WINONA LAKE, Ind. - With memories of last year’s national championship season still fresh in their minds, Grace College’s women’s basketball team is prepped and ready for the start of 2024-25 year as they look to defend their national title.
Grace is in the midst of a historic run for the program, which has included multiple firsts for Lancers’ women’s basketball team. Over the past two years Grace has set the program record for single season wins, single season conference wins and longest win streak.
The Lancers also qualified for the NAIA national tournament and won their first ever NAIA tournament game with an upset win over Pikeville. Last year Grace reached the pinnacle by winning the NCCAA national championship on their home court.
“Last year's team motto was believe,” said Grace head coach Dan Davis. “We lost a lot of close games but the ladies continued to stay the course and continued to believe in each other and they ended up doing something that had been done in the 48-year history of this program by winning the national championship.”
Gone are familiar faces Maddie Ryman and Kaylee Patton whose impact on Grace College won’t quickly be forgotten, but Davis sees a unique opportunity for his returners with their absence.
“Your goal as a college coach is to graduate good kids,” Davis continued. “We have had a lot of really good players graduate out of our program and the mantra has always been who's next. We want to embrace the legacy of all the great things that have been done in this program’s past, but this is an opportunity for everyone still on this team to add their own chapter.”
Among those returning to Grace for the 2024-25 season is the experienced duo of Kensie Ryman and Peyton Murphy.
“Kensie really came on strong at the end of last year,” Davis said of the fourth year guard. “It’s such a benefit to have a senior point guard who knows everything you want to do in running the offense.”
Ryman started the final 10 games of the season for Grace and made a buzzer-beating shot to knock off Oakland City in the NCCAA semifinals en route to the championship victory.
Murphy will join fellow senior Ryman as Grace’s graduating class on the floor. Murphy had a breakout season last year with a career high in points, steals, rebounds and blocks.
“Peyton is the most experienced starter we have back,” Davis commented. “She is such a tremendous leader on and off the court. She’ll continue to be a huge factor on defense, but I think her scoring ability is going to be a big addition this year.”
“Our senior class has been such a key factor in maintaining the kind of culture we want at Grace,” Davis said. “Losing Kate Rulli to a season ending injury was a tough blow and I hate it for her, but keeping her involved with this team along with Kensie and Peyton is what you want from a player-led team.”
Sophomore Morganne Houk will be looking to build on what proved to be an impressive freshman campaign. Houk averaged double-digit points as Grace’s third-leading scorer a year ago.
“Mo has the ability to be one of the top-tier players in the Crossroads League,” Davis Noted. “She can do so much on both sides of the floor and after starting every game for us last year she needed some experience on what she needs to bring to every game.”
Other returning players for Grace include Lily Moore, Molly Long, Bekah Marshall and Kaydence Mellott.
“Bekah and Molly have seen a lot of minutes for us,” Davis said. “Bekah played a really important role for us in the championship run so we want to see her take that mindset into this year. Molly brings length and versatility; she just needs to be more comfortable playing a little more aggressive on both ends of the floor. Kaydence and Lily are both good shooters and depth that we can bring off the bench.”
The Lancers also added five freshmen in the incoming class to reload from last year’s championship roster.
“I am really excited about the class,” Davis said. “I think three or four of them have a chance to play a really key role for us, it just comes down to who we are most comfortable giving that extra responsibility. Regardless, I think all these ladies have a chance to contribute for us this year.”
Mariah Stoltzfus (transfer) and Brooke Blaszcyk (injury) round out Grace’s roster, but both are expected to redshirt this season.
“This team will look different this year, but different can be good,” Davis noted. “I think we are quicker and can shoot the ball better and I have been so pleased with how the ball moves offensively. We don’t have a clear cut No. 1 option on offense right now, but I have confidence in all of these ladies to be able to hit the open shot.”
“I am really excited about this year. This group has been so connected this fall and focused on building on what we have accomplished over the last few years. Can’t wait to see them get out on the floor and compete.”
The Lancers season will start on Saturday with a home game against Concordia. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.