At Big Ten Women’s Basketball Media Day Tuesday, Penn State women’s basketball head coach Tanisha Wright spoke with Big Ten Network about the new era of basketball she hopes to build at her alma mater.

After a massive roster turnover and the departure of coach Carolyn Kieger at the end of last season, Wright, along with 11 new transfers, is helping Penn State wipe the slate clean and build a new identity and team mentality in Happy Valley.

“I had zero players, and really I just want to introduce a new era and also the Lady Lion style and basketball way and tradition and success of Penn State that came before,” Wright said. “It’s never been about one person. It’s always been about the whole.”

Wright and her players know a new identity doesn’t come overnight and are focused on building a program and a team one game at a time.

Wright played for the women’s basketball team from 2001 to 2005 and finished fourth all-time in points with 1,995. Being a Penn State alum, she understands the importance of Penn State’s traditions and community to the rebuild.

“It’s really important we have people around us that understand the Penn State way,” she said. “Bringing back people who understood what it was and is, is important.”

The new players certainly already feel at home.

Devyn Quigley, a junior guard from NC State, spoke to the cohesiveness the Lady Lions have already built in preseason.

“With 11 new girls on the team, you can’t even tell we are a new team,” Quigley said. “We literally love being around each other. Before practice, come to the locker room, and you will hear us screaming, laughing, cheering, and excited to be around each other.”

Another major aspect of the team Wright reflected on was the playstyle she was known for: defense.

“You can expect a lot, a lot, a lot of defense from her,” said Petra Bozan, a 6-foot-3 junior transfer from Nebraska. “Her practices are majority defense, which we need, and in the Big Ten, that’s what is the most important part.”

While defense will be central to the team’s approach, Wright emphasizes that overall, the Lions need to play hard, smart, competitively, and above all, together.

Playing together will be crucial for Penn State as it begins a new season in what Quigley called “the most competitive conference in the country.”

Penn State has a strong schedule ahead, with many high-profile matchups against ranked opponents. The players know tough stretches are inevitable, but they’re ready for the challenge.

Details and discipline were the closing words the players gave, and will be the theme for the Lady Lions this season.

“You have to come ready and prepared,” Quigley said. “We will take care of details for sure.”