NORTHEAST WOMEN’S BASKETBALL READIES TO START 2025-26 SEASON ON THEIR HOME FLOOR

NORFOLK, Neb. – The Northeast Community College women's basketball team is getting ready to begin what looks to be an exciting season as they will start their 2025-26 campaign by hosting Concordia University JV at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 3 at the Cox Activities Center in Norfolk.

Matt Svehla enters his 32nd year at the helm of the Hawks this season and so far he is thrilled with what he has seen from his group during the preseason.

"Once you get through the introductions and we start talking a little bit more about basketball, it's all about getting our bodies right and getting to know one another," Svehla said. "We don't talk about who we need to be throughout the year, but we do talk about how we are in a strong region and our whole goal is to get better every day and play our best basketball at the end of the year. What level that is at, we'll find out, but we want to be as good as we can be."

Svehla earned the 700th victory of his illustrious career last year and was honored as one of the recipients of the NJCAA Coaches Legacy Award in June during the offseason. Despite all of his experience and accomplishments, Svehla still feels plenty of enthusiasm when November rolls around.

"We're in that transition time now where game are upon us, and as a coach you are still paying attention to the details of things, but you also understand the excitement the players have because it's getting to be game time," Svehla said. "That's what they really look forward to, and as a coach you do as well. It's no different at any level. When it's time to play games, let's go and have some fun and hopefully have a bunch of success along the way."

There are three uniquely different traits that Svehla is looking for from his team as a whole.

"We talk about the three C's," Svehla said. "Being good in the classroom, being good off of the court and being good on the court. Perfection is not the word we use. We talk about excellence and being committed to being as good as we can be. That's our goal. Get better every day."

Aaliyah Jones (Rapid City, S.D.) was named First Team All-Region by the ICCAC for her efforts during the 2024-25 season after scoring 21.4 points per game for Northeast last year. Svehla is thrilled to have Jones back for her sophomore campaign and loves what he is seeing so far out of his sophomore class.

"Aaliyah Jones and Vilique Fallis (Rapid City, S.D.) played a lot for us last year," Svehla said. "Those two will be leaders for us, but sometimes your freshmen emerge as leaders as well. We have a good group of freshmen who take care of their business and show up every day. We have more of a quiet group, but they lead by example. Both Aaliyah and Vilique can score when they need to."

As far as newcomers are concerned, the Hawks have nine freshmen who are looking to make an impact right away.

"Aweng Akoi (Sioux Falls, S.D.) brings us a presence inside and she has shown a lot of growth already this preseason," Svehla said. "Collectively as a group, we have some depth and some balance. Ayana Owens (Lincoln, Neb.) and Ida Klausen (Kolding, Denmark) both have the ability to play either the point position or off of the ball. Jana Lopez (Girona, Spain), Lexi Wiebelhaus (Crofton, Neb.) and Martina Sabbioni (Parma, Italy) bring us a little bit of height. Paige Hawkins (Baton Rouge, La.) brings us some athleticism and Jaida Allen (Crofton, Neb.) brings us some toughness. I like the blend and the mix that we have."

As his team has continued to round into game shape, Svehla has seen plenty of growth from his group as a whole.

"I see us growing a little bit every day, and even throughout our scrimmages our play was better from one quarter to the next," Svehla said. "Nothing is ever going to be perfect, so you are hoping to kick to the curb quickly things that hamper our success. I've seen growth as the weeks have gone by. I see us doing a lot of things better, and that's always positive."

A basketball season that spans five months can sometimes be a grind, but Svehla is focused on making sure his team is concentrated on getting better one day at a time.

"It would be great if you could get off to a great start to begin your season," Svehla said. "We know that there will be some rough moments at some point, but you hope to get off to a good start to build confidence. We want positive energy. Our region is very good, and every team is going to be different. There will be some good balance throughout our league, and you just always want to be in contention."

When fans come out to the Cox Activities Center this season, Svehla is confident that fans will be entertained by the brand of basketball that Northeast will put on the floor.

"You'll see some basketball talent and some players that have the ability to make plays," Svehla said. "You are also going to see a basketball team that plays as a team and moves the basketball while playing hard and playing together. Hopefully it will be a fun group to watch, and I think it will be."

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