The Barclay College Lady Bears and Head Coach Brad Lingafelter have begun preparing for the 2011-12 campaign. As Lingafelter puts it, “someone once said, ‘what does not kill you, only makes you stronger.’ I do not know how much I really subscribe to that thinking, but, I do believe that with the right attitude, tough circumstances can be overcome and new levels of achievement can be attained.” The whole tone for the Lady Bears this season is going to reflect the attitude of everyone involved. Coach Lingafelter said, “this is a fine group of ladies and I am looking forward to walking this path with them this season. I am looking forward to seeing them mature as basket-ball players, physically and mentally. Dealing with setbacks and accomplishments will be important as we navigate through this season.”

The Lady Bears have five returning players, led by three captains: Artaya Climes (Jr., Lawton, OK), Hannah Williams (So., Haviland, KS) and Jessica Davis (So., Haviland, KS). These three are great picks for captains as they represent what Barclay Lady Bears Basketball is all about. Renelle Wyke (Jr., Charlotte, NC) and Sarah Sullivan (So., Universal City, TX) also return after making solid contribu-tions last year. They have added new players that add a great deal of depth and versatility to an already a solid core. Brandi Moral (So., Great Bend, KS), Kaylee Miller (Jr., Great Bend, KS), Jamie Larsh (Fr., Haviland, KS), Morgan Stander (Fr., Elmwood, NE), Clara Konsky (So., St. Louis, MO), Keela Leal (Fr., Amarillo, TX) and Hannah Matheny (Jr., Mesquite, TX) should help the Lady Bears in a variety of ways.

Their schedule this year includes home and away games with the top four teams from the ACCA last year. The ladies will also play two NCAA Division II teams, and two of the top Junior College programs in the Jayhawk Conference. The tough schedule to begin the season will prepare the Lady Bears for the National Tournament at the beginning of March. This group of ladies has the talent to take another step forward for the program. Come out and support the Lady Bears!