2014-15 Lady Mavericks Schedule

By Michael Eldridge | UTAMavs.com

ARLINGTON, Texas – UT Arlington coach Krista Gerlich has been focused on a "Change 4 Championships," the motto for this year's team, as she heads into her second season in charge of the Lady Mavericks.

Changes are all over the court beginning with the addition of 11 new members to complement the four returners. Gerlich is looking to the backcourt to spark the change of mentality. 

Leading the charge is junior point guard LaShanda Green, who transferred from Murray State College after averaging five  assists and nine points as a sophomore.

"Her basketball IQ is very high, and she is very smart and understands our system," Gerlich said. "She immediately has leadership. She is a group player is one of the toughest competitors I've met. She just competes, makes good shots and is tough."

A four-year letterwinner in basketball for McAlester High School in Oklahoma, Green was an All-State selection as well as the 2010 State MVP. She also earned three letters in softball and two in track and field.

Green has been working on her leadership on and off the court. The season opens Nov. 14 against Missouri Valley College at College Park Center.

Senior Chauntandra Williams will play alongside Green in the backcourt and has three years at UTA, experience Gerlich is hoping to lean on this season.

"She is going to be very big for us because she brings the experience at the collegiate level and that is something that you can't coach," Gerlich said. "She is being more confident, and we can play her at her natural position at the 3, but she can slide over to the 1 or 2 when we need her to."

Williams has embraced her role on the team knowing that the depth at point guard leaves an opening for her to help.

"I have never really played the 1, so it is kind of fun to play," Williams said. "Without the depth I think it can be me."

Williams said in her position as a leader on the team that she has been focused on making sure everyone is working hard, moving in the right direction and most importantly that she is doing what she preaches.

In addition to Green and Williams, the Lady Mavs have freshman Cierra Johnson and junior Amara Wainwright. Johnson was a McDonald's All-American nominee, while Wainwright was a second-team All-Region selection at Eastern Arizona College. Wainwright was sidelined in 2013-14 due to injury.

"Johnson is doing really well, and defensively she has already increased our ability to guard on the perimeter," Gerlich said. "She also has a high basketball IQ and competes well. She is known for her defense, but in her senior year of high school she developed into a scoreer and that will improve as the year goes on.

"Wainwright is getting back to herself after sitting out last year. She can shoot it will and understands where we need the basketball passing wise. She is very deceptive on the defensive end, and she understands angles and busts her tail and works really hard."

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