COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - The defending national champion Texas A&M women's basketball team held its first practice on Sunday evening in preparation for the 2011-12 season.
The players have been working out individually with the coaches, but Sunday's practice was their first together as a team.
Head coach Gary Blair enters his ninth year at the helm of Texas A&M women's basketball and returns three starters (Sydney Carter - DeSoto, Texas, Adaora Elonu - Houston, Texas, and Tyra White - Kansas City, Mo.) and 10 letterwinners from last year's team that also produced the most wins (33) in program history. White and Carter were honored by the Big 12 Conference as Preseason All-Big 12 and Preseason All-Big 12 honorable mention, respectively. Â
The Aggies welcome four newcomers in Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year Kelsey Bone (Houston, Texas) and freshmen Rachel Mitchell (Houston, Texas), Tori Scott (Marrero, La.) and Big 12 Preseason Co-Freshman of the Year Alexia Standish (Colleyville, Texas).
The Aggies recently returned from a trip to the White House where they were congratulated by President Obama for their 2011 NCAA Championship.
The annual Maroon & White game is set for Friday, Oct. 28, while exhibition play begins Sunday, Nov. 6 followed by the season home opener against Lamar on Nov. 12.
Season tickets are now on sale for the 2011-12 season. Packages begin at just $100, visit tickets.12thmanfoundation.com for more information.
Texas A&M is hosting the 2012 NCAA First & Second Rounds at Reed Arena. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.