During a women’s basketball practice last week, sophomore center Rachel Galligan grabbed a rebound, passed it to sophomore guard Megan Edwards who led a fast break before finding Galligan trailing the play for an easy lay-up.

A moment later, Galligan grabbed the rebound again, but was stripped of the ball by sophomore forward Julie Lipperd, who scored.

Eastern coach Brady Sallee stared a hole through the reigning Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year, showing disgust.

It was that kind of year for Galligan last season as she had a tremendous amount of head-turning games as well as head-scratching ones.

There were times when she would be in early foul trouble or be in a position where she couldn’t quite match up with some of the OVC’s powers, like against Tennessee-Martin’s Andreika Jackson (30 points, 19 rebounds).

In her first collegiate start Lantz Arena was her debut against Butler, where she dominated with 11 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks.

Without a game being played yet, it’s hard to tell which Galligan will be on display this season.

But, one thing remains certain. All the talk about the Panthers’ season centers on their sophomore center.

“I think in order for us to do what we want to do this year, she has to make a very nice progression and go from being somebody considered the best freshman in the league to one of the top ten players in the league,” Sallee said. “That’s a huge, huge jump.”

While it may be a big leap for Galligan, the Panthers’ switch to a “four out, one in” offense seems to point to a change in philosophy. Whereas last year, the Panthers were more perimeter-based with Megan Sparks, they will look to Galligan this year, in hopes of fueling the newly installed offense.

“Our offense really depends on someone being big in the middle,” said sophomore guard Ellen Canale. “(Galligan) can do a lot for us, and I think our perimeter players can take some pressure off her as well.”

That’s the hope for Sallee and the Panthers. With the new offense, Sallee expects more double teams for Galligan, leaving more space for his perimeter players.

“If the person inside doesn’t demand double teams,” Sallee said, “it makes it tougher to spread the floor. We really gotta have a presence on the block.”

Sallee pointed to last season, saying Sparks drew most of the opponent’s attention, allowing Galligan to go one-on-one.

“Now, (Galligan) is going to be the one teams try to take out right off the bat,” Sallee said.

Galligan said that last year was a learning experience, admitting that the toughest part was “being able to hold your own.”

“You have to be aggressive going to the basket at all times,” Galligan said. “The best thing I learned last year was being aggressive, work on going to the basket and drawing the foul.”

While she points to her tenacity being part of her game, she also looks at that as a downside in picking up fouls.

“I was all about blocking shots last year,” she said. “I always wanna block shots, but I got to learn to have self-control and stay out on the floor.”

Even though Galligan may not be as vocal as Canale, she says she leads in her own way through her play.

Canale agrees, but argues Galligan must extend her leadership even more this year.

“Rachel really has to take a big step in the leadership role for us,” Canale said. “You need someone in there to be dominating, not only during the games and practice, but to also help the other girls in her position and help them understand what needs to go on.”

Sallee and Galligan may be different in terms of volume and intensity, but they also understand that they need each other for the Panthers to take the next step.

“Everyday he’s on me for something,” Galligan said. “He knows what gets me going.”

Sallee sees a special talent in Galligan that can lead a Panthers’ squad craving for OVC success.

“She’s got some work to do and we talk about it every day,” Sallee said. “I think she gets it. I think she wants it. We’re not going to rest on our laurels and be happy with last year.”