WAUKESHA, Wis. - As the Carroll University women's basketball team prepares to take the court for the upcoming 2017-18 season, it will be entering into the second year of a patient, rebuilding process with clear-cut plans of showcasing its steady growth.
After suffering through the significant growing pains of a long, tedious one-victory season, the Pioneers are determined to play up to their potential, demonstrate the lessons learned from the experience and earn respect over the course of the year.
With a system firmly in place and the return of four veterans to the lineup, Carroll appears ready to take another strong, positive step forward.
For second-year Carroll head coach Lindsay Schultz, the team's steady development has been the result of working hard each day in practice, staying committed to building a solid foundation and honoring the program's core values.
"We have a good core of returning players who contributed a lot of minutes last season and remain committed to establishing a culture of success," said Schultz, who will be assisted by Dave Borowicz and Erin Asher this season.
"They have really set the tone with their positive attitude, leadership and work ethic. Having been through it last year, its been exciting watching how they have come back focused and ready to show the effort and commitment required to be competitive within the CCIW.
"Coming into the season, we're really approaching it as the first true step because everyone is on the same page, comfortable with the system and working hard to improve every time we step on the court. That approach has allowed us the opportunity to learn at more of an accelerated rate, implement more into each practice and step up the intensity. As opposed to last year when we were attempting to build a foundation and learning about competing in the new conference, this season has been all about basketball and challenging them. From that standpoint, we're really excited about the direction we're heading in and the possibilities."
Senior standout 5-foot-6 guard Brittney Wald from Antigo, Wis., returns to lead the young, hard-working Pioneers this season.
Wald, who started all 24 games last year and averaged 33 minutes a contest, earned second-team all-conference honors by averaging 15.9 points per game (fifth in the CCIW), 6.6 rebounds (eighth in CCIW) and 2.6 assists with 24 3-point baskets - highlighted by a season-high 29 points versus Elmhurst.
Sara Hartl, a 5-6 junior guard from Racine, Wis. who averaged 8.2 ppg with 3.1 rpg. and 2.2 assists with 25 3-pointers in 21 games - including an individual season-high 24 points against North Central - returns to complete the durable, experienced 1-2 tandem of upperclassmen.
Sophomore guard/forward Hannah Kloehn (5-8) from Marshfield, Wis. who averaged 4.5 ppg. with 3.6 rpg. and sophomore forward/center Jordyn Giese (5-11) from Oshkosh, Wis., complete the list of returnees for Carroll - which generated a season-high 86 points versus high-powered North Central last year.
The depth provided by a 13-player roster, including nine versatile freshmen, will be important to the team's progression.
"Through the recruiting process, we have been able to add nine talented freshmen to the roster who are committed and ready to go," added Schultz, whose scrappy squad shot 68 percent from the free throw line last year. "Because of that positive mindset, it has really meshed well with our veterans and created a good, natural chemistry. At this point, we're hoping that will translate over to our effort on the court so time will tell how that family atmosphere continues to develop.
"Being low in numbers last year, we weren't able to play 5-on-5 in practice so the added depth has really created a healthy, competitive situation as everyone learns their specific role and attempts to earn playing time. That should only help us take it to the next level. It's been a fun, exciting process so we're looking forward to the challenge and showing everyone what Carroll basketball is all about this season."
Freshman point guard Mallory Olszak (5-4) from Crete, Ill., freshman guard Anna Menges (5-8)  from Manitowoc, Wis., freshman forward Delaney Doell (5-10) from Winfield, Ill., freshman guard/forward Hailey Herriges (5-8) from Kewaskum, Wis., freshman point guard Maycie Wiernik (5-1) from Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., freshman small forward Delaney Sjong (5-10) from Salem, Wis., freshman point guard Emily Majerus (5-8) from Plymouth, Wis., freshman forward Katie Rossetti (6-2) from Wauconda, Ill. and freshman power forward Amari Whittington (5-9) from Kenosha, Wis. are new to the roster.
The Pioneers are scheduled to open the season by competing in the Loras Tip-Off Tournament on Friday, Nov. 17.

PIONEER FAST FACTS
What: Carroll University women's basketball team
Head Coach: Lindsay Schultz, second season
Assistant Coaches: Dave Borowicz and Erin Asher
2016-17: Finished 1-15 in College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin (ninth place) and 1-23 overall
Players to Watch: senior guard Brittney Wald (Antigo, Wis.) and junior guard Sara Hartl (Racine, Wis.)
Other Returning Players: sophomore guard/forward Hannah Kloehn (Marshfield, Wis.) and sophomore forward/center Jordyn Giese (Oshkosh, Wis.)
Promising Newcomers: freshman point guard Mallory Olszak (Crete, Ill.), freshman guard Anna Menges (Manitowoc, Wis.), freshman forward Delaney Doell (Winfield, Ill.), freshman guard/forward Hailey Herriges (Kewaskum, Wis.), freshman point guard Maycie Wiernik (Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.), freshman small forward Delaney Sjong (Salem, Wis.), freshman point guard Emily Majerus (Plymouth, Wis.), freshman forward Katie Rossetti (Wauconda, Ill.) and freshman power forward Amari Whittington (Kenosha, Wis.)