Francis Marion University Womens Basketball Team Spotlight

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The Francis Marion University women's basketball team has been a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Division II ranks. With a rich history of success and a commitment to excellence, the Patriots have consistently been one of the top programs in the Southeast Region.

Program History

The Francis Marion University women's basketball program was established in 1973, and since then, the team has experienced a tremendous amount of success. The Patriots have won 13 conference championships, including five in the Peach Belt Conference, and have made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2013, the team won the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Championship, advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time in program history.

Coaching Staff

The Francis Marion University women's basketball team is led by Head Coach Jeri Porter, who has been at the helm of the program since 2006. Coach Porter has a proven track record of success, with a career record of 243-143 (.629 winning percentage) at FMU. She has been named the Peach Belt Conference Coach of the Year three times and has led the team to six NCAA Tournament appearances.

Player Spotlight

The Francis Marion University women's basketball team has had its fair share of talented players over the years. One of the most notable players in program history is Shaunice Fulmore, who played for the Patriots from 2012-2016. Fulmore is the program's all-time leading scorer with 1,844 points and was a two-time Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year.

Team Statistics

The Francis Marion University women's basketball team has consistently been one of the top-scoring teams in the Peach Belt Conference. In the 2020-21 season, the team averaged 74.1 points per game, which ranked second in the conference. The Patriots have also been stout on defense, allowing just 63.5 points per game, which ranked third in the conference.

Recruiting

The Francis Marion University women's basketball team has a strong reputation for recruiting top talent from around the country. The team has a commitment to finding players who not only excel on the court but also in the classroom. In 2020, the team signed a top-10 recruiting class in the Southeast Region, according to ESPN.

Facilities

The Francis Marion University women's basketball team plays its home games at the Smith University Center, which has a seating capacity of 3,000. The facility features a state-of-the-art weight room, training room, and locker rooms. The team also has access to the university's athletic training room and sports medicine staff.

Community Involvement

The Francis Marion University women's basketball team is committed to giving back to the community. The team participates in several community outreach programs, including the NCAA's "You Can Play" initiative, which promotes diversity and inclusion in sports.

Game Day Experience

Attending a Francis Marion University women's basketball game is a fun and exciting experience for fans of all ages. The team offers a variety of promotions and giveaways throughout the season, including "Kids' Day" and "Pink Game" to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Alumni

The Francis Marion University women's basketball team has a strong network of alumni who have gone on to achieve great things in their careers. One notable alumna is Alecia Hardy, who played for the Patriots from 2005-2009. Hardy is now a successful business owner and entrepreneur in the Florence, South Carolina area.

Championships

The Francis Marion University women's basketball team has won 13 conference championships, including five in the Peach Belt Conference.