While much of the rave this offseason surrounding NKU’s women’s basketball team has been about the new look of the team, including a new coach and three new transfers, the veterans on this team should not be overlooked.
When Head Coach Jeff Hans was welcomed to the team with open arms in April, two of the players who made an appearance at the introductory press conference were senior guards Macey Blevins and Mya Meredith. Blevins talked about transitioning into the different game style, but praised the team for the ease of learning to play together.
“I would say, so far, it has been really easy. Our team is very unselfish, so learning how to play together was a good transition,” Blevins said.
However, a player who is facing a much more challenging transition has been Meredith, as she is coming back from another knee injury and looking to get back into her conference rookie of the year form.
“I would say it’s definitely a mental process coming back,” Meredith said. “You know, just scared of little bumps, you know, little bits like that. I mean, I’ve been through this two other times. It’s kind of exciting to get back, but it is definitely a mental challenge.”
Both players transferred over from Western Kentucky in 2023, and have become strong leaders in the locker room, which will be extremely vital with a team featuring six new players and a new head coach. With being leaders, both players mentioned the morale difference they saw in this team versus their prior year.
“It’s just positive, and that’s what we needed. So it’s impacted us really well,” Meredith said.
Blevins echoed those sentiments.
“I would agree with that. I would say, just the environment honestly, like it’s so positive, so everybody looks forward to coming in every day,” Blevins mentioned. “I would say, coaches and players, we all kind of have the same sense of humor. So we can all joke around when it’s time to joke around and then when it’s serious, we know when to lock in. It’s such a positive environment, so you look forward to coming in every day.”
Blevins will be entering this season with an honor that is unique to her, as she was named to the Horizon League preseason all-conference second team. Blevins averaged nearly 14 points per game last season, which was good for third most on the team, on 45% shooting from the field and 38.9% from three point range. Despite this amazing season last year, she was not expecting this honor.
“I was just surprised, but that’s a good feeling,” Blevins said. “You know, since I’ve been in college, I haven’t ever got anything. So coming here last year, it was a really good change for me. I kind of got my joy back for basketball again, and I just enjoy playing again. So that was really important. And I just hope that I can keep contributing to the team this year.”
Both Blevins and Meredith have invigorating personal and team goals for their senior season that revolve around their love for this team
“I just want to work, just want to, first of all, stay not hurt. I just want to finish the season,” Meredith said. “As a group, I just want to come together, play together, get involved. Just be there for each other.”
Blevins said she has a few personal goals for the upcoming season.
“Consistency will be a big thing for me this year,” Blevins said. “It’s my last year, so I just want to try to soak in every moment and just enjoy all of it before it’s over.”
Both players will be prepared and ready to get the shots up as the regular season kicks off Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. when the Norse take on the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Truist Arena.