JACKSONVILLE – The Annette Watts Era at Jacksonville State has officially begun as the first-year head coach put her 2010-11 Gamecocks through their first practice of the preseason on Monday.

Watts, who came to JSU after a nine-year stint at Davidson College, has a nucleus of returning players along with a trio of newcomers this season. The Gamecocks will have an exhibition contest on Sunday, Nov. 7 against NCAA Division II foe Georgia Southwestern at Pete Matthews Coliseum on the Jax State campus. JSU opens its 12-game home schedule on Nov. 14 against Stillman College.

“Even though Oct. 4 was the first official practice of the season, we have been going since the first day of school in August with our conditioning drills and individual work outs. They are beginning to stick their toes in and try my system,” said Annette Watts. “Last night's practice was exciting and so much fun to be in the gym and I really love this team because they are really trying to do what we have asked them to do.”

Watts pointed out the leadership of some of the veterans on the squad this year as the 2010-11 roster features a pair of seniors and three juniors.

“I really think Brittany Wiley has really changed a gear in her game. She is a versatile player that can play multiple positions. Danielle Beneby has been doing her student teaching practicum and coming in and doing weights and practice, so she has been doing a lot of double time. She really looks good as a senior for us,” mentioned Watts.

Transfer Amanda McCarthy has caught Watts' attention early on in preseason drills. McCarthy, a 5-8 guard, comes to JSU after transferring from the University of New Orleans after UNO dropped its athletic programs to the Division III level.

“She has brought a lot of energy and direction to the team. She has been doing great things at our one-spot. I think our freshmen are really coming along nicely.”

Watts has put a challenging schedule together for her team this season as JSU will face stiff competition from Georgia Tech and Florida State from the Atlantic Coast Conference along with taking on Southeastern Conference foe Auburn in last December. The Red and White will also duel with Georgia State and Samford before opening Ohio Valley Conference play with Tennessee Tech on Dec. 4.

“The only way you get better is to play better competition,” added Watts. “We know that those are big schools to go up against, but I have found in 27 years of coaching that players will rise to the occasion and they will get better by playing those teams – that will only help us as we go into the OVC schedule.”

Season tickets for the 2010-11 season are available for purchase. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting the JSU Athletics Ticket Office in Kennamer Hall or by calling the ticket office at (256) 782-8499 or at 1-877-JSU-TIXX.