The Florida A&M University women’s basketball schedule for the 2023-2024 season has been released — and it appears to be more than challenging.
The team is suiting up to face some tough non-conference teams again this season. The Rattlers are in the Southwestern Athletic Conference but will face off against some of the nation’s elite programs.
Bridgette Gordon, the new head coach, shared her opinion on the 2023-24 schedule on famuathletics.com.
“We are all excited about the season. There is a tough task ahead of us with our non-conference schedule, hoping it will prepare us for our conference play,” Gordon said.
“My goals for my ladies are to compete, outwork our opponents, play with passion, respect the game, have fun, and make the Rattlers community proud.”
This means that the Rattlers may have to give it all they have each day in practice and practice extra hard to overcome the adversity the challenging, tough opponents represent.
Also, the Rattlers have seven newcomers and five returning players as they build on a six-win season a year ago.
Florida A&M’s starting point guard, Ahriahna Grizzle, is one of the five returning players. As she enters her second season with the Rattlers, she begins the season on the Preseason All-SWAC Second Team.
Grizzle knows that change is a constant for her program.
“This season is a culture shift since we have a new coach. She shifted the whole team’s mentality to a winning one. Knowing that she has the knowledge and experience of the WNBA, we as a team try to match her energy and bring our A-game every day,” Grizzle said.
The Rattlers will take on five Power 5 programs, including teams starring in the Pac-12, Southeastern, Big 12, and Big Ten conferences at the beginning of their non-conference season.
The Rattlers will open in November at the University of Tennessee (Nov. 7) and Middle Tennessee State (Nov. 9).
All hope these Rattlers can have a big-time season this year with this new basketball coach.
As a coach, Gordon has a history of winning titles as a player and a coach.
The first two months of playing ball will consist of non-conference games. However, the Rattlers return to the Sunshine State to face North Florida (December 29) for their final non-conference game.
The Rattlers will open up conference play on the road when they travel to Daytona Beach to face rival Bethune-Cookman (January 6).
Some sponsorships, boosters and marketing offices can show up and take a look at this year’s basketball team, which is why they are playing some tough opponents.
Xavier James, a FAMU student, shared his thoughts on this year’s women’s basketball schedule.
“I love basketball, so to see our Lady Rattlers go against some tough opponents will test their ability to play under pressure. There is a lot to unfold in this season’s schedule, especially with having a new head coach with a winning history. This should be fun to see,” James said.
Rattler fans will still have the opportunity to watch their team seven more times in the Lawson Center this season.
For complete coverage of Florida A&M athletics, follow the Rattlers on social media at @FAMUAthletics (Twitter), FAMUAth (Facebook), and @famuathletics (Instagram).