SAN DIEGO -- It's time to get excited again about Aztec Women's Basketball!!! The Mountain West Conference champion San Diego State women's basketball team began practice sessions just last week, in preparation for their Nov. 4th exhibition start against UC San Diego.

Last season the Lady Aztecs had a 23-11 overall record, won the MWC tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen with upsets over two top-25 foes in No. 17 Texas and No. 10 West Virginia. Quite a season - and one that Coach Burns only hopes to expand upon.

Just last month, Coach Burns "the winningest coach in Aztec women's basketball history" signed a five year extension to her existing contract, keeping her here through 2014-2015.

Local San Diegan Jody Sims, an avid, longtime fan and supporter of women's sports, is much more than a run-of-the-mill fan. Ambassador Jody, as she's called by the team, is the Aztecs' unofficial-official Pep Commissioner.

Strictly a fan volunteering her time, Jody spends countless hours promoting and supporting the team each season. She keeps her network of local sports fans updated throughout the season with weekly emails about each upcoming game, organizes special events, coordinates meet and greets with the team, and even plans BBQs to watch out-of-town games.

Ambassador Jody and her "Behind the Bench Bunch" don't miss a home game and often travel to other locations to catch away games. Some even traveled out of state during the NCAA championships last season to cheer the team on.

Through all her efforts over the years, Jody has developed a special relationship with the players and they truly appreciate her presence and enthusiasm at each game.

Jody even chartered a bus to Los Angeles last August, so fans could see ex-Aztec Jene Morris play in her first professional WNBA game with Indiana Fever against the LA Sparks at the Staples Center.

She helps make the season more worthwhile for not only the team, but the fans as well.

Season tickets for the 2010 - 2011 season are now available. Prices below are for the entire 14 game home season! You can't beat it. Courtside seating, reserved seating (in sections F & R) and General Admission seating are all available. While supplies last, each season seat purchased will receive one (1) Sports Chalet mystery gift card (worth $5-$100). 

Here is the price breakdown:

Courtside Seating: $195 (price includes $125 donation to the Aztec Club)

Reserved seating (Sections F & R): $70

General Admission seating:  Adults: $60;  Senior (55+) & Youth (3-14): $30

Handicap accessible seating: Call the Aztec Athletic Ticket Office at 619-283-7378.

General Admission seating is first come, first served in the general admission area (disregard the seat location on the tickets), so make sure you join Jody behind the bench!

Season Parking Pass:
Parking is $1/hour for women's basketball home games. Season ticket holders may purchase a season parking pass for $30. Contact the SDSU Ticket Office (619-283-7378) to purchase a pass. 

Make sure Ambassador Jody gets credit for your purchase by calling Jennifer Slaughter at 619-594-7892 x 3200 and tell her Ambassador Jody sent you! Then become a part of Jody's sports fan network by emailing her at jodysims@cox.net and get even more fun and excitement out of your season tickets!

The first four games are at home at Viejas Arena at 7p.m.

11/4 vs. UC San Diego (exhibition)

11/12 vs. UCLA

11/17 vs. Cal State Bakersfield

11/23 vs. UC Irvine

Then the team is off to the Nugget Classic at University of Nevada, Reno - Nov. 26, 27.

For the full schedule and to read more about Aztec Women's Basketball, visit their website HERE.

Morgan M. Hurley is the Copy Editor for SDGLN. She can be reached at (877) 727-5446, ext 710 or via email at morgan@sdgln.com.