VCU women’s basketball prepares for season ahead

Bersabeh Kemaw, Staff Writer

The Rams released their upcoming non-conference schedule for the 2024-25 season in early August.

This schedule includes teams that the black and gold have a history with, like Old Dominion University, as well as new teams they have yet to face off, like Long Island University, according to VCU Athletics.

The Rams concluded their 2023-24 season with an overall record of 26 wins and six losses and a conference record of 15 wins and three losses, finishing third in the Atlantic 10 conference, according to the Atlantic 10.

As the Rams prepare for their upcoming season, head coach Beth O’Boyle said she is excited for what’s in store.

“I think it was a terrific year last year,” O’Boyle said. “There’s a really great foundation and culture with our team and coaching staff and it should be an exciting season again.”

The black and gold also made history after a record-breaking attendance of 6,054 at their home game against George Mason, alongside having a good season, according to VCU Athletics.

The Rams are looking forward to going after that record, according to O’Boyle.

“We have Temple on a Friday night,” O’Boyle said. “Going after that record attendance again for our support her game.”

In addition to Temple University, the Rams will be competing against the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Howard, ODU, Rider University, James Madison, East Carolina State, Delaware State and Long Island University during their non-conference play, according to VCU Athletics.

From these opponents listed, redshirt second-year guard Deniz Torgut said the Rams are eager to face off against ODU because they lost the last game.

“We’re gonna beat them this year,” Torgut said.

The Rams have a long-standing history with ODU, dating back to 2010, with VCU having 11 wins and seven losses against the Monarchs, according to VCU Athletics.

The black and gold will also participate in the Cancun Challenge being held in Cancun, Mexico in late November, according to Cancun Challenge.

This is a challenge the team is looking forward to for many reasons, according to redshirt fourth-year guard Grace Hutson.

“We’re excited to travel to Cancun,” Hutson said. “But, also, I enjoy playing in neutral sights, other than home games, because you can’t really rely on the fans to bring the energy, you as a team have to bring your own energy.”

This three-day competition will consist of the Rams having back-to-back games against Providence College, San Diego State University and the University of Wisconsin, according to Cancun Challenge.

VCU is no stranger to the Wisconsin Badgers after facing them in the Paradise Jam in 2022 and securing a 75-67 win, according to VCU Athletics.

Hutson said she’s excited to face them again to see if securing another win will be attainable.

There’s a lot to look forward to for the Rams this season but being consistent, staying disciplined and trusting the process are three things the team is setting as their goals, according to VCU redshirt second-year guard Deniz Torgut. 

“We’re trying to get better results than last year,” Torgut said. “We’ve set some goals from last year and we’re actually excited about it.”