East Carolina Women's Basketball Looks to Continue Climb in Tougher League

After two triumphing seasons, the East Carolina women’s basketball team is headed into this season looking to make an impact in a new conference.

Last year, the Lady Pirates took out the competition finishing the season overall 22-9 with a 10-6 record within Conference USA. The ladies have won 27 out of 28 last home games at Minges Coliseum. Also, the team ranked in the top-50 in the nation in five different categories. Among those categories, the team ranked 11th in steals per game (10.7), and ranked 14th in blocked shots per game (5.3).

The Pirates are now playing in the much tougher American Athletic Conference.

“The biggest thing for us is that we’re really looking forward to the challenge of this new league, and learning the league,” said Head Coach Heather Macy.

The ladies will compete against, but not limited to, Tulane, USF, Syracuse, and UCONN.

“I think it’s going to be every single night you’re going to have to play, and every night you got to bring your best to really compete and advance,” Macy said.

Heather Macy is starting her fifth season as head coach. She guided East Carolina to consecutive post season appearances for the first time in program history when the Pirates played in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) in 2013 and 2014.

In the past two seasons, she has lead the team to 22 consecutive wins. These triumphs are the second time the team scored back-to-back 20 win campaigns in program history. Macy recently earned a five-year extension to her contract over the offseason, extending her as head coach through the 2019-2020 season.

“They’re fun to coach,” said Macy, “There’s never a dull moment.”

Returning for the Pirates are all five starters from last season. In the 2013-2014 campaign, guard Jada Payne broke the record for three-pointers made in a single season (70) as well as setting the all-time mark in free-throw percentage (.843). Along with Payne, last season point Ondrea Shaw set the new single-season program standard in blocked shots (101), as guard Abria Trice notched the third highest free throw percentage (.831).

“The biggest difference is that we didn’t lose our three big scorers as we did a year ago. To have Jada and Abria back is a huge advantage,” said Macy. “We’re actually returning all five of our starters so I’m excited to coach a group who’s been together for a little bit.”

Also a returning starter for the Pirates is forward Tatiana Chapple who concluded the season with 134 rebounds, 30 steals, and 26 assists. Guard Janesha Ebron led the Pirates with 154 assists last season, which ranks 52nd in the nation.

“I’m excited about Janesha Ebron,” said Macy. “Our starting point guard is returning and what an amazing season she had. I feel so comfortable with the ball in her hands, and she’s really looking to be a steady force for us.”

The team is pleased to welcome 10 transfer players this season from a variety of teams such as LSU, Oregon State, Troy University, and Georgia Tech. The returning Pirates have come together to make the transfer players feel like home.

“They really seem to bring the newer kids along and taking them under their wing,” Macy said.

The Lady Pirates start regular season practice on Monday Oct. 6. Just around the corner, on Nov. 14, the Pirates kick off their 2014-15 season playing Fairfield in Rhode Island.