"At the time [of her injury], she was really on course to be, at the very least, an incredible scorer," Coach Kathy Delaney-Smith said.

Despite her injury, Sturdy said she feels more ready than ever for the new season. She spent the off-season rehabilitating her ankle and is confident she is healthy now.

"She just picked up right where she left off," Delaney-Smith said. "She [still] has a phenomenal ability to put the ball in the basket."

Even though she is a skilled scorer, Sturdy said her only individual goal this year is of a team nature.

"I hope to be a strong leader on and off the court," Sturdy said, "and to help the team keep its common vision in mind."

Sturdy has high expectations for the Crimson's season. The team never played up to its potential last year, she believes, and the season was a disappointment. Over the off-season, Sturdy said, the Crimson had an opportunity to reflect on its play and get ready for the new season.

"We all went home this summer and worked hard and recommitted ourselves," Sturdy said.