It’s hard to forget the Iona College women’s basketball 2017-18 season, in which the team posted a 2-28 record, its second worst record in school history. But with a team consisting of nine new players and three returners, it’s become easier for the Gaels to forget last season and look towards the upcoming season.

“It’s our year to really show who we are and what we’re about at Iona,” sophomore team captain and guard-forward Tori Lesko said. “It’s our year to prove to everyone what we can do and who we are as a team.”

Lesko’s message is clear as day: the team is working to put.  Its last season behind them, and is willing to work today for a better tomorrow. Part of working toward those better days is setting standards and creating a culture around the program, according to junior forward Jodi-Marie Ramil.

“We have standards and we have to meet our standards,” Ramil said. “Honestly, it’s a winning culture.”

Ramil is one of the many new faces who will wear  maroon and gold for Head Coach Billi Chambers this season. Gaels have seen a lot of roster turnover since last season, but Lesko said that hasn’t prevented them from building chemistry.

“The chemistry is great this year,” Lesko said. “We really had to rebuild everything from last year, but it’s been great.”

Lesko, Ramil and junior guard Morgan Rachu have become the leaders for a team featuring six freshmen.

“It’s easier having like two co-captains with me,” Lesko said. “It’s really important for me to set the example and not really have off days.”

Perhaps the best part about the culture around the team is that while a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title is the goal, the team understands they need to work on the smaller things to get there.

“We want to win a MAAC championship, go to the NCAA tournament and make a run,” Lesko said. “But, we have to have smaller goals to reach the bigger goal.”

The Gaels will tip off the 2018-2019 season when they travel to Long Island, New York on Nov. 6 to take on Hofstra.