Boston College Women’s Basketball: Meet the 2021-22 Seniors

As women’s basketball season approaches, here’s a look at the team’s seniors and what type of role they might play this year...

#10 Makayla Dickens | Guard

Dickens started every game last season, and she should continue to be a major factor in BC’s success. The 5’8 guard has been developing her 3 pointer during her time at BC. She ended last season making 45% of her attempts from behind the arc, which put her in second place in the ACC. She was also third in the ACC with 2.8 3 pointers per game, and she made at least 3 baskets from behind the arc in 8 of the last 9 games of the season.

In addition to her 3 point shooting skills, which is the skill BC really needs her to bring this season, Dickens recorded her first career double-double last season and was second on the Eagles over the season with 44 assists.

#32 Clara Ford | Center

Ford really elevated her game last season, going from a bench player to a starting center. Ford was second on the team in rebounds last season with 106, and recorded 2 double doubles over the season.

Ford remains the most experienced center on the roster this season, as Akunna Konkwo has struggled with injuries and Maria Gakdeng is a promising recruit but is just a freshman. Considering how well she stepped up to the challenge last year, I’m optimistic that Ford’s game will reach even higher heights this season.

#14 Marnelle Garraud | Guard

Garraud started in all 19 games last year, and fans should expect to see her starting again this season. She is the heart of BC’s defense, and is poised to have a big senior season. Garraud was named to the ACC All-Defensive Team last year, thanks in no small part to leading the ACC with 2.1 steals per game.

In addition to leading the conference in steals, Garraud led the Eagles in assists (58) and blocked shots (7). She also went 16-for-16 from behind the free throw line, and could always be counted on to earn the Eagles some easy points that way. Garraud’s ability to contribute to all parts of the game will be a huge factor for BC throughout the season.

#13 Taylor Soule | Forward

If you pay attention to this team at all, you know that Soule is BC’s player to watch. That came back to bite BC a bit last season, as opposing teams focused on guarding Soule, who found herself with fewer scoring opportunities. Despite that, Soule still finished 7th in the ACC with 299 points, and led the Eagles with 133 rebounds. She scored 20+ points in 7 games, and recorded multiple double doubles over the season.

If BC is going to be successful this season, the one thing Soule really needs to do is control her tendency to get into foul trouble. The Eagles need her on the court scoring points.

#1 Cameron Swartz | Guard

The Colorado transfer continued to prove that she was a huge get for BC, most notably by scoring a program record 33 points against Pitt in the first game of the ACC Tournament last year. She was second on the team last season with 254 points, shot 82% from behind the free throw line, and made 30 3 pointers.

Between Swartz and Soule, the Eagles have 2 players who can consistently put up big offensive numbers for the team, and getting to watch them play in a season that hopefully won’t be marred by COVID starts and stops has the potential to be very, very exciting.