The sophomore members of the Weatherford College Lady Coyotes are ready for more this season.

Not that last season wasn't a success by the standards of many. They finished 19-8 and advanced to the Region V Tournament, falling 81-59 in the opening round to No. 10 New Mexico.

But that was then. This is a new season with even higher expectations from the five returning sophomores, point guard Anna Jefferson-Polk (Weatherford), shooting guard Destiny McAfee (Longview), forward Monika Faerber (Brisbane, Australia), Faith Norman (Canyon) and Ashawntae Brown (San Antonio).

Personal statistics are not at the top of any of their lists of goals for coming season as the only number that matters to them is 1 – as in finishing first.

"We want a conference championship, for sure, and I know if we continue to make each other better we can get it," Jefferson-Polk said. "Coming into this season we have to have a mindset that we're going to get this as a team.

"It's different here. In high school you have four years to work toward that last season and senior leadership, but here you have two years. But I know I can be a good leader because of the players I have around me as sophomores."

Polk was an honorable mention in the All-North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference last season.

Also, McAfee was named to the All-Region 5 Team along with being named first-team All-NTJCAC and the league's Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

But she said the thing she remembers most is the sudden end to the season.

"It's motivated me going into this season," McAfee, also known to her teammates as D'Mac, said.

Norman knows a lot about finishing first. She was a part of four consecutive state championship teams in high school. However, her enjoyment of last season was limited because of an injury that sidelined her early, forcing her into redshirt status.

"I want a conference championship and to have fun," Norman said. "After all these years of playing, we do it because we enjoy it – and we'd definitely enjoy that.

"I'm ready to play. Sitting out makes you want to go to practice, do anything you can to play all you can."

To accomplish their goals, the ladies spent much of the summer working out both physically and mentally, they said.

"This summer I stayed in the gym," McAfee said. "I've got to make sure I'm in the greatest physical shape I can be."

"Mine was physical and mental," Jefferson-Polk said. "You've got to be strong and push yourself - both physically and mentally."

They all understand their success this season affects more than themselves. They are continuing a tradition of success in the program and setting the bar for next season.

"The two years I'm here I want to leave a good legacy," Jefferson-Polk said. "What we do this season can help them be good even after we're gone."