A fresh start: UTRGV WBB begins summer workouts

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Women's Basketball team began summer workouts with a new sense of energy.

The Vaqueros returned eight members of the 2023-2024 roster, while also adding five new freshmen and three transfers.

On top of heading to the Southland Conference this upcoming season, it's a fresh start for the 2024-2025 Vaqueros.

Injuries plagued UTRGV all of last season, resulting in a 6-23 record.

"Last year, we started the season with 16 when we went down to Puerto Rico for our summer trip. We played our first game of the season with eight. Staying healthy is our number one priority, so we're going to live in the weight room this summer," said Head Coach Lane Lord.

Of the eight returners, UTRGV expects Kade Hackerott, Charlotte O'Keefe and Tierra Trotter to play big parts in leading them in the right direction.

Hackerott, O'Keefe and Trotter have all been with the program for over two years.

Hackerott and O'Keefe were the top two rebounders for UTRGV in the 2023-2024 season, while Trotter brings experience to the guard position.

"They've been here two, three years, so we're really excited to see how they develop as leaders for this year's team," Lord said.

While many programs across the country look to the transfer portal for older, more experienced pieces, Lord and his coaching staff feel confident with the five new freshmen joining UTRGV.

Many of them come from winning programs, and Lord felt they were too good to pass up.

"We have shooters coming in, so that's great. I feel like with this team, this year, we have more scoring options, so I think that's great for us, especially joining a new conference," said sophomore guard Jayda Holiman.

Chemistry is a major point of emphasis for the Vaqueros during summer workouts.

Practices will officially tip-off 40 days prior to the start of the 2024-2025 season.