Following the program's sixth consecutive winning season in 2016-17, Academy of Art University women's basketball will write a new chapter with head coach LaNay Larson in her seventh year at the helm. Six returners mix with six new faces as the Urban Knights launch their 2017-18 campaign this Friday.

Starting a new chapter after the departure of a quartet of four-year seniors, ART U grew together through a 2016-17 campaign that featured an eight-game win streak plus several breakout performances. For a full recap of the 2016-17 season, click here!

As the Urban Knights move into 2017-18, they will navigate a 28-game regular season slate features ART U's season-opening West Region Tip-Off Classic, another tournament in Washington, and collection of matchups with Pacific West Conference competition that sent three teams to the NCAA Division II Tournament last year. For a more in-depth look at the 2017-18 schedule, click here!

The Urban Knights' 2017-18 senior class features three returners in forward Helena Orts, guard Jazzlynn Brewster, and guard/forward Hayley Pryor. All three were regular starters for ART U last season and Orts ranked top 10 in field goal percentage (.529), scoring (15.3 points per game), and rebounding (9.0 rebounds per game). After picking up All-PacWest Third Team honors in 2016-17, Orts was chosen as a member of the Preseason All-PacWest Team this year.

ART U's juniors are new faces in guard/forward Inga Kot and center Mariana Witt. Transfers from McCook Community College and Kilgore College respectively, those juniors join returning sophomores Karleigh Joseph and Ines Medina. Joseph highlighted her freshman year with a PacWest Defender of the Week selection that included her career-day at Notre Dame de Namur on Feb. 6.

Three freshmen, guard Shyla Miller plus forwards Camilla Simola and Megan Jefferson, bring extensive championship experience to the program this year. Miller and Jefferson spent their sophomore, junior, and senior years guiding Centennial High School to a 92-5 record and three state championship appearances.

Academy of Art begins its quest to another postseason this Friday with the West Region Tip-Off Classic. Live stats and video will be available throughout the tournament via www.artuathletics.com/live.