Clark acknowledges Dinkins’ leadership as a main asset to the team’s focus and morale, saying that the junior can lead with her words, as well her play.

“Everyone has a high level of respect for Kaitlyn,” Clark said. “If she puts the team first, everyone else is going to put the team first. Everyone else is going to be more unselfish and not get down about not playing.”

Dinkins might not have the numbers to back up her success, but her coach won’t deny this player’s ability to lead her team.

“She is a player with a tremendous court IQ who you can call on to fill any role,” Delaney-Smith said. “And I’m not going to say Kaitlyn’s going to play or not play, but I’m going to tell you that if you need a solid player that can do exactly what she’s told without mistakes, Kaitlyn is probably the best on the team at that.”

After two seasons wearing a Crimson jersey, the Atlanta, Ga., native appreciates the time she has already spent on the team and anxiously anticipates this season.

“It’s been so much more than I could have ever imagined,” Dinkins said. “We go at it really hard on the court. It’s a competition, but it’s all so we can make each other better. Off the court, we have each other’s backs. The commitment everyone has is so different than anything I’ve ever experienced. We all want to be there every day.”