preseason all-conference team was announced on Tuesday morning at BIG EAST Media Day at Madison Square Garden.
Head Coach Billi Chambers, Shelby Calhoun, Tae’lor Purvis and Mackayla Scarlett met with members of the media on Tuesday to preview the upcoming season. Digital assets for in-season use by the BIG EAST Digital Network, CBS and FOX were also captured during the annual event.
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COACHES’ POLL |
1. UConn (10) – 100
2. Creighton (1) – 90
3. Marquette – 79
4. Villanova – 76
5. Seton Hall – 58
6. St. John’s – 52
7. DePaul – 49
8. Butler – 37
9. Providence – 32
10. Georgetown – 20
11. Xavier – 12
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PRESEASON HONOREERS |
Preseason Player of the Year
Paige Bueckers, UConn
Preseason Freshman of the Year
KK Arnold, UConn
Preseason All-BIG EAST Team
Aaliyah Edwards, UConn*
Azzi Fudd, UConn*
Nika Muhl, UConn
Lauren Jensen, Creighton*
Morgan Maly, Creighton*
Emma Ronsiek, Creighton
Anaya Peoples, DePaul
Kelsey Ransom, Georgetown
Jordan King, Marquette*
Lucy Olsen, Villanova*
Honorable Mention
Liza Karlen, Marquette
Unique Drake, St. John’s
Azana Baines, Seton Hall
*unanimous selection
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ABOUT THE MUSKETEERS |
• Xavier is under the direction of first-year head coach Billi Chambers. She joined the Musketeers after spending 10 seasons at Iona University (2013-23). She led the Gaels to the NCAA Tournament twice (2015-16, 2022-23), captured two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Regular-Season Championships (2013-14, 2022-23) and won two MAAC Tournament Championships (2015-16, 2022-23). The conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances were program firsts.
• The two-time MAAC Coach of the Year led the Gaels to a 26-7 (18-2 MAAC) record in 2022-23 and earned the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Three players earned All-MAAC honors, highlighted by Juana Camilion who was named the MAAC Player of the Year and MAAC Defensive Player of the Year.
• Xavier returns three of its top five scorers from a year ago in Mackayla Scarlett (10.9), Taylor Smith (7.5) and Nila Blackford (6.3). Blackford also led the team in rebounding (5.5).
• The Musketeers also return Shelby Calhoun. The guard led the team in total assists (67), while ranking second in rebounding (4.6) and eighth in scoring (4.2).
• Xavier opens the 2023-24 season on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Youngstown State.