After making program history with its best-ever record and an appearance in the quarter-finals of the post-season WNIT, Columbia University women’s basketball was picked second in the 2022-23 Ivy League Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll. The top spot went to Princeton University, a consistent presence in the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The Lions got an early start on this season with a foreign tour to Morocco and Spain. Already this fall, junior guard Abbey Hsu, a two-time All-Ivy selection, was named to the preseason watch list for the 2023 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award, presented by Her Hoops Stats.
“We’re just excited to get back after it,” said head coach Megan Griffith at last week’s Ivy League media day. “We didn’t tap out last year in terms of potential. We barely even saw where our potential was. … Huge credit to them for coming off of the COVID season where none of…the athletes in the Ivy League competed. To have the season we did was special, and I was really proud of them.
“We’re just peeling back those layers for how good and how special this program can be,” she added. “As long as they stay humble and hungry throughout that process as we do as a coaching staff, it’s really sky’s the limit.”
Despite receiving accolades last season, including First Team All-Ivy and Ivy League Player of the Week, senior guard/forward Kaitlyn Davis said she will continue to be a team player. “It’s going to be important this year as we have a lot of opportunities ahead of us,” said Davis. “Carrying along the energy we’ve had so far into the upcoming season.”
Hsu, who holds the program record for 3-pointers, said she will continue to refine her game. She is excited to show what she worked on all summer. Most of last year’s team is returning, and Hsu said the overseas trip provided a great bonding experience.
The coaching staff has put together a challenging non-conference schedule filled with games against nationally ranked opponents. “The goal is still the same,” said Davis. “We haven’t gotten there yet, but we’re working on it. Every day is what matters. It’s not about the long-term outlook. It’s about how we do today and tomorrow. That’s where our heads are at, and when we focus on that it will take us where we want to be.”
Columbia’s home opener is on Nov. 13 against Vanderbilt.