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The Big East Conference coaches pegged the University of Louisville women’s program to finish fourth in pre-season conference polls. And after a 19-10 record last year, head coach Tom Collen is ready to show what his Cards will do this year, especially with seniors Katie Olsen, Helen Johnson and Jazz Covington stepping up on the court.

Covington seems to be the player with the most promise, so much so that the U of L athletic department named the media guide after her.

The “All that Jazz” media guide contains her other teammates “playing” instruments throughout the pages.

Although she is shown smiling in the media guide, Covington is a force to be reckoned with on the court. She was named unanimously to the preseason All Big East first team.

“She wasn’t even sure what that meant,” Collen said. “We had to tell her that every single coach in the conference thinks she is one of the best players. I could see it in her eyes; that was a boost to her confidence.”

Covington has improved steadily over the past year along with the rest of the team. Collen has been hard at work trying to build up the players for what could be one of the best years for the program.

Angel McCoughtry is another standout on the team. The sophomore transferred to U of L her freshman year from AT Patterson Prep school. Last season she averaged 18 minutes a game but led the team in rebounding, bringing down 7.4 per game.

“I feel a lot more confident. Last year was my break through season. I had to relearn the game because it was a lot different from the school I used to play at,” McCoughtry said.

But this year’s team is without Missy Taylor, one of the leading scorers from last season. Taylor had to retire from her college career and sit out her senior season due to a torn MCL in her left knee. Junior Yuliya Tokova will play in her place and has been steadily working to fill Taylor’s shoes.

With the season just around the corner, Collen and his team couldn’t be more excited about all the hype they have been getting.

“I came here to try to compete for Big East championships and get a Top 25 team and eventually compete for a national championship, so that will always be our goal,” Collen said. “We do it in baby steps but I think the Big East is the platform that will allow us to do that.”