Before this season had started, West Virginia women's basketball head coach Mike Carey could not contain his excitement about the upcoming season.
Carey repeatedly talked about how hard his players worked during offseason workouts and the chemistry they developed with each other.
Looking back on the day, who knew Carey would be so right about the team he had?
Although West Virginia's season ended with a loss to San Diego State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament Tuesday night, the loss may only be the beginning of success for this group of girls as every player on the roster returns next year.
The Mountaineers trailed at halftime Tuesday night, but the team showed it wasn't going to give in easily.
Super-talented point guard Sarah Miles, who will most likely be a candidate for Big East and National Player of the Year next season, showed her moxy in the second half of Tuesday night's loss, as she netted 13 second-half points to give her team a chance at the comeback victory.
Miles will also have a full season of experience under her belt at point guard next season, which bodes well for the Mountaineers.
"We're just going to come back next year even stronger," Miles said. "Wherever the Final Four is next year, we'll definitely be there."
Junior guard Liz Repella, who has been the face of the program for the past two years, also displayed her heart in the second half of last night's loss.
Repella, who struggled with her consistency during the season, will surely come back next year stronger and better.
Freshman center Asya Bussie, who struggled with her offensive output down the stretch, is now battle tested as she has the experience of going up against the premier post players in the country.
Juniors Korinne Campbell and Madina Ali will also return to the starting lineup and will add rebounding prowess as well as some scoring touch.
The Mountaineers' bench should get stronger, too.
Sophomore center Natalie Burton, freshman guard Akeema Richards and junior guard Vanessa House all received large amounts of playing time in both the Big East and NCAA Tournament and will be vital assets to the West Virginia bench next season.
Furthermore, Carey has added three recruits that will help complete the bench and possibly give WVU more scoring punch.
The recruiting class was ranked No. 42 in the nation by All-Star Girl's Report.
Despite the loss, the Mountaineers will head into next season ranked in the top 25 and will be expected to finish near the top of the Big East standings.
Tuesday's defeat was tough to swallow for many, but this season was only a glimpse of what this team can accomplish with Carey's guidance next season.