Meet The 2023 Utah Tech Womens Basketball Roster

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As the new season of college basketball is just around the corner, the excitement is building up among fans, players, and coaches alike. One team that is generating a lot of buzz is the Utah Tech Trailblazers women's basketball team, formerly known as the Dixie State Trailblazers. The team has undergone a name change, and with it, a fresh start and a new identity. As the team prepares to take on the best of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), let's take a closer look at the 2023 Utah Tech women's basketball roster.

The Coaching Staff

At the helm of the team is head coach Jon Newman, who is entering his fourth season with the Trailblazers. Newman has a proven track record of success, having led the team to a 20-win season in 2020-21 and a berth in the WAC Tournament championship game. He is joined by assistant coaches Kasey Hemauer and Ashley Beckner, both of whom bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team.

The Returning Players

The Trailblazers return a strong core of players from last season's team, including guards Macie Matthews and Soffi Lerzon. Matthews, a junior from American Fork, Utah, averaged 10.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season, while Lerzon, a senior from Stockholm, Sweden, chipped in with 9.5 points and 3.5 assists per contest.

Other key returnees include forwards Breaunna Gillen and Josie Williams, both of whom started multiple games last season. Gillen, a junior from St. George, Utah, averaged 6.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, while Williams, a sophomore from Mapleton, Utah, contributed 5.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest.

The Newcomers

The Trailblazers have also added several newcomers to their roster, including forwards Ariana Himmelberger and Shelby BAumgartner. Himmelberger, a freshman from Riverton, Utah, was a standout player at Riverton High School, averaging 18.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game as a senior. Baumgartner, a junior from Arizona, transfers to Utah Tech from Scottsdale Community College, where she averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last season.

Other newcomers include guards Amaya Sheide and Madison Harris, both of whom are expected to contribute to the team's backcourt. Sheide, a freshman from Pleasant Grove, Utah, was a two-time all-state selection at Pleasant Grove High School, while Harris, a junior from Texas, transfers to Utah Tech from Collin College, where she averaged 7.5 points and 3.5 assists per game last season.

Position Breakdown

Here's a breakdown of the Utah Tech women's basketball roster by position:

• Guards: Macie Matthews, Soffi Lerzon, Amaya Sheide, Madison Harris
• Forwards: Breaunna Gillen, Josie Williams, Ariana Himmelberger, Shelby Baumgartner
• Centers: Emily Ellsworth, Julia Miller

Strengths and Weaknesses

The Trailblazers have a number of strengths, including a strong backcourt led by Matthews and Lerzon, and a deep and talented frontcourt featuring Gillen, Williams, Himmelberger, and Baumgartner. The team also has a strong coaching staff, led by Newman, who has a proven track record of success.

However, the team also has some weaknesses, including a lack of size in the paint and limited depth at the center position. The team will need to rely on its guards and forwards to score and rebound, and will need to find ways to defend against bigger and more athletic opponents.

Outlook

Overall, the Utah Tech women's basketball team has a strong roster and a good chance of success in the WAC. The team has a number of talented players, a strong coaching staff, and a favorable schedule. However, the team will need to overcome its weaknesses and find ways to compete against bigger and more athletic opponents.

If you're interested in learning more about the Utah Tech women's basketball team, be sure to check out the team's website and social media accounts. You can also attend one of the team's games at the Burns Arena in St. George, Utah.

Gallery of Utah Tech Women's Basketball