Oct. 5, 2012

MILWAUKEE - The long awaited day has finally arrived, as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's basketball team started practice for the 2012-13 season under the direction of new head coach Kyle Rechlicz earlier this week.

Rechlicz, named the seventh head coach in program history in May, was excited to finally get her first campaign at UWM kicked off Tuesday, putting her team through its initial practice at the Klotsche Center.

"I think that, for the coaches, there was a lot of excitement and energy when we first stepped on to the court," Rechlicz said. "There was a lot of nerves for the team on what to expect, but, all in all, everyone stepped on the court focused and ready to take the next step for the program."

It may be the first time Rechlicz has had the title "head coach" in front of her name, but she's not afraid to let the staff she has assembled for the upcoming season jump in and assist her along the way.

"I know that we have been preparing as a staff for the day that we step on the court with the team and trying to make sure everyone is on the same page with roles and what we are teaching," Rechlicz said. "All of our coaches jump in - it's not really `head coach' or `assistant' - we are all in it together."

The two-hour practice featured plenty of drills and, in addition to being Rechlicz's first with UWM, it was also the first college practice for five true freshmen. Recent NCAA legislation allows schools to begin women's basketball practice 40 days prior to the start of the regular season.

"The practices we have right now are longer and more detail-oriented," Rechlicz said. "Being our first year here, it's putting in a whole new offense and a whole new defense; how we box out, how we are attacking a press ... everything is brand new. The biggest transition right now is having them figure out the details and it's longer because of that."

"I am impressed with how the girls have focused on the transition from preseason training to actually getting on the court," Rechlicz said. "I do think that there is a real genuine level of excitement and intensity. We have had some surprises in people stepping up and I am excited to see who continues to make a push to be in our lineup for our first game."

The Panthers officially open the season Nov. 9 at Chicago State. They will also have a preseason exhibition at the Klotsche Center, taking on Hillsdale Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Call 414-229-5886 for information on season tickets.

Also, coming up on Monday, Rechlicz heads to Chicago for the Horizon League Women's Basketball Media Day. Among items going on that day will be the announcement of the Preseason All-League Teams and Preseason Player of the Year.