The Le Moyne Dolphins Women’s Basketball Team starts the season 0-3, as with a new-look team that will be seeking to recapture its success in the 2023-2024 season.
In its inaugural year in Division I, the Dolphins shocked many people. Picked to finish second to last in the conference, the Dolphins went 14-2 and made a run to the NEC Championship before losing to Sacred Heart University. Following the season, Head Coach Mary Grimes would leave Le Moyne to take the same position at SUNY Binghamton. Taking over this season is Nick DiPillo, who spent the 2023-24 season as an assistant at Bowling Green State University.
“I came to Le Moyne for a bunch of reasons, the biggest being that I have the opportunity to recruit high quality, competitive student-athletes who want to pursue a championship level academic, athletic, and social experience,” Dipillo said.
When asked how he would follow up on Grimes’ success, Dipillo said “I have so much respect for the job Coach Grimes did here, especially last year during the Division I transition. But with that being said, every team and every season is different and every coach has their own way they like to go about achieving their goals.”
The team experienced a large roster turnover from last season’s 14-2 conference finalist. The team returns two starters from last season: junior Guard Sierra Linnin and Senior Forward Brianna Williams. Dipillo also cited Graduate forward Haedyn Roberts as a player he expects to make a large jump. The team also added four transfers: Mia Yanogacio, Jessica Wangolo, Megan Bodziony, and Amya McLeod to replenish its roster.
“I think a big part of my leadership this year will be ensuring that we are all on the same page and our goals remain consistent with each other.” Roberts would say about her expanded role. ”We have very big aspirations as a team and I think that we are capable of great things this year.”
When asked how he would sustain Grimes’ year one success at the Division I level, Dipillo would say “I think every team goes into a season with championship goals in mind – we are no different… right now, our biggest goal is to get into the gym every day with a growth mindset, focus on the things we can control, and come together as a group.”
Roberts, when asked about the team’s goals, would say “I’m really looking forward to get into our conference play. Last year we made it to the conference championship and fell short and so we would love to get back there and finish what we started last year. .”
While the team is preparing for an exciting upcoming season Dipillo hasn’t lost sight of what this season will mean for the school.
“Women’s basketball has never been more popular – and it’s long overdue. Taking over here at Le Moyne is a very special opportunity and I’m incredibly excited to do my part in showcasing our student-athletes at the highest level. As the father of two daughters, and someone who has coached at every level of women’s basketball, nothing makes me happier than seeing not only the growth of women’s basketball but the opportunities it will present to our young women.”
