Following the graduation of numerous accomplished seniors last season, Academy of Art University women's basketball will has a much different look heading into head coach LaNay Larson's sixth year at the helm. Nine new faces bring extensive experience and a competitive attitude as the Urban Knights embark upon 2016-17.
 

In a swan song of a season for seven ART U seniors, the Urban Knights' 2015-16 campaign saw the most wins in program history, thrilling battles against the best the West Region had to offer, four 1,000-point milestones, and the team's third NCAA postseason appearance in the past four years. For a full recap of the 2015-16 season, click here!

Following up a record 33-game season last year, ART U embarks upon 28 regular season contests against some of the best teams the West Region has to offer this November. Many members of this year's team will get their first taste of the West Region and eventually the Pacific West Conference starting this weekend when Academy of Art heads north to face two Alaska teams. On Friday, Nov. 11, the Knights match up with Alaska in Fairbanks at 7 p.m. AKT (8 p.m. PT) with Live Stats & Video. The following evening, Saturday, Nov. 12, features a rematch with No. 10 Alaska Anchorage from the start of last season when ART U nearly upset the then No. 7 Seawolves (Live Stats & Video). For a complete look at the 2016-17 schedule, click here!

This year's senior class features three returners and one new addition with Division I Oklahoma State transfer guard Alana Simon joining forwards D'Andree Galipeau, Pre'Franz Dominick, and Priscilla Mora for their respective collegiate finales. Simon, a dynamic scorer and San Mateo native, returns to the Bay Area while the trio of returners will each be back to work in the post.

A five-member junior class includes lone returner guard Desiree Harris and incoming guards Rodericka Ware (Central Arizona), Jazzlyn Brewster (Eastern Arizona), Hayley Pryor (Pima Community College), and new forward Helena Orts (Fairfield). Plenty of postseason experience comes with this group as  both Brewster and Pryor guided their respective teams into the 2015-16 NJCAA National Tournament and Orts contributed to Spain's FIBA U20 Women's European Championship this past summer.

Those new faces will blend with four capable freshmen in guards Karleigh Joseph and Kennadi Miller as well as forwards Ines Medina and Elle Williams. Joseph demonstrated versatility as Most Valuable Player at Oxbridge Academy, Miller was First Team All-Conference for Highland High School, Medina helped I.E.S. Gonzalo Torrente Ballester (Spain) reach multiple top positions in Final Four Madrid, and Williams was part of a Columbus North High School team that collectively went 55-3 the past two seasons.

Combining a mix of talented individuals all driven by the desire to win, Academy of Art launches into the 2016-17 season this weekend in Alaska.