Le Moyne Dolphins Women’s Basketball Season Preview: 2024-25
Change is both eternal and inevitable in college basketball. Le Moyne had an impressive debut in Division I last season, earning a spot in the WNIT as an automatic qualifier. In this sport, though, even success- rare success, like Le Moyne enjoyed during a transitional year- merits change. Head Coach Nick DiPillo, who’s had experience as the head man at Scranton and previously worked for the WNBA’s New York Liberty, will be the leader for Le Moyne as they continue to change. It’ll be his first year with the program, and he’ll be the architect of the program that’ll determine if they continue to grow and develop into a consistent force in NEC play. Located in the basketball-obsessed metropolis of Syracuse, NY, there can be no doubt that when Le Moyne makes noise, people will hear it.
Coach DiPillo welcomes two true freshmen and a redshirt freshman transfer from Youngstown State, alongside three other transfers who will immediately contribute to the team’s success. Their rotation will primarily consist of experienced players, with Siera Linnin and Haedyn Roberts leading the way. In fact, it’s likely their 7 most active players will all be upperclassmen. Change is certainly the theme of the season for Le Moyne, but the maturity this squad has will be a huge boost with navigating that change as they embark on the year.
The Dolphins excelled last season and will look to remain in the upper echelon of the NEC. With the right chemistry, this team is poised for another strong year near the top of the NEC.
Projected Rotation
Siera Linnin (G, Junior) – As the top returning scorer, Linnin is the star of this team, averaging 8.1 points per game while logging over 27 minutes per game. Expect her to play a crucial role offensively and continue to lead from the guard position. Her minutes per game and opportunities should increase, and with the experience gained from the last two seasons with the Dolphins we expect her points per game to take a jump into the double digits.
Haedyn Roberts (F, Grad) – Roberts had 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season. As with Linnin, Roberts should see an expanded role this season. Her numbers will improve as she becomes a leader in Le Moyne’s frontcourt.
Brianna Williams (F, Senior) – A solid contributor who played over 18 minutes per game, Williams' versatility and rebounding will be vital for the team’s success. The Dolphins will need multiple frontcourt players to step up this season if they’ll remain at the top of the conference, and along with Roberts, Williams appears to be the most likely candidate to do so.
Emily Florvil (G, Senior) – Florvil brings experience, defensive skills, and an ability to fill up the stat sheet, with 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
Megan Bodziony (G, Grad) – We project the transfer from Bryant by way of Fordham to be a solid addition to the starting five, adding depth and experience.
Michelina Lombardi (G, Junior) – Likely to be the 6th player, Lombardi’s energy and defensive contributions will be valuable off the bench.
Mia Yanogacio (G, Senior) – The transfer from Delaware adds depth to the guard position, and her 12 minutes per game at her former school could increase this season with her experience. Yanogacio could easily play her way into the starting lineup for the Dolphins this season. Her role will be something to watch as we approach tipoff.
Amya McLeod (F, RS Freshman) – McLeod comes in as a redshirt freshman from Youngstown State and could be a valuable piece of the rotation and frontcourt as she adjusts to Division I play. She’s had a season to watch in the Horizon League and should have opportunities to see the court this season in Syracuse, NY.
Team Preview
The Dolphins enjoyed an almost dream season in their NEC debut, making the transition from being a D2 contender to a D1 NEC contender almost seamlessly. They came up just short in the NEC Championship Game, but while lots of change is coming to Le Moyne, the change looks more like a reload than a rebuild. Linnin will have to develop into a star, and if she and Roberts can become a two-headed monster, the Dolphins will be in prime position to repeat their performance from a year ago. The roster is bolstered by transfers and only features two freshmen. There will be no lack of seasoning at Le Moyne, and minimal patience should be needed for players to develop- only for the new players to gel into a cohesive unit with the returning players.
The final regular season match-up against FDU in Syracuse, NY may go a long way towards determining home field advantage in the NEC Tournament.
