Depth on the squad will be the key factor in determining success for the women's basketball team at the University of Rochester in 2012-13. A year ago, 10 players averaged between 11 and 24 minutes played per game and six of those players return.

Head coach Jim Scheible wants to form a rotation of up to 10 women who will play on a night-in, night-out basis. Scheible is entering his 14^th year on the Rochester sidelines and his 22^nd year as a head coach.

If the Yellowjackets can get off to a fast start, Scheible can attain two milestones. Three wins will give him his 400^th career victory and 259 wins at Rochester. That would be a program record. Joyce Wong won 258 games from 1978-99.

Three skilled veterans will play in the post. Junior Danielle McNabb earned Second Team All-University Athletic Association honors a year ago after scoring 8.1 ppg., collecting 4.2 rpg., getting 36 steals and handing out 44 assists. McNabb shot 44% from the floor, 83% from the line. Her assists were the most among the front court players and she led the team in steals.

Other prominent post roles will be filled by 6-0 senior Amy Woods (49% field goal shooting, 4.2 ppg., 3.4 rpg. in 11.2 mpg.) and 6-0 junior Loren Wagner (53% field goal shooting, 7.2 ppg., 6.2 rpg. in less than 16 minutes a game).

McNabb's ability to shoot from outside as well as handle the ball on the perimeter means she could slide to a wing if the coach wants to go 'big' for certain stretches. Juniors Emily Trapani (6-0) and Katie Weiner (6-0) will also be counted upon for time in the post. Freshmen Emily Lewis and Tylar Guerrieri will bolster the front court.

The returnees at the wing positions are highlighted by senior Jackie Walker, an honorable mention All-UAA honoree last year. She averaged 6.8 ppg. and 3.8 rpg. in 19.5 mpg.
            There are others who will look for the opportunity to contribute as wings. Junior Kelly Scull hit 55% from the floor (including five treys) and averaged 3.2 ppg. in limited action last year. Classmate Paige Aleski appeared in 19 games (8.2 mpg.) and sank nine three-pointers. Sophomore Blair Landolfi saw action in 11 games. She grabbed 10 rebounds, had six assists, and five steals.

The point guard's role has always been shared – a process of player development as well as depth. Sophomore Ally Zywicki came off the bench in all 25 games last season, playing just under 15 minutes a night. She finished with 68 assists, second highest (vs. 40 turnovers), made 14 steals, and scored at a 3.5 ppg. clip.  Sophomore Breanna Madrazo earned All-Division honors and All-League acclaim in high school in California.

Senior Kristyn Wright fits in the middle of this. Wright was a point guard as a freshman. She moved to off-guard in the last two seasons. A year ago, she started all 25 games, hitting 20 three pointers and contributing 5.6 ppg. in 22 minutes a night. She recorded 24 steals, third highest on the team and handed out 47 assists. Wright could be a wing shooter and could step to the point when the situation calls for it.

In the backcourt, freshmen Kelsey Hurley and Celine Talley may emerge to provide depth. Both had multiple honors on the scholastic level. Another freshman is Michelle Relin who had a record-setting season with the Yellowjacket field hockey team and helped the Yellowjackets reach the Elite 8 of the NCAA Division III Championships.

Rochester started the 2011-12 season with a school-record 17 consecutive victories. The Yellowjackets won the Wendy's College Classic for the seventh consecutive time and ninth overall. The Yellowjackets were 8-6 in the UAA and finished in fourth place.

The Yellowjackets have built success around multiple scoring options rather than one 'go-to' player. They also thrive on the defensive end of the floor. The team surrendered 54.2 points per game to the opposition last year on 34.3% shooting (28.2% outside the arc). Only one team in the last 27 years gave up fewer points on a nightly basis. The 2008-09 group allowed 52.3 points per game.