Howard White, head coach of the Concordia College Alabama Hornets women’s basketball team, doesn’t have much to complain about right now.

Concordia College Alabama’s women’s basketball team is No. 1 the country in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association after a 10-1 start to the season. White knew he had a special team coming into the season, but with each win, his team is realizing more and more that a national title could very well be in the cards in 2016.

“I thought we had a good squad coming in,” White said. “We could run, we could shovel the ball down, throw it inside. We play pretty good defense, and we have pretty good chemistry on the team so I expected that and it’s turning out the way I expected.”

The strength of the Hornets thus far has been largely due to 6-foot-3 junior Shuntavia Harris. There haven’t been many opposing teams capable of stopping her thus far, as she’s been averaging a double-double.

The size factor has played a crucial role in the Hornets’ success, with 5-foot-10 junior Carshava Sutton also averaging a double-double.

Early in the season, the Hornets were forced to play without senior leader Erica Ousley, but since her recent return from injury, the Hornets have gotten even stronger.

Ousley dropped 43 points in her first game back.

“She brings the leadership. She brings that experience. She’s won a national title already,” White said.

Two seasons ago, the Concordia women finished off its season with a national title, winning its fourth championship in eight seasons. Just because the last championship came so recently, it doesn’t mean the hunger for another one isn’t brewing.

White was coaching for the Concordia men’s program when the women won their last title. This season, he hopes to be the one leading the charge toward another national title.

“We have a great shot at winning it all. If we stay healthy, focus and we’ll be OK. But to win it all, to be No. 1 in the country and to win it all, that means a lot to a coach,” White said.

The Hornets have already secured some big wins this season to show they can contend with some of the best teams in their conference. White said some of his team’s most impressive wins were against Loyola New Orleans, at Montevallo and at Southern at New Orleans.

White said some of the biggest tests on the Hornets’ schedule include another game against Southern at home Jan. 4, at Edward Waters and at Oakwood.

While White would love to win a national championship in his first season as the women’s coach, he said part of his motivation to win it all comes from wanting to give his seniors — Ousley, Rayshell Harris and Mary Windom — a strong note to end on.

Based on the way White feels about his team right now and the way the USCAA perceives his team through the rankings, Concordia may be in perfect position to earn its fifth championship in the last 10 years.

“We’re clicking better than expected, so I’m happy with the program,” White said. “I’m happy with the direction it’s going in and I’m happy with the student athletes and everything they’re doing this year.”