When a team loses five players to graduation, including two who were integral in turning the program into a national powerhouse, there is a sense of nervous anticipation as to what the new season will bring. The Devils of Fairleigh Dickinson-Florham showed in its opening two games that the team is intent on continuing the winning tradition. The margin of victory over St. Mary’s College of Maryland was more than 40 points.

“We have [post player] Rachel Groom back [she missed last season due to injury]. I think our focal point will be our inside play, our post play, as opposed to in the past our perimeter play,” said coach Marc Mitchell, who brought his program to prominence, including the 2014 Division III National Championship.

The team, which was ranked ninth in USA Today’s preseason coaches poll, has eight freshmen on the roster and two transfers. Getting the freshmen acclimated to the college game is going well. The players are getting used to the faster pace as well as the need to think quickly.

“In practice, we’re constantly running a fast-paced game to get them accustomed to what’s necessary at this level,” Mitchell said. “Be ready to be challenged on a daily basis—physically and mentally.”

Look for forward Shalette Brown, the Devils’ only senior, to be the leader. Brown received several postseason honors last year, including D3Hoops.com All-American Fourth Team, and Mitchell expects her to be a double-double player every game.

“She’s the best player on the floor night in and night out, so we expect her to perform as such,” said Mitchell. “There’s going to be a lot of weight on her shoulders and Rachel Groom’s. I think Shalette is going to be one of the top 10 players in the country this year.”

Mitchell recruits players with desire and commitment to excellence. All recruits know there is a certain culture, and regardless of who is wearing the uniforms, they’re going to perform with intensity.

“It’s new faces, but it’s the same results,” said Mitchell, who is in his seventh season at FDU-Florham. “It’s a lot of hard work, which we’re not afraid of. You have to recruit talent. You have to have kids that understand what it takes to have a level of excellence and sustain it. It’s the character of the kids that really makes the program.”