Colorado Women's Basketball Ready for Action

On Oct. 19, JR Payne and the women’s basketball team had an optimistic outlook for the 2021-22 upcoming season.

Head Coach Payne said, “We laid a solid foundation for what we’re capable of this year, and so we’re excited for the season.”

The Buffs finished last season 12-11 completing 8-8 in the Pac-12 play. They wrapped up the season finishing off strong in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), only to lose against Ole Miss in the quarterfinals. With Payne retaining most of her players, she’s also integrated new players. The confidence in the team is high as they prepare to start anew after falling one game short in the NCAA tournament last season.

“Confidence carries over.” Payne said.“I also think when you’ve established a culture of daily effort and daily excellence, that’s where your confidence comes from.” 

Colorado Buffaloes veteran Mya Hollingshed will continue onto a 5th year as Payne intends on using her to become a prominent leader for the team. “She had a really great year last year and she also is having a really great year in practice so far,” Payne said. “We’re seeing more vocal presence from Mya which we’ve been asking her to do…We need her to coach and be able to help our young players or our new players and she’s doing a really good job of that.”

Hollingshed last season, finished sixth in the Pac-12 with a career-high of 15.4 points per game. She was second in the Pac-12 with a career-best 7.8 rebounds per game and tied for the conference lead with eight double-doubles on the season averaging career-highs in minutes (32.8) and assists (1.7). “There’s a lot of redemption from last season I’ll say,” she said. “Just because I know this team wanted to go far and we do have the petition to do that and I think we believe in each other and if we continue to do that, then I think we’ll get there.” 

What will be crucial for the Buffs this season is solidity. Hollingshed will have Washington transfer Quay Miller and senior Peanut Tuitele to provide front court depth. The backcourt will star junior guard Jaylyn Sherrod, sophomore Frida Formann, and freshmen Sophie Gerber and Kindyll Wetta, also awaiting to leave their mark on the court this year. 

Sophomore Frida Formann had an exceptional freshmen year as she started during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She received an honorable mention for the Pac-12 all freshman team, averaging 17.0 ppg to lead CU in the WNIT, and finished the 2020-21 season with 12.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.

“She had a really great year and was really consistent. She looks fantastic,” said Payne, speaking on Frida Formann’s freshmen year. 

Payne helped develop her game according to Formann. “I think she’s just been telling me like all the coaches, all the players, just telling me how good I am and building my confidence,” Formann said “I’m most concerned about how my team sees me and if they trust me or not. I think just coming in as a freshman and from another country, I was laying back and seeing whatever I was allowed to do. Now I’m a bit more assertive. I know my role and I’m also better at helping the other people on the team and just contributing more.”

The Buffs will be able to display their confidence and hard work from their off season on Nov.1 for an exhibition game taking place at CU Events Center against Colorado School of Mines. The Buffs’ season opener will be against Oklahoma State, Nov. 10.