BOULDER – Emma Clarke has one major goal in life, to play in the Olympics for her home country of Australia. A native of Perth, Western Australia, she originally committed to play basketball at UC Santa Barbara, but coaching staff turnover there led her to reopen her recruitment and sign with Colorado, a decision she believes will ultimately help her achieve her goal of playing for the Opals in the Olympics one day.

Former Colorado women's basketball coach Rene Portland, who helped establish a competitive foundation for the program and set the stage for long-term success, died Sunday after a three-year battle with cancer.

BOULDER – Colorado's women's basketball team released its non-conference schedule on Thursday. The Buffs will play 11 games prior to Pac-12 play, including eight at home. Five of the team's non-conference opponents made the postseason last year, including two in the NCAA Tournament.

BOULDER – After spending the past six years attending school away from home, heading off to college away from home seems normal for University of Colorado women's basketball freshman Kai Volcy, a 6-foot-4 post player.

BOULDER – Three former Colorado women's basketball players played professionally this past winter in Europe. Here is a recap on their seasons:

BOULDER – It's all about family. That's what Sirena Tuitele (pronounced ser-EEN-ah TOO-ee-TAY-lay), who goes by the nickname "Peanut," said of why she chose the University of Colorado to play basketball. A native of Chico, Calif., Tuitele is of Polynesian descent and family is the most important staple in the Polynesian culture.