The Ginny Boggess era kicks off against Marshall at 7 p.m. on Nov. 4 at Savage Arena.

There’s been a seven-month buildup since Tricia Cullop left for Miami (Fla.), part curiosity and part excitement. Mid-American Conference players of the year Sophia Wiard and Quinesha Lockett are now playing overseas, but Toledo’s winning tradition and recent success do not include reprieves — the pressure will be on Boggess to win immediately.

Don’t anticipate her shrinking in the moment. Boggess proved in three seasons at Monmouth that she could lead a program. And she still has a winning roster.

Here is what to know about the Rockets.

■ Coach: Ginny Boggess (first season)

■ Last season: Toledo won its third consecutive outright MAC championship but stumbled against Buffalo in the semifinals of the MAC tournament. The season ended with another heartbreaking loss at Washington State in the inaugural WBIT quarterfinals. The 2023-24 season was UT’s third straight with 20 wins.

■ Players lost from last season: G Sophia Wiard, G Quinesha Lockett, G Soleil Barnes, G Yaniah Curry, G Ella Doherty, F Macey Fegan

■ Additions: G Kendall Caruthers (St. Francis), G Kendall Braden, G Courtney Smith, G Heidi Smith, G Destiny Robinson, F Evalyse Cole, G Faith Fedd-Robinson

■ Strengths: Veteran players. Usually, coaching changes prompt a sprint to the transfer portal. Not for Toledo. The Rockets have six seniors on the roster who all finished among the team’s top eight scorers last season. Everyone is learning a new system this year, but the experience and leadership of Sammi Mikonowicz, Khera Goss, Hannah Noveroske, Nan Garcia, Jessica Cook, and Emmi Rinat will be invaluable.

■ Weaknesses: Yes, Toledo has veterans. But the Rockets also have an influx of newcomers — six true freshmen and transfer Kendall Carruthers. And they aren’t just first-year players who will be in the background. Most of them will be in the veteran and at least one will start. The good news for Boggess is that everyone is learning together, so the newcomers might learn at the same speed as the upperclassmen.

■ What to expect: There are two major pieces to UT’s season — a new head coach and the loss of two of the best players in program history. Obviously, the Rockets are going to look different. The fast-paced style will be a huge departure from Cullop’s more deliberate offense. How long will it take for UT to be comfortable and well-tuned? And where will the points come from? Wiard and Lockett were heavily involved in the offense the past four seasons. But this is still a talented team built to compete in the MAC. Toledo might not win a fourth straight conference championship, but it will be a legitimate contender in Cleveland.

■ Player to watch: Sammi Mikonowicz. The Rossford native is already the most popular player on the roster. In 2024-25, she will have an opportunity to bring home a third consecutive MAC player of the year trophy. Mikonowicz will carry the load on offense, a throwback to her high school career. In a transition year that will feature growing pains, Mikonowicz will be the focal point for the Rockets.

■ Quotable: “[The veterans] are everything. They are the living, breathing example of what Toledo women’s basketball is, what the blue collar, gold standard is.” — Boggess

First Published November 3, 2024, 2:30 p.m.