Let's get it started: James Madison

Another installment in our series of previews of the state's Division I programs as they approach their first official practices:

JAMES MADISON

Last year: 26-7, 13-5 CAA (2nd), won CAA Tournament, seeded No. 9 in NCAA Tournament, lost in 1st round to No. 8 Temple

First practice: Monday

Season opener: Nov. 12 vs. Hampton (Preseason WNIT)

Coach Kenny Brooks on:

His players' preseason work: "I've been very happy with the kids and how hard they've worked. This year has been an unusual preseason because it's been cut short by two weeks because of the NCAA new ruling where we can start practice sooner.

"This is a veteran group and the newcomers have really followed what the veterans have done. They have worked extremely hard. Each kid understands the task at hand. After you're won a championship you're going to have a bull's eye on your back, and I think the kids understand that.

"Last year our team motto was "now." This year our team motto is "again", and I think they understand what they have to do to accomplish that goal."



Jalissa Taylor

 Veteran poised for a breakout season: "That's a very tough question because our group of veterans understands what they have to do, and they've done a fantastic job of working extremely hard.

"If I had to pick one I would say Jalissa Taylor just because she's so inquisitive and I think that her ceiling is so high. She has a lot of room for improvement, and she's improving each and every day. She's head and shoulders above where she was this time last year. She's poised to break out for us and have a really good year and not struggle as she did some parts of the year."

Freshman/newcomer making the quickest adjustment: "Lauren Whitehurst probably has the leg up on the others because she sat out last year. She understands what we expect, understands the intensity of this level. Lauren's experience and her athletic ability will really help us."

Next up: Longwood

Previous previews
Old Dominion
Virginia
Richmond
Liberty