Under the Shell Renewed for 2005-06
10/19/2005 8:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Oct. 19, 2005
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - After the success of last season, the 13-episode television reality series, "Maryland Women's Basketball: Under the Shell," will once again air this season beginning in January on Comcast SportsNet. Jess Atkinson of Jess Atkinson & Co., and former NFL and Terrapin kicker, will once again produce the series. This season, a new "Under the Shell" web site will also be launched in November on www.umterps.com.
"`Under the Shell' provided fans a wonderful look at the behind-the-scenes of this team," said head coach Brenda Frese. "Fans really got the opportunity to get to know the players, coaches and staff in a much more intimate way. We were very happy with the television show last year and are looking forward to it again this year. The addition of the web site will only enhance the experience of the show."
Last season, Atkinson had unprecedented access to the Terrapin women's basketball team, which became the first-ever women's basketball team to be the subject of a 13-episode television series. The show captured the behind-the-scenes, day-to-day life of the players, coaches and staff - from practices, to the locker room, to the weight room, to road trips and media events.
The new "Under the Shell" site on www.umterps.com will also contain additional video content, including interviews, highlights, player profiles and photo galleries throughout the season. Every episode will also be archived on the new site.
"With the succes of `Under the Shell' last season, we are looking forward to renewing the partnership with Jess Atkinson & Co. and the University of Maryland women's basketball team" said Michael Lipitz, Senior Associate Director of Athletics. "Jess continues to bring innovative ideas to the program which benefits Coach Frese, the team and the University in a tremendous way."
"What we wanted to do is exactly what Coach Frese has done with her team, and build on the previous year," said Jess Atkinson. "This year, we will do both TV, as well as, the Internet. The important distinction from last season, is you will be able to follow the team on a day-in and day-out basis, from the time they begin playing until the last buzzer. The great part about the Internet is the `on-demand' component and that it will always be there to watch."
Atkinson continued, "Coach Frese has taken the concept of reality TV to an entirely different level because of the total access she grants. It is a film-makers dream to be able to spend the season with her and the team."
Dates and air times will be announced at a later date.
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