Coming off a junior season which saw her improve in every offensive statistic, Tracy Gahan is hoping for a repeat performance as she closes out her Cyclone career.

While on paper it may appear difficult for Gahan to better such a solid season, the 6-0 guard from Mckinney, Texas is optimistic.

“You always want to get better every single year,” Gahan said. “With another year under my belt, and with the players I have surrounding me making me better, I’m hoping it will happen again.”

Cyclone coach Bill Fennelly feels Gahan may finally open some eyes to her talents this season.

“I think Tracy is the best player in the country that no one has heard of, I really do,” he said.

“I think Tracy is going to be a pro. The people that are around us every single day know how good she is; hopefully the other people will get to see as well.”

Last season, Gahan doubled her points per game average from her sophomore year and averaged three more rebounds a game.

Gahan’s versatility will be counted on again this year, especially with the graduation of Megan Taylor who played much the same style.

“We have people that can score and rebound on this team,” Gahan said. “Anything I can to do to help this team, whether it be score more or rebound more or even defend better, hopefully that’s what I can bring to this team.”

Gahan has floated between the three and four position in the lineup and will hold down the same spot.

Gahan is a nice fit with All-American Angie Welle in the post and a solid backcourt in Lindsey Wilson and Erica Junod.

“That’s what I’ve done over the years, kind of the three or four,” Gahan said. “Be on the inside and outside and do whatever I can and I think that will be mostly my role again this year.”

Gahan averaged 12.3 points per game last season while shooting .532 from the floor and .456 from three-point range. Gahan also carries a career free-throw percentage of .748.

Fennelly is looking for more scoring out of Gahan this year, possibly signaling the end of his well-known sideline statement “Tracy, shoot the ball.”

“She knows she has to score more and play a lot of minutes and positions,” Fennelly said. “She never shied away from [shooting], it’s just her demeanor and personality to step back and let someone else do it because they’re a senior. Now it’s her turn and she knows it.”

Offensive production was a minor focus of Gahan’s off-season, as was getting stronger to get ready for action in the post.

“Shoot and lift even though lifting never seems to help me much,” Gahan said. “I shot as much as I can and I think the work helped. It’s a confidence thing really, the shot is the same, it’s just getting it up there and getting it in.”

Experience will be a big aid to Gahan as she has started 93 games in her career.

“Obviously it helps with the jitters,” Gahan said. “You’re always going to get nervous but it’s a different kind of nervous once you’ve done it so many times.”

“On the other hand, it’s gone so fast that I can’t believe it’s been 93 games and three years already.”