FDU Knights Women’s Basketball Season Preview: 2024-25
FDU made an impressive run last season, finishing as the #3 seed in the NEC despite having no returning starters and featuring nine newcomers, including six first-year players. Under the leadership of first year head coach Stephanie Gaitley, who was previously at Fordham and LIU, the Knights outperformed expectations (preseason #4). Entering her second year, Coach Gaitley has built a strong foundation, and this year’s FDU squad, with six returning players who averaged over 17 minutes per game, is primed to make another leap. FDU is favored to finish even higher than last year and will contend for the top spot in the NEC. The flip side is that for the second consecutive season, the Knights will have six freshmen to break in again. It’s an intriguing blend of youth and experience.
Projected Rotation:
Teneisia Brown (F/C - Grad): The centerpiece of FDU’s attack, Brown nearly averaged a double-double last season (12.6 PPG, 8 RPG) and is a candidate for NEC Player of the Year. She should be a shoo-in for pre-season all-NEC. Expect her to be the focal point on both ends of the court with her scoring and rebounding ability. Whenever Brown can get inside, whether on offense or defense, the Knights have a chance.
Lilly Parke (F - Junior): A consistent contributor, Parke averaged 9.9 PPG and 5.2 RPG while playing 27.8 minutes per game. She'll be a key part of the frontcourt rotation alongside Brown, offering versatility and experience.
Abby Conklin (G - Grad): The leader in minutes last season at 37.3 MPG, Conklin contributed 9.8 PPG and 2.7 APG. Her ability to distribute the ball and score will be critical to the team's success.
Abaigeal Babore (G - Grad): Another returning veteran, Babore averaged 30.6 MPG, 7 PPG, and 2.6 APG. She adds a steady presence in the backcourt and is known for her defensive contributions.
Staci Williams (G - Sophomore): Williams saw substantial playing time last year, averaging 8.2 PPG and 20.5 MPG. She will be relied on to take on a bigger role in her second season as a solid scorer and defender.
Bella Toomey (F - Sophomore): Toomey provides depth in the frontcourt with 17 MPG and 3.8 RPG. She'll be a valuable asset in giving the Knights additional rebounding and defense.
Team Preview:
This season, FDU is bringing back a much more experienced core. Last year, they had to take time to integrate a large number of new players. That learning curve shouldn’t be a problem this year and with the experience in the front part of the rotation, there should be plenty of time to bring the freshmen along at their own pace. Teneisia Brown is expected to be the team's top player, potentially the best in the NEC, and the offense will flow through her. With experienced returners like Parke, Conklin, and Babore, the Knights have both the leadership and skill to build on last year’s success. Look for Coach Gaitley to continue her winning ways as the team looks to exceed last year’s third-place finish. They should finish in position to host at least two NEC tournament games. Once in the tournament, Brown scored 30 points in the first round in 2023-24; if she can maintain that production, the squad should go further in the postseason than just the league tournament.
FDU enters the season with the perfect blend of experience and youthful potential, positioning themselves to be one of the top teams in the NEC again this year.
