And on the seventh day of practice, there was a new beginning. The 1996-97 Michigan women's basketball team met with the media for the first time.
And it was good.
Yesterday, first-year Michigan coach Sue Guevara introduced her new coaching regime, her new style and her new team.
"Our theme for this year is 'A new beginning,'" Guevara said. "We are hoping to establish a winning tradition here."
After the resignation of former coach Trish Roberts in May, Guevara, a Michigan State assistant last season, took over the reins of a program that finished last season tied for 10th in the Big Ten.
"We are looking to make a move in the Big Ten," Guevara said. "I feel that we are going to be (close) in every ball game. We have some good outside shooters and some legitimate post players.
"Are we in the top three? Not yet. But I can see us making a move from 10th to the middle."
The team is loaded with experience, having four seniors and five juniors. Forward Silver Shellman, forward Catherine DiGiacinto and guard Jennifer Kiefer hope to lead the Wolverines to a winning season in their senior campaign.
Guevara said she knows it will take a lot of work to make the team a threat in the conference. "We've really gone to Basketball 101," Guevara said. "(We're) working on just basic basketball right now."
The coaches are trying to foster an open relationship between themselves and the players, discussing everything from team goals to personal life.
"She's always willing to hear what we have to say, to see what's on our mind," Shellman said.
Even with all the changes and improvements Guevara has made, she will still have the words "interim" in front of name throughout the season.
"I don't think about that when I'm out on the court ... or when I'm recruiting, or when I'm taking a shower," Guevara said. "This is my team, I am the head coach, and I'm conducting it as such."
JOE WESTRATE/Daily
Michigan interim head coach Sue Guevara hopes to recharge the Wolverines by carrying them beyond their mediocre performances of the past few years.