Jeff Walz speaks to Sportsmen's Supper Club

FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:

-Jeff Walz excited about upcoming Lady Cards season

University of Louisville head women's basketball coach Jeff Walz spoke to a capacity
crowd at the Sportsmen's Supper Club monthly meeting at Audubon Country Club
Thursday evening. The mere fact he was able to appear at all is a testament to Jeff's
dedication and devotion to the UofL fan base...he drove non-stop from Charleston, SC
this morning to address the club...and then was heading to a 7:30 p.m. Lady Cards 
practice at the KFC YUM! Center. 

Walz began his talk by mentioning that this upcoming season may be the most exciting that has come upon him in his five years as head coach at UofL. 

"This is, by far, the most talented basketball team we've had. We may not have one particular player the caliber of Angel...but we have a full roster of players that are very talented and will be competing for playing time."

On the incoming freshman:

"They have exceeded what I expected of them so far. Three of them that will be competing for starting jobs...and I have four starters back from last year. If you're going to be good, you need your freshmen to step in and challenge the returning players for starting jobs...and that's exactly what we have going on right now." 

Walz also spoke of the August trip to Canada and Oregon. 

"Just to see the excitement out of the people during our visit to Hermiston...where Jude and Shoni grew up. We had people there who told me it was the biggest event they've had on the reservation in ten years...since they brought back in the reunion for the Portland Trail Blazers team that won the NBA Championship back in the late seventies."

On the games in Canada:

"I was very, very pleased with the way our team played."

On practice so far...after six days:

The team is practicing hard...which pleases Coach Walz

"We're getting through an hour and forty five minutes of practice in what used to take us between two and a half to three hours. It's taken five years of recruiting to get a full roster of kids in here that want to play the game. And, when you've done that...that's half the battle. If I don't have to spend half the practice trying to get them to go hard...now I can spend that time teaching and coaching. I can get a lot more accomplished. The effort I'm getting is fantastic."

Can the Cards compete against UConn?

"Yes, we sure can. They've graduated Maya Moore, which is fantastic for all of us (laughter) so,  yes...I'm really excited about this. The UConn game is a Tuesday night game. We need fans to show up for that one. Fans that may not normally come out to a week-night game...we need them out there for that one."

Who's showing the most promise right now?

Jude Schimmel impressing the
coaches

"Actually...the biggest surprise..maybe really not a surprise... but someone who has really exceeded my expectations is Jude Schimmel. Right now, she's competing for a starting spot at point guard."

Who will be your "5" (center) this year?

"Sherrone Vails, a freshman from last year and Cierra Warren, a transfer from North Carolina who sat out last year. Two 6'4" kids..the first time in my five years here I've had
two 6'4" kids on the roster."

On Shelby Harper:

"Shelby is a go-getter. She gives us a lot of heart. Our fans love her.She plays with so much passion that it's hard to keep her off the floor."

On Sara Hammond:

"She works so hard. She knows the game and she's dedicated to being a better player every day."

Coach Walz concluded his remarks by expressing optimism that future, highly sought-after recruits would find the University of Louisville the place to go. He vowed to work hard, along with his assistants and staff, to bring the best possible talent to Louisville in the future.

Then, it was off to conduct a practice with the current talent. When you're Jeff Walz this time of year...the clock is always ticking...the opportunities there to be made the most of...and the passion and intensity for the game the driving force. 

The ship is in good hands, Cardinal fans...with the expert guidance of a coach who defines the terms "hard work" and "dedication to excellence." Smooth sailing ahead.

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