2025 ACC Women's Basketball Tipoff

Virginia Tech Basketball Coach Reflects on Team Dynamics and Upcoming Season

As Virginia Tech prepares for the upcoming basketball season, Head Coach Megan Duffy expresses enthusiasm about the returning players, particularly Juniors Carys Baker and Carleigh Wenzel, who are stepping into leadership roles. Their experience and presence have proven crucial in fostering team camaraderie and guiding younger teammates through the challenges ahead. Coach Duffy highlights her own growth in the role, now entering her second season with greater confidence and a deeper understanding of the expectations within the ACC. With returning players like Wenzel and Baker, who averaged 14 and 12 points per game respectively, the team aims to build on last year's strong performance, specifically a top five efficient offense.

This season, Coach Duffy emphasizes a shift towards a more versatile offensive strategy, moving away from an over-reliance on three-point shooting to a balanced approach that includes penetration into the paint. The coaching staff, recognized for their experience and depth, will further support this new transition. Coach points out the importance of bringing new players into the fold while continuing to cultivate the foundational relationships within the team and the community. With a challenging non-conference schedule ahead, the team is looking to harness their past postseason experiences to drive them toward greater successes, embodying a blend of hard work, energy, and joy on the court as they strive for victory starting November 4th.

Virginia Tech Stars Carly Wenzel and Carys Baker Gear Up for Another Season

As the Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball Team prepares for the upcoming season, returning players Carleigh Wenzel and Carys Baker reflect on their significant growth and the importance of leadership within the program. Both athletes attribute their development to support from Head Coach Duffy and a focus on preparation and confidence-building practices. Wenzel, now more adept at her role as a point guard, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and learning from past experiences, particularly after narrowly missing the tournament last season. Baker, transitioning to the forward position, credits enhanced coaching and team communication for her improvements, showcasing impressive shooting stats from the previous season.

Looking ahead, both players are focused on not only advancing their individual skills—like Baker’s shooting accuracy and ball handling—but also fostering leadership among younger teammates. They acknowledge the importance of mental resilience, addressing previous performance lapses, and encouraging a strong team dynamic as key factors to achieving their goal of returning to the postseason. With a blend of returning experience and new talent, Wenzel and Baker are determined to lead the Hokies into an exciting season, aiming to capitalize on their hard-earned lessons and solidify their place in the ACC.

Building a Championship Culture at Virginia Tech Women's Basketball

As the Virginia Tech Women's Basketball Team gears up for the start of the season, the emphasis is on establishing a strong culture and clear standards ahead of their first game. The players are diving into practice, eager to strengthen their identities within the team and foster a sense of connection.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

With a mix of experienced leaders and fresh talent, the Hokies are focusing on consistency in their approach both on and off the court. “We have distinct roles within the program that guide how we work and interact,” Coach Duffy believes. This clarity not only enhances practice intensity but also instills confidence in new and younger players, enabling the influence of seasoned athletes to trickle down.

Last season's near miss for an NCAA Tournament berth serves as a driving force. “We carry a chip on our shoulder. The disappointment from last year only fuels our fire,” the Head Coach acknowledges. With critical lessons learned from those moments, the team is committed to daily improvement through a process-oriented mindset.

Embracing Personalities

The bond among the players shines through, enriched by strong personalities. From the infectious laughter of Kilah Freelon, a transfer from Texas Tech to the camaraderie shared over meals, these relationships are vital to their development. “Every day is fun with this group. Their energy is contagious,” Coach Duffy emphasizes, highlighting the importance of this rapport in shaping a winning mindset.

Off-Court Development

Integral to her coaching philosophy is the commitment to developing leaders beyond basketball. “My favorite part is helping them grow off the court,” Coach Duffy shares. With a dedicated group of driven players balancing rigorous academics with athletics, fostering leadership skills is a top priority.

Strategies for Competing in the ACC

Looking ahead, the team is strategizing on how to compete against the top teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). “We focus on our process, ensuring we are organized in our approach to practice and gameplay,” Coach Duffy explains. With solid relationships established between players and coaches, they anticipate harnessing their collective energy and talent.

The Importance of Unity

For the players, the bond with their Head coach enriches both their athletic and personal experiences. The trust built off the court translates seamlessly to their performance during games. “Having that relationship is vital,” Carys Baker commented. “We can discuss everything from strategy to life outside basketball, and this support is invaluable.”

Excitement of Competing in the ACC

For the players, the challenge of competing in the ACC is exhilarating. “Playing against the best in the country is an incredible opportunity,” Carys Baker remarked. The competitive spirit and the chance to grow alongside elite talent make this season one to anticipate. The Virginia Tech Women's Basketball 2025-26 ACC Conference Schedule is challenging, as always. But Megan Duffy is adamant that the grind of conference play is a positive for the program.

As the Hokies prepare for their season opener, the blend of strong leadership, a focus on culture, personal development, and an unwavering competitive spirit sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. With valuable experiences from the past and a clear vision for the future, Virginia Tech Women's Basketball Team aims to make their mark this year on a NCAA Tournament berth.