Elon Women’s Basketball Selected Sixth in CAA Preseason Poll

BALTIMORE, Md. – The Colonial Athletic Association released its 2014 Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll, preseason all-conference teams and complete television schedule today, Oct. 21, in conjunction with CAA Basketball Media Day at the Center Club in Baltimore, Md. Elon has been selected sixth in the poll as the Phoenix begins its inaugural season in the league.

Elon returns four starters, including 2014 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year Jenifer Rhodes, and seven other experienced players from last year’s squad that finished 15-16 overall, 10-8 in the SoCon and advanced to the SoCon Tournament semifinals for the second straight season. The team welcomes three freshmen to the court this year, as well as Essence Baucom and Mackenzie Darrah who sat out last season due to transfer regulations and injuries. Head coach Charlotte Smith begins her fourth season at the helm of the Elon program with a 54-50 career record.

James Madison was picked to repeat as conference champion in 2015 as the Dukes return three starters from a team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Delaware, Drexel, Hofstra and Towson were also selected ahead of the Phoenix, while Northeastern, William & Mary, College of Charleston and UNCW round out the poll.

JMU’s Precious Hall was picked as the CAA Preseason Player of the Year along with fellow teammate Toia Giggetts on the preseason first team. UNCW’s Kelva Atkins, Towson’s LaTorri Hines-Allen and Northeastern’s A’lece Mark rounded out the five-member first team.

In addition to the preseason poll and awards, the CAA announced its women’s basketball television schedule. Elon’s home game on Sunday, Jan. 25, against Northeastern at 3 p.m. will be televised on the American Sports Network (ASN).

Elon opens its 2014-15 season on Friday, Nov. 14, at 5 p.m. in Alumni Gym against Anderson. Fans can get their first look at the Phoenix in an exhibition game on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. when the maroon and gold hosts Catawaba, as well as at the annual Late Night with the Phoenix event this Friday, Oct. 24, at 8:30 p.m. in Alumni Gym.

Season tickets for the 2014-15 season are currently on sale through the Elon Athletics Ticket Office. Fans can order tickets online or call the ticket office at 336-278-6750 today.

2014-15 CAA Women’s Basketball Predicted Order of Finish
1. James Madison
2. Delaware
3. Drexel
4. Hofstra
5. Towson
6. Elon
7. Northeastern
8. William & Mary
9. College of Charleston
10. UNCW

2014-15 CAA Women’s Basketball Preseason All-Conference Teams
First Team
Kelva Atkins, UNCW*
Toia Giggetts, James Madison*
Precious Hall, James Madison*
LaTorri Hines-Allen, Towson*
A’lece Mark, Northeastern#

Second Team
Courtni Green, Delaware
Jazmon Gwathmey, James Madison
Mikaela Hopkins, College of Charleston
Rachel Pearson, Drexel#
Marlena Tremba, William & Mary

CAA Preseason Player of the Year: Precious Hall, James Madison

Honorable Mention: Joy Caracciolo, Jr., F, Delaware; Elo Edeferioka, So., F, Hofstra; Dominique Johnson, Jr., G, Towson; Brie Mobley, So., G, UNCW

*2nd team All-CAA in 2013-14
#3rd team All-CAA in 2013-14