When I sat down to talk to Chandler McCabe, the new head coach for the Robert Morris women’s basketball team, the intent in her words were clear.

She had just had her press conference, unveiling her to the people of what she called “Hoop Township”, and the former UCF assistant wasted no time in revealing her priorities.

She wants to bring local talent here to RMU. She wants to bring Horizon League success back to RMU. And she intends on competing and doing all of these things from the get-go.

This summer, McCabe brought six transfers in, transforming this team truly into her own. Players like Noa Givon, Mya Murray, Jada Lee, Isys Grady, and Jennica Suggs headlined the newcomers, and while there has been a small sample size of games so far, there is already clear signs of improvement, which is why the fans should be there in numbers to support them when they return to the UPMC Events Center.

First off, the shift in energy is clear. There is a new aura around the team, and one that I’d go as far to say hasn’t been there in a while.

The last time the Colonials posted a positive, overall record, was before the pandemic, during the 2019-20 season. RMU was in the NEC then, and garnered a 23-7 overall record before having NEC semifinal matchup against Sacred Heart canceled.

Last year, the Colonials went on to tie the program record of consecutive losses with 18, something McCabe looked to quickly change. This poor form also saw the opportunity for McCabe get the job, after long time head coach Charlie Buscaglia resigned.

Fans were hard to come by during games last season, and while its harsh, it was rightly so. Basketball is integral to the heart of RMU sports. Everyone likes to reflect on the famous win men’s basketball pulled off against Kentucky in the NIT. And while the performances over the last couple years haven’t been up to par, it still is one of the most exciting sports we have available to us to watch as fans and writers. Which means when you have such barren runs, with no signs of life or energy in performances, then why watch?

But McCabe has brought back something new. A new staff. New players. A new team. And with that, all the energy and potential a new season brings.

First, McCabe snapped the losing streak that had carried over from last year, beating Point Park 68-49 in the Colonial home opener. Turnout was fine, but should’ve been much better considering the circumstances. The next game was a loss on the road for RMU, falling to good Charleston team in overtime. But since the team turned it around again, winning on the road against Akron.

But the offense has been there, which was another huge criticism from Coach B’s final season was the offense, or rather lack thereof. RMU ended the 23-24 season last in nearly every offensive category, including total offense, 3-point percentage, and rebounds. The team also averaged 55.3 points per game

As for this season, the Colonials have averaged 65.3 points per game. Again, it is a small sample size, but still so far is a massive improvement compared to last year. Returners like Danielle Vuletic and Naomi Barnwell have shown they can still score while newbies Jada Lee and Noa Givon, who lead the team with 17 points against Charleston and 16 points against Akron, have also starred.

There is still room for improvement, and while a difficult non-conference schedule remains before the always competitive Horizon League begins, there are still signs that things might be turning around for Robert Morris.

After another successful win at Akron tonight, the Colonials will return home to take on Saint Francis. When they do return, the Colonial Crazies should be there ready to go, cheering on this new team from top to bottom, with the potential all there to root for.