Bethany College women's basketball head coach Jim Campion begins his second season with the Swedes after taking over midway last year. After beating McPherson College in the KCAC post-season play-in game, the Swedes lost to Kansas Wesleyan University in the quarter finals, ending 7-11 in conference, giving them sixth place, and 13-17 overall. Campion and his club are ready to take a different direction this season.

"Our goal after last season was to work hard on getting stronger and quicker," Campion said. "We have moved in that direction, but there is still work to be done to compete at the top of this conference."

The Swedes lost five seniors, including starting forwards Rachelle Gaylord and Nancy Castro and honorable-mention all-conference guard Roni Whitman, providing a big challenge for the upcoming season. However, with a quality list of returners, Campion is ready to meet the challenge head-on.

Sophomore Rhys Pihl and senior Jade Pihl are the two lone returning starters. Much of Bethany's success potentially relies on Rhys' shoulders.

"Rhys Pihl is one to the top players in our conference," said Campion. "She has the ability to score in many ways. She has great range from the perimeter and has worked hard on her ability to take the ball to the basket. I feel she still has to improve her defense and if she does that she will be one of the better overall players in the KCAC."

Jade will also be an integral part of the Swede's success this season, in terms of both skill and leadership. Campion is pleased with her off-season work in improving her skills and strength.

"She has improved her shooting off the dribble and her ball handling skill. Jade is a great leader who is always putting team first before herself. I feel with her great work ethic and attitude she will have a great senior season."

Junior Cathy Wade, coming off an injury to her shooting hand, will be a scoring force for Bethany. "She has the ability to be a great shooter from the perimeter and we will be relying on her to be a more consistent scorer and rebounder," Campion said. "Cathy still needs to continue to improve defensively. I look for her to have a great junior season."

Junior Claire Cole has done extensive strength and conditioning work during the off-season. Campion looks for Cole to also put points on the board this season.

"We have seen tremendous improvement on her shooting and rebounding. We are looking for her to be a consistent scorer in the low post this season. She is working to improve on her defense and I expect her to have a great season."

Other returning letter winners are senior Amber Dunham and juniors Katie Wendland and Crysta Stensaas. Look for them to play key roles this season. Also returning are sophomores Nicole Onhstat, Stephanie Schell, and Caylie Burt.

Campion brought in two transfers, juniors Emily Dwerlkotte from Cloud County Community College and Tammara Fogel from Pierce Community College in Washington. Six freshmen also join the Swedes. They are as follows: Nicole Felker, Loveland, Colo.; Blake Nichols, Osboune, Kan.; Tanya Garner, Chapman, Kan.; Alex Delong, Admire, Kan.; and Sarah Johnson, St. John, Kan.

"These new players all have the potential to be very good players for Bethany," said Campion, "and play key roles for us this upcoming season."

After playing a much stronger second half of 2008-2009, Campion and his squad are looking forward to the season. With a tough non-conference schedule, Bethany will be considerably tested before they hit their KCAC schedule.