The Aborigines of Australia believe in nurturing all things big and small. The descendants of their conquerors embrace capitalism and urban life while paying homage to their humble beginnings as exiled English convicts.

A 10-day tour of Australia in May 2005 taught USU women's basketball players and coaches as much about the psychology of establishing an enduring program as it did about winning individual games. As Coach Raegan Pebley says, "In order to build a women's basketball program with strong roots that will last a long time, we must also nurture all things big and small. Our first year's record of 5-22 does not have to define who we will be forever, but we know that it is has everything to do with where we are now. We have to continue to learn from each season, each game and each practice in order to become better."

When women's basketball was reinstated two seasons ago after a 16-year absence, coaches and players alike understood the challenges of creating a team from scratch. The third youngest team in women's Division 1 basketball and its young coach (who graduated from Orem's Mountain View High in 1993) gained momentum with experience. In their second season, the Aggies were better prepared physically and mentally, and their win-loss record (14-14), though nothing to jump up and down about, reflected their effort. more