The Arkansas Tech women’s basketball team season came to an unfortunate end last semester. The Golden Suns were on the road to the NCAA Division II championship, with a conference record of 12-1, until a player tested positive for COVID-19. Like many other teams in the Great American Conference, the Golden Suns survived playing through the pandemic and had to quarantine a total of four times throughout the season.
Head Coach Dave Wilbers stated that the players were mentally strong and were motivated after the season ended to continue and get ready for the upcoming season.
Regarding the pandemic, Wilbers plans to deal with COVID the same way as last year. “We are always keeping up with the university’s procedures and what they are asking us to do with weekly updates and meetings,” Wilbers said.
Wilbers, who earned his first GAC Coach of the Year award last season, said, “the team had a great season last year with winning the GAC championship.”
The team has a lot of returning players this season, including senior Jayana Sanders and junior Ashlei Lopez, who were both named First-Team-All-GAC. Kaley Shipman was an All-GAC honorable mention selection.
Golden Suns fan, Jermaine Jackson, majoring in hospitality administration lodging management, from Star City, AR stated that he was sad that the season ended early, but he is excited for the start of the 21-22 basketball season. He has high hopes for the team and is sure that they will return to the NCAA Tournament this year.
The Golden Suns, 2021-2022 season is set to begin Nov. 7 with an exhibition in Tucker Coliseum.
