— By Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — When Juli Fulks became Marshall’s women’s basketball coach April 12, she had already identified size as a need on the Thundering Herd roster.
Last season, Marshall was able to overcome a height disadvantage against most opponents on the way to a 26-7 record and Sun Belt Conference regular season and tournament championships.
Coach Kim Caldwell’s system depended more on depth, speed and perimeter play in favor of size. With Caldwell’s departure to become head coach at Tennessee, Fulks was hired in an effort for the Herd to continue the winning ways it achieved under Caldwell.
Although it was at a different level at Division III Transylvania, Fulks’ teams were dependent on inside scoring and rebounding strength, which helped lead the way to a 2023 National Championship and one loss over the last two seasons.
In Huntington, Fulks’ hopes the program’s latest two signees can provide that steady inside play.
Adiana Pacheco, a 6-foot 1 forward from Harrison, N.J., comes to Marshall after one season at the Community College of Baltimore County. She began her career at Niagara University.
“Adiana will complement our team with her natural talent to rebound the basketball on both ends while also being a threat on the block and from the high post,” Fulks said.
In 25 games last season, Pacheco averaged 5.2 points and 6.1 rebounds. She had three double-doubles including a 10-point, 17-rebound performance against Frederick Community College. Pacheco had five outings with more than one blocked shot.
The other signee is 6-2 forward TreShondra Williams, who played last season at Columbia State Community College in Tennessee. Williams is a native of Flint, Michigan.
“TreShondra is an exciting addition to our current roster,” Fulks said. “She has an ability to score both on the perimeter and inside the paint, in addition to being an excellent defender in the paint.”
In 24 games last season, Williams averaged 8.8 points and led her team with 7.4 rebounds. She had five double-double and three games with five or more offensive boards.
Pacheco and Williams join guard Kassie Ingram of Mason, Ohio to comprise Fulks’ first recruiting class.
Marshall can still add to its roster before the start of school.