In the heart of New England, the Saint Anselm College Women’s Basketball Team has fought for their place in collegiate basketball. With a remarkable blend of talent, teamwork, and tenacity, the Hawks have emerged as a formidable force on the court.The 2023-2024 season marked a significant turning point for the Saint Anselm Hawks. 

Under the astute leadership of Head Coach Corey Boilard, the team went through rigorous training to prepare for the new competitors. Coach Boilard, who brought a wealth of coaching experience to the team, and the Coach who led the 2018-2019 to the program’s first-ever East Region Championship and a spot in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

 At the forefront of the Hawks’ success are two standout players, Tatum Forbes and Liv Robles. Robles, a seasoned forward, has been a consistent force on both ends of the court. Her ability to control the tempo, drive to the basket, and sink numerous three-point shots has set the tone for the team’s offensive prowess. 

With an impressive basketball IQ, Robles has emerged as a natural leader, guiding her teammates with confidence. Complementing Robles’ is guard Tatum Forbes. A sophmore with unbelievable agility, Forbes has dominated the scoreboard, securing crucial points. Her defensive prowess has also been a game-changer for the Hawks, often shutting down opponents’ key players and igniting fast breaks that leave spectators in awe. Together, Forbes and Robles form a formidable duo that has propelled the Saint Anselm College Women’s Basketball Team to new heights, earning them recognition within their conference. 

The road to success has not been without its challenges. The Hawks faced early-season luck after being placed in matches deemed easier than others. After their first game against SNHU they began a losing streak which left the team’s motivation and aspirations low. However, it was during these testing moments that the team showcased its true character and resilience. The team fought to win some of those previous losses back, a school wide favorite being the Pace redemption. 

The first game played against Pace was home, January 16th, where the girls had lost 68-59. At the end of last month, the teams faced Pace once again in New York and this time they were ready. They won the game 56-43, and it was a strong defensive game as both teams fought to keep the scores low. At half time the score was 27-21 with the Saint Anselm girls in the lead. In the first four minutes of the 3rd quarter the team began to rack up points creating a 33-21 gap, but Pace, after some lucky foul shots, caught up. The third quarter ended with a 48-34 score. Saint Anselm shut the offensive power of Pace out and ended the game with a 56-43 final score. 

The team’s ability to rally together during challenging times has become a defining feature of their season. Whether facing a point deficit or navigating a tough stretch of away games, the Hawks displayed unwavering determination. As the regular season wound down, the Saint Anselm College Women’s Basketball Team found themselves in preparation for the NE10 playoffs. 

With a wealth of experience gained throughout the season, the Hawks were prepared to fight for their first game. During this play off game against American Int’l, Saint Anselm met every point gained by the opposing team. The score at the start of half time was 24-25, with Saint Anselm losing. The gap between the scores began to rise and the third quarter was left with a 32-44 score. Saint Anselm outscored American Int’l in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to make up for the deficit. The team lost their playoff game 56-64. The Saint Anselm College Women’s Basketball Team has blended skillful play on the court with a genuine commitment to community and character. 

As they go onto the postseason journey, the Hawks carry the hopes and dreams of a community that has rallied behind them throughout this remarkable season. Win or lose, the legacy of the 2023-2024 Saint Anselm Women’s Basketball Team is already etched in the college’s athletic history. Through triumphs and trials, this team has exemplified the true spirit of sportsmanship, showcasing that the pursuit of excellence extends far beyond the basketball court.