Last season was a transitional season for the Gaels. After going 26-7 in the 2022-2023 season, former head coach Billi Chambers and some of the previous years’ roster left the program. Due to the head coaching change and the replenishing of the roster, as well as some injury problems, the Gaels only were able to win 11 games last season. The Metro Athletic Atlantic Conference coaches predicted for the Gaels to finish eight this season.
Despite being predicted to finish eighth in the MAAC by its coaches, the Gaels have a good roster and can easily surpass expectations set for them this season. This season sees 10 players
return from Angelika Szumilo’s first year as a coach, with only two, guards Ella Farjado and Judith Gomez, being consistent starters. While they won’t necessarily be the only options when it comes to offense on the team, they’ll have to serve as the veterans on the team, helping to elevate players that will be taking on a greater role this season. Some returning players to look out for would be the aforementioned Farjado and Gomez as well as sophomore forward Zoey Ward, who averaged three points and almost two rebounds in limited minutes last season, as well as sophomore guard Mya Zaccagini, who averaged about three points, two rebounds, and one and a half assists in almost 16 minutes a game last season. As for the six new players, there are four that will have an almost immediate impact this season.
First up is Yannie Chan. From Hong Kong, Chan is transferring to Iona from Division III school Emmanuel College. While she didn’t play in the 2023-2024 season, Chan averaged 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.2 steals per game in the 2022-2023 season for the Saints. Chan is also a Gael who represents her country on the international stage, representing Hong Kong during the 2023 Asian Games. Erin Leary is another transfer but transferring from
Division II school St. Thomas Aquinas. Leary averaged 14.9 points, eight and a half rebounds, two and a half assists, 1.2 steals and around one and a half blocks per game last season, showing an all-around play style that will help the Gaels be successful this season.Two other players to look out for are a pair of freshman. Guard Chloe Vasquez was a 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game nominee, who’s skills will be great for the Gaels. Destinee Salgado was a do-it-all player for North Stafford in Virginia last season, and her skills on offense and defense will translate well to the Division I level. The Gaels open up their season on Nov. 5 at Central Florida, with their home opener coming on Nov. 12 vs Navy.
