Katy has high hopes for coming season

 

Head coach Kate Paye (right) with the freshmen: from left: Shay Ijiwoye, Harper Peterson and Kennedy Umeh.

Judging by the Stanford women’s basketball team’s summer practices and activities, “We are better than advertised,” assistant coach Katy Steding said in a recent phone interview.

There had been some concerns about the team after the departure of three starters; Cameron Brink and Hannah Jump graduated, and Kiki Iriafen transferred to USC.

Katy based her optimism in part on the three incoming freshmen and two transfers. “We’re thrilled with all five … I can’t say enough positive about them.”

Impressive newcomers

The freshmen “are awesome,” she said, starting with Harper Peterson, a 6’3” forward from Rocklin. She is adapting well to the pace of college ball and is versatile enough to play the 3-5 spots. She also has a great personality, Katy said.

Kennedy Umeh, a 6’4” center from Columbia, Md., is “another peach,” Katy said. She’ll “surprise a lot of people” because she’s so strong and nimble. “Physically she’s more than ready.”

The third freshman, Shay Ijiwoye, a 5’6” guard from Phoenix, is “another gem.” Physically strong and quick, “she’ll become a leader,” Katy said.

Kate with the transfers: Tess Heal (left) and Mary Ashley Stevenson.

One of the transfers, Tess Heal, a 5’10” junior guard from Melbourne, Australia, came from Santa Clara U. She’s a “complete guard – great shooter, good timing, good passing,” Katy said.

The other transfer, Mary Ashley Stevenson, a 6’2” sophomore forward from New York City, came from Purdue. The Big 10 Media Freshman of the Year, she’s a nimble post player who can shoot from the outside. With her sunny personality, “she’s the nicest kid,” Katy said.

All 14 players are on campus now that junior guard Stavi Papadaki has returned from Sofia, Bulgaria, where she was playing for her home country of Greece in the FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket, Division B.

Junior point guard Talana Lepolo is rehabbing from a “minor repair” on a meniscus in her knee. The injury wasn’t as bad as expected, Katy said, and she’s “doing great.”

Team welcomes new staffers

The team also has some newcomers on its staff. Victoria Saucedo is the sports performance coach.

 Heather Oesterle is the new assistant coach, bringing the coaching contingent to six. Most recently she was the strategic program director for the Notre Dame women’s team. Longtime fans will recall that she began her coaching career at Stanford for the 2002-03 season. She’ll be the offensive coordinator this year.

 Assistant coach Erica “Bird” McCall is working with the posts, while Katy works with the wings. Assistant coach Jeanette Pohlen works with the guards, and associate head coach Tempie Brown is defensive coordinator. She was recently inducted into The Step Up Assistant Coaches Hall of Fame.

 New head coach Kate Paye oversees everything and is very hands-on, Katy said.

All six coaches help with recruiting, usually with four on the road at a time.

 

In the meantime, retired head coach Tara VanDerveer is an adviser to Athletic Director Bernard Muir. In this part-time position, she works four hours a day: two in development and two as a “coach’s coach.” 

The team and staff are looking forward to their trip to Italy starting Aug. 18 for 10 days. During that time they’ll visit Rome, Florence and Venice. Games and sightseeing are on the agenda.

 Then the players will get a break until fall classes start Sept. 23Looking ahead to next season, Stanford will join the highly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference now that the Pac-12 is no more. There will be a lot of long-distance travel, but the team will fly charter.

 Wrapping up the interview, Katy said, “We’re really excited about where we’re at.” 

(Photos by Stanford Athletics)