The Great Lakes Valley Conference announced the basketball schedule on Thursday, with games starting after Thanksgiving.  

With spectators being prohibited from games, each team will play 22 conference-only games, with three five-team divisions for the league’s 15 teams. Lindenwood will compete in the Central Division, which consists of Maryville, Missouri- St. Louis, Quincy and Truman State. Each team will play 11 home and 11 away games and will play each division opponent twice. 

 Since last season was prematurely ended by COVID-19 cancellations, the women’s basketball team has been ready to get back on the court, which finally happened this past week. 

On the court for practice, the players and coaches are always mandated to wear masks and social distance when not involved in the game action, which is limited to only five players on the court at a time.  

“It’s a challenge,” head coach Katie Falco said. “It’s times of uncharted territory and in terms of how we get through COVID and structure practices.” 

Falco, who coached the Lions to a 19-9 record last season, was as energetic as her players. While socially distancing from her players, Falco would run on the court and show the players different movements and how to position themselves in successful spots. 

“It’s so nice to have the ladies back in the gym,” Falco said. “They’re feeding off each other and it’s been really fun.” 

Hennessey Handy, the senior guard who missed most of last season with a knee injury, is enjoying her time back on the court with her teammates. 

“It feels good to be back with the team,” Handy said. “I love basketball and it was tough to be away from it.” 

With the past six months being filled with so many uncertainties, seeing a sport make a return is refreshing for both fans and teams alike. 

“We’re making the best of a situation that is unpredictable and can change,” Falco said. “We just want to appreciate every day together because it can change.”