INDIANAPOLIS —
As a psychology major at Butler University, Elizabeth Jennings studies the human condition and ways to better understand humanity. Part of that process involves learning more about ones self than they thought they already knew about themselves.
“It’s shown me that I’m capable of accomplishing more than I thought I was,” Jennings said in a phone interview. “I’m focused on doing what’s asked of me and I’m willing to do whatever I can to help the team.”
That would be the Butler women’s basketball team where the former Lapel standout is entering her sophomore season. And what is being asked of her is a move to a new position.
The team’s Web site lists the Lapel graduate as a guard/forward. If things go according to plan, the “G” under position on the roster should be removed from Jennings’ profile.
Entering the 2010-11 season, Jennings’ a new role will be that of a power forward or a “4.” The hope is that she’ll be able to create some match up problems on the offensive end of the court and the utilize her 6-foot-1 frame on the defensive interior for Butler this season.
“We moved her to the 4 because that’s what we envisioned her as when we recruited her,” Butler coach Beth Couture said. “She’s stronger; she put on some muscle mass this summer in the weight room and she’s a match up problem.”
Butler runs a 4-out offense. In that system, four players are on the perimeter to open up the floor, spread out the defense and create driving lanes to the basket. If the defense plays back, then they take their chances with Butler shooting jump shots.
“She won’t be playing strictly with her back to the basket. Defensively, she’ll be matched up against the other team’s 4.” Couture said. “She understands our system and how we do things. She’s more polished in how she does things this year.”
“That’s a huge strength for us with my outside shot,” Jennings said. “If I have a big on me I can draw them out. If I have a guard, I can go down and post up on them.”
The power forward position isn’t a new one to Jennings but it’s one that she’s not played in the traditional sense for some time.
“I played it a little in AAU,” Jennings said. “In high school, I’d be a power forward on defense in the post because of my height and on offense I’d be a guard bringing the ball up the floor.”
To prepare for the upgrade in physical play that goes hand-in-hand with playing down on the blocks, Jennings paid her dues in the weight room to put on muscle for the season. While she improved her personal bests in the main areas — bench press, squats, dead lift and leg press — it’s her improvement on the bench press that she’s most proud of.
“I’ve improved by 40 pounds and I’ve put on 20 pounds of muscle,” Jennings said.
Last year Butler’s men’s basketball team made it all the way to the National Championship game before falling to Duke by a basket. And there’s been some carry over to other Butler athletic programs.
The volleyball team is leading the conference, the men’s soccer team is undefeated, expectations for the men’s basketball team is at an all-time high. And the ladies team is being touted as a preseason contender in the conference.
Coming off of a 23-10 season and an appearance in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament, expectations are high in Indianapolis for the women’s program. Butler was picked to finish second in the Horizon League by the conference’s coaches, sports information directors and media.
“That’s an honor for us that others see Butler as a contender,” Jennings said. “Our focus is on getting better as a team and being greater than ourselves.”
“I think it gives everybody hope,” Couture said of any possible carryover from the men’s team’s success. “I think it helps because success breeds success.”
Sports
Related Photos
-
Butler’s Elizabeth Jennings drives on Loyola during a game at Hinkle Fieldhouse last year. Now a sophomore, Jennings will be playing a new position for the Bulldogs.
-
Lapel graduate Elizabeth Jennings added 20 pounds of muscle in preparation for the upcoming season.
-
Butler sophomore Elizabeth Jennings is a 2009 graduate of Lapel High School
Discussion
Jennings psyched for new season
- Sports
-
-
Pacers not talking about changes, Hill’s status
The Indiana Pacers head into Game 6 against the New York Knicks in unfamiliar territory.
Point guard George Hill is out with a concussion, NBA rules require him to pass a concussion test before he can play again. The Pacers have no idea whether that will come in time for tonight’s potential closeout game. -
Mike Lopresti: One screen causes Hill of trouble
Ah, the fickle ways of the NBA playoffs, where flips come with flops and so many roads have U-turns. One change-everything injury is all it takes. One untimely blow to the head, and the karma.
Which brings us to George Hill’s concussion. -
Sectional tennis final suspended
It’s going to take a little longer than expected to determine the 2013 Anderson girls tennis sectional champion.
Defending champ Alexandria and Pendleton Heights barely had gotten underway Friday afternoon when heavy rain caused the suspension of the final match. -
Ball State moves to 7th at NCAA regional
The Ball State men’s golf team moved up three spots on the leaderboard Friday with the third-best second round at the NCAA Pullman Regional.
The Cardinals posted a team score of 4-under-par 284, led by former Liberty Christian star Alex Stinson’s 69 at the par-72 Palouse Ridge Golf Club. With one round to play, they have positioned themselves for a run at one of the top-five spots and a trip to the NCAA Nationals. -
Ravens run into buzzsaw in Round 1 of Div. III Softball World Series
Anderson University's softball team lost its first game of the NCAA Div. III Softball World Series 8-1 to Luther University (Iowa) today in Eau Claire, Wis.
-
Anthony has 28, Knicks beat Pacers to stay alive
For the New York Knicks, it was about playing harder, even if not really much better.
Saving their season would be more about effort than execution.
“Tonight it was just one of them days where you just got to leave it out there on the basketball court,” Carmelo Anthony said. -
Castor makes historic run for Liberty Christian
When Liberty Christian’s Austin Castor lined up for the 300-meter hurdles, he did so with one goal in mind — advance to the regional.
His goal was like the other 248 student-athletes at the Mt. Vernon Sectional track meet, but Castor’s chance to run during his senior season was nearly shattered. When the Lions faced Elwood during basketball season, Castor sustained a fractured left femur. -
Ravens ready to rumble with nation’s best
Everything about this wild and wonderful weekend will be brand new for the Anderson University softball team.
So why should the opposition be any different? -
Tigers survive semifinal scorcher with Frankton
As she prepared for what would be the final point of a two-hour, six-minute match, Alexandria’s Hannah Libler briefly pulled her wrist and forearm across her forehead.
When her No. 3 singles contest began against Frankton’s Lucy Browning, there were a handful of friends and family gathered outside the fence around the court. - Pendleton powers into girls tennis final
- More Sports Headlines
-
MLB Hoping for Large Replay Expansion in 2014
America's Cup Officials Say Race Will Continue
LeBron James Wins NBA MVP for Fourth Time
African American Jockey Aims for Derby History
Horse Saved From Slaughter, Goes on to Win Big
Obama: 'Couldn't Be Prouder' of Jason Collins
Sacramento Mayor Lauds NBA Vote on Kings
NBA Star's Aunt: I Am Very Proud of Him
Tebow Time in New York Over After Jets Cut QB
White House Commends Jason Collins on Coming Out
NBA Veteran Jason Collins Comes Out As Gay
Raw: Alligator on Fairway at Zurich Classic
Backpacks Banned From Kentucky Derby
Ex Ravens LB Ayanbadejo Talks Equality
Red Sox Fans: Boston 'Getting Back to Normal'
Was This the Last Sacramento Kings Game Ever?
