March 1, 2017
By Zac Ellis
VUCommodores.com
GREENVILLE, S.C. – In the moments following Vanderbilt’s loss in the 2017 SEC Women’s Tournament on Wednesday, Commodore head coach Stephanie White offered a preview of her priorities for the offseason.
“Everything that we do needs to be about being stronger — physically, mentally and emotionally,” White said. “Everything that we do has to be about paying attention to the details.”
That process begins anew after Vanderbilt’s first-round tournament exit in Greenville. The No. 13-seeded ‘Dores fell to No. 12 Alabama, 77-57, on Wednesday, and finished White’s first season as head coach with a 14-16 overall record. Despite winning three of its final five games of the regular season, Vanderbilt was unable to extend its stay in the SEC’s bracket.
But under White, the Commodores fully expect that trajectory to change in the future. Senior guard Minta Spears, who, along with senior forward Marqu’es Webb, suited up for the last time as a ‘Dore on Wednesday, has played for four head coaches during her college career. Spears said her one-year stint with White’s staff is one she won’t soon forget.
“We were talking in the locker room about how I’ve obviously had a lot of experience with different coaches,” Spears said. “But this coaching staff is so great. I believe in what they’re doing wholeheartedly.”
CLEANING THE GLASS: Quick-hitters from Vanderbilt’s SEC Tournament loss
The program’s next step must take place without Spears and Webb, who White touted as “two of the best leaders I’ve been around.” The coach noted the challenge of replacing that duo’s presence in the locker room. But the returning roster could still have the pieces in place to build on White’s first campaign.
Next season, the Commodores will bring back five freshmen — Kayla Overbeck, Kaleigh Clemons-Green, LeaLea Carter, Cierra Walker and Erin Whalen – who played significant minutes in 2016-17. That group averaged 33.3 points, 16.3 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game during the regular season, scoring 48.2 percent of the ‘Dores’ total points this year. That group will also add two highly ranked signees to the fray in 6’2” forward Autumn Newby and 5’7” point guard Chelsie Hall.
Fitting all the pieces together will take time, White said. But that’s what the summer is for, especially with an experienced foundation already in place.
“Getting back to the basics, continuing to work on skill development, getting stronger, getting faster and getting tougher are going to all be things we look for over the summer” White said. “We have a great foundation with that freshman class, there’s no doubt about it. They all got a lot of experience, not only physically but mentally as well.”
Spears might not be able to suit up for the Commodores again, but she said she knows what the future holds under White’s leadership. After Wednesday’s loss, Spears said she and Webb implored their teammates to make the most of the offseason, and what lies ahead. Hopefully then, Vanderbilt can take an even bigger step forward next season.
“We talked about whenever these freshmen, or Rachel (Bell) next year, whenever they play their last game, they don’t want to feel like this,” Spears said. “But I believe in them so much. We just talked about going back to work and working this offseason, and taking steps for the future.
“The future is bright. I definitely believe in everything they’re doing here at Vanderbilt. ”