Air Force women's basketball relies on veteran leadership

The Air Force Academy women's basketball team is making headlines this season due to its strong veteran presence. Unlike previous years, the team does not rely on freshmen players. Head coach Stacy McIntyre believes this is a sign of progress for the program. McIntyre says that not needing to play freshmen is a positive change. In her first year as head coach, she has led the Falcons (18-14) to the postseason, a feat not achieved often by the team. In prior seasons, the starting lineup often included multiple freshmen, but this year, experienced players dominate the court. Key players include seniors Madison Smith and junior Milahnie Perry, both recognized in the All-Mountain West selections. Point guard Jo Huntimer has also been an essential player since her freshman year. McIntyre emphasizes that the depth of this veteran team is a significant factor in their success. The Falcons will compete against Utah Valley (18-12) on Friday in the first round of the WNIT tournament. This is only the second time the women's team has reached postseason play. The players are optimistic about their future and look forward to building on this year’s success. Freshmen like Emma Lytle and Sydney Roundtree have contributed to the team in limited roles, showing potential for the future. Veterans mentor them, and the team has worked hard to create a strong foundation. With a win on Friday, they could match their record for the most wins in program history. The entire team is proud of their growth and aims to build a legacy for future athletes.