Steve Thompson
Never play chess with Coach Jeff Walz. He’s never in a hurry to beat you. He toys with you, gauges your strengths and weaknesses, and then, here it comes…he unleashes one of his proven multiple strategies to finish you off. Sound familiar? The coach of the Lady Cardinal Basketball team may have the combination of players necessary to achieve University of Louisville’s goal of a national championship this year.
Although this team is young in many ways, their skill sets are incredible. If any three of them break out offensively in a game, its over. There really are no superstars on this team, despite what fans may think. They are just the most balanced Birds of Prey in all of college basketball, and if they continue to work and improve, this could be their year.
How do they get there? Coach Walz has three different combinations of players and playing styles at his disposal. Every game he evaluates different combinations, scenarios, and sets. He lets his players struggle, fall and sometimes not play well. Then comes the adjustments, player combo packages, tempo changes and like a great song, the ending is generally rather good.
The Lady Cardinal’s are three teams in one: The light speed package, power to the paint package and the inside-out package. Hailey VanLith and Emily Engstler are components of all three packages, playing distinct roles in each set. Then come the specialty players, like Kianna Smith, Olivia Cochran and Chelsie Hall can dominate inside and on the wings. The speed package is full of outstanding guards who understand their strengths. Mykasa Robinson’s passion for the game is contagious. Ahlana Smith, Norika Konno and Payton Verhulst will school you in the mid-range game. A commitment to continuous improvement, and unselfishness is what makes this team truly special.
