When the energy on the court is high, it leads to more enjoyable games for the players, coaches and fans.
But there is more that goes into it than just the play on the floor and keeping the energy and spirits high, whether in Moscow or on the road.
Head Coach Jon Newlee feels that Vandal Women’s Basketball’s bench presence this season is bringing some of the best energy in years.
“This year, our bench has been fantastic,” Newlee said. “For a long time since I’ve been here, that kind of energy that people are bringing … every game has been huge for us.”
Saydee Brass | Argonaut
Whether it’s a Gina Marxen three-pointer, Natalie Klinker’s intense interior defense or a great pass, sophomore guard Chayse Milne said whoever is on the Idaho bench or on the floor, energy needs to start and say high.
“Before every game, we get in a huddle and we all have a little saying ‘We trust in each other, we believe in each other,’” Milne said. “We have to speak that into existence, and I think we’ve been doing that a lot recently – playing together, playing as a team. When you’re on the bench have energy, when you’re on the court have energy – play together.”
After the pregame speeches and the game tips off, things move fast and can get intense quickly. But Milne says the secret to Idaho’s energetic and passionate bench is simple – just have fun.
“On the bench, it’s actually really easy to bring the energy,” said Milne. “This team makes it fun, everyone’s hitting shots, it’s easy to cheer and have energy.”
Leslie Ann Kiebert | Argonaut
Milne said the real challenge is making sure to keep that energy and embrace the excitement once Newlee calls your number for a substitution, which can come at any moment.
“You got to get in there and play hard and play as hard as the person you just took out,” Milne said. “But it is a lot of fun coming off the bench, bringing that energy, being together and being ready for that next game.”
After suffering back-to-back losses for the first time since November, the Vandals have won two straight entering the final six games of the season, four being away.
In Cowan Spectrum or Memorial Gym, the fans help add energy, but Newlee said away games are where the energy shines and when it’s needed most.
“We always talk about especially and particularly on the road, when we would be the only people there,” Newlee said. “We got some parents sometimes that follow us a little, but it’s us and our team. It’s huge and we need to bring that energy.”
Idaho starts this week’s road trip Thursday in Flagstaff, Arizona before flying to Sacramento to play in “The Nest” against the Sacramento State Hornets on Saturday.
Zack Kellogg can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @kellogg_zack.