UTRGV senior guard Erin Maguire is back for her final college basketball season.

The Ireland native returned to practice this week after playing in a 3-on-3 tournament overseas in June.

"I feel like I get better and better as a player every single time I step on the floor at 3x3," she said. "It's obviously a very different game, but it's allowed me to build different skills and add to my skill sets to bring onto the game for 5 v. 5."

Maguire is the second-leading returning scorer from last year's team, trailing only Chazlyn Dettor. She is also the top returning player in assists from last season.

"Her growth has been outstanding," UTRGV women's basketball head coach Lane Lord said. "I think this year she's gonna have an All-Conference type year... To have that experience at one of our starting guard spots is huge for us. You can already tell when she got back, she didn't miss a beat."

Maguire is also taking on a larger leadership role this season. Her four years of Southland Conference experience with UTRGV and Houston Christian is a key factor for a roster with plenty of newcomers.

"I can bring my experience every single day," Maguire said. "I can bring what I've learned from my past teams. Ultimately, it doesn't matter what we need to do, we just have to do whatever it takes to win, and I think we have the team to do that."

"She's an extension of the coaching staff," Lord added. "Just having another coach out there that can get out there and cheer on her teammates but also coach them up. It's a great attribute to have and one that we really enjoy with her, just her leadership ability."