June 26, 2008

HOUSTON - Three of the four members of the 2008-09 Rice women's basketball freshmen quartet have had an opportunity over the last couple of weeks to get acclimated to the Owl experience.

"We're extremely excited to have three members of our freshmen class here," head coach Greg Williams said. "This was one of the better things that the NCAA has done during my career in college coaching. It's a more relaxed atmosphere in summer school and gives the players a chance to build some confidence in their academics before heading into the rigors of a fall semester and a Division I basketball season."

Brianna Hypolite, Amenemope McKinney and D'Frantz Smart have had a chance to take classes, participate in strength and conditioning drills along with open gym twice a week. Candice Ashford joins the Owls this weekend.

"Summer school has been a fantastic experience for me," McKinney said. "It's been a great opportunity to meet new people and get acclimated to living in the dorm along with getting a glimpse of the academic expectations here at Rice."

"I've enjoyed getting the chance to know my fellow teammates and coaching staff," Hypolite said. "The transition into college life has been fun. Open gym has been going well. We've been getting used to playing with each other and hopefully that will carry over to the beginning of practice once school starts in the fall."

"Open gym has been competitive and that's a big part of why I came to Rice," Smart said. "I wanted to not only play competitive basketball but get an excellent education. I've also noticed that folks are friendlier in Houston than in Chicago."