Fall sports are coming to an end, and many are ready for some “Sieben’s Magic” as basketball season begins this month at Buena Vista University (BVU).

The woman’s basketball team starts their season with Gustavus Adolphus coming to town. The women’s team officially begins their season with a home opener against the lions Wednesday, November 15 at 7 PM in Siebens Fieldhouse. Head Coach Janet Berry, who has dedicated twenty-six years to BVU, is excited about the leadership in this season’s senior class.

“Our senior class is very talented and provides great leadership. Jasmine Demers and Claudia Larsen return with a lot of experience, and Jessica Denholm has really been shooting the basketball well,” said Berry.

The Tack spoke with junior captain, Holly Schneider who says she’s ready to work hard this season.

“One of our team’s biggest strengths this year would be our versatility. We have a lot of girls who can play multiple positions very well, so it will be interesting to see how other teams defend that. Another strength our team has this year is our team chemistry. We all work together really well, and we all have the same goals we want to see our team accomplish this season,” said Schneider.

Coach Berry got a preview of her team as the girls played against Iowa Central Community College (ICCC).

“Our scrimmage showed us what we need to work on both sides of the court and it allowed us to look at a lot of different combinations. We are looking forward to a successful season,” said Berry.

Senior captain, Jasmine Demers, feels bittersweet about entering her final season as a Beaver.

“I am sad it is all coming to an end, but I am determined to make this season the best one yet. The team has been working hard during the off season and these first couple weeks of practice, so I am excited to get this season started.”

The men’s basketball season will debut November 15th as well when they get on the road for Bethany Lutheran. Head coach Brian Van Haaften, who has given twenty-two years to the Beavers, feels hopeful about his senior class, and incoming freshmen.

“I love our seniors. We have a group of guys that really are in it for the team, and care about each and every individual within the team. Our freshmen are athletic and have a lot of athletic ability,” said Van Haaften.

“Our team will play fast, will get after it on the defensive end, and play together as a team on offense. We look forward to the journey of our season, and can’t wait to get started,” said Van Haaften.

Senior captains, Grant Wright, Adam Juhl, Thomas Wisecup, and David Jefferies have been playing together now for three seasons, and the boys are glad to end their last season together.

“The atmosphere has been great. We love playing together and playing as a team. This year, we had 10 newcomers so it took some time to get used to playing together. However, you can tell that after just a couple weeks everyone is coming together,” said Wright.

Senior guard Wright, is nostalgic about the upcoming season:

“It feels like just yesterday we were all freshmen going to our first fall workouts. Now this year, every time we do something it will be our ‘last’. We are just trying to enjoy every day as much as we can and give it our all, because we know we will miss it when it’s over.”

BVU Men’s Basketball takes the road to Mankato, MN, and faces Bethany Lutheran on Wednesday, November 15, at 7 PM.