The Simmons Basketball team will start the 2011-2012 season under a new head coach, former WNBA standout Kristen Rasmussen Tarr. After a disappointing 2010-2011 campaign of 9-14, the Sharks will look to a strong returning class to flip their record and be a contender in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference this season.

Only graduating one senior, the Sharks are ahead of the game in terms of team dynamics and cohesion. Junior Liz O'Connor (Milton, Mass.) returns after posting a 0.365 field goal percentage and averaging 15.5 points per game. Joining O'Conner is senior Alex Aclogue (Randolph, Mass.) who recorded 9.7 rebounds per game last season.

Senior Brittany Dolloff (Hollis, N.H) and sophomore Hannah May (Hamden, Conn.) will continue to dominate with 3-pointers, shooting 0.366 and 0.459 percent from the line, respectively.

"This year every player will be starting on the same line. Each player's role will be determined by their dedication, hard work and skill. I anticipate a lot of players stepping up their game this season," said Coach Tarr.

The Sharks open their season on the road at Gordon College on November 15th at 6:00 p.m. The team's home opener is two weeks later on November 29th at 7:00 p.m. vs. cross-town rival, Wentworth.