COLUMBUS -- As the ball swished through the net to complete an Ohio State women's basketball workout last week, Jensen Caretti clasped the ball, raced to the 3-point line and drained a shot.
She then joined her teammates in the huddle with Head Coach Kevin McGuff inside the Schottenstein Center for a few final words before heading over to meet with the media, which is something the normally shy Clarington native had, in the past, tried to avoid as much as possible.
This is a different Jensen Caretti, though, one that carries with her a newfound swagger, one befitting a veteran on one of the top women's basketball programs in the country.
"I was like a turtle in a shell before," she said as a smile slowly emerged on her face. "I'm peeking out now."
In just a few short months, Caretti has gone from seldom-used sophomore backup to a junior being counted on to be a leader.
"She's come a long way," McGuff said of the former River High School all-Ohioan. "We have high expectations for her this year as someone who's been in the program a few years. She has a lot of talent and she's a good kid.
"Jensen knows a lot of things we've done and she's done a great job in showing the new players."
And there are a lot of those.
Ohio State's roster was gutted, both by graduation and transfers. There are no returning starters and Caretti, redshirt senior Mikayla Waterman and senior Karlie Cronin are the only three returning players.
"We still have pretty good chemistry," Caretti pointed out. "We can read each other pretty well on the court. We have some really great shooters and really great drivers who get to the rim a lot.
"We're gonna get some buckets this year."
It's a good bet Caretti will improve on her 2.4 points per game average from a year ago. Having only averaged 8.7 minutes per game last winter, Caretti is sure to see more playing time this year. How much? That remains to be seen. But just having the opportunity to be on the on the court more, and perhaps earn a starting nod, has her excited.
"I've been waiting on this moment," she beamed. "I have this opportunity, now I just have to show the coaches that I'm ready."
After playing in 17 games two years ago, Caretti competed in 29 games last season, scoring a career-high 14 points in a non-conference tilt against Idaho. That game started a trajectory of confidence that was boosted by her teammates. She said players like Kelsey Mitchell were key in her development, proving encouragement at every turn.
"Kelsey and I were really close," Caretti said. "She was more than a teammate. She was like a sister."
Caretti said she and Mitchell still keep in contact.
"She would always bring me up if I fell down," she said. "She would always tell me everything would be OK. She definitely was a big help."
Mitchell left a gaping hole in the Ohio State program, both in leadership and production. Caretti hopes to do her part to fill the gaps in both areas.
"I feel confident because I'm surrounded by my team and they support me," she said. "They have confidence in me so I feel good about it."
Caretti said she's willing to fill multiple roles this season, whether it be at the 4, 3 or even 2 spots.
"I'm excited to broaden my horizons, so to speak," she said. "I'm really excited because we'll be playing different roles. We're going to be an all-around great team."
While the Buckeyes are still searching for an identity, Caretti said the road to building one has been fun.
"I feel like it's going to be great when it's all done," she said.
Caretti said she might even throw down a dunk or two this season if the opportunity presents itself.
"I'll try it," she said laughing. "I just don't wanna miss."