The DePauw women's basketball team completed a highly successful season on Saturday, March 2, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. This year's team record was 22 wins and 8 losses.
By tying for first place in the regular season conference, the team ultimately clinched the No. 1 seed to play in the NCAC Tournament.
“The dedication and hard work we have put into this program has been a constant reminder of what we are working toward. Knowing the time and sacrifices we have put in to get to the tournament has given us a lot of confidence. I am more motivated to achieve my goals,” said Alina Pusko ’26.
They played Denison in the first round and lost 48-54 on January 17th. They went up and knocked them out. “I remember after we played Denison in the tournament and won, the coach said, definitely, we’re going to play in March. But I think it sparked a fire in the team and made us really want it,” sophomore Diana Berger ’26 said.
The team was entering a season where they needed to win to advance and continue playing, and many of the players felt inspired and motivated by their teammates. “My teammates were a constant source of motivation for me during the NCAC and NCAA tournaments,” said Tori Allen ’27.
The next night, they faced Ohio Wesleyan University in the final game. The last time they played against each other was on February 3rd, they lost 63-74. Thanks to the efforts of the entire team, we won in a close game 56-53. “We all bought it. Everyone wanted to win,” Berger said. The DePauw women's basketball team was crowned conference champion.
“Although we weren't undefeated during the regular season, proving we were the best team in the NCAC kept us motivated during the NCAC tournament,” said Laila Barr '25. “We knew we had to win the tournament to make sure we qualified for the NCAA Tournament.”
At the beginning of the season, the DePauw women's basketball team was expected to win fourth place in the conference, but that was proven wrong. “I think being picked fourth in the conference motivated us to prove people wrong about us,” Berger said.
The girls basketball team is a very young team made up of mostly freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, with only one senior, Lydia Sturken. Sturken showed strong leadership throughout the season and led the team to success. “If you ask any of the girls on the team, they will definitely cite Lydia Stulken as the embodiment of leadership,” Allen said. She came to the team every day with her work ethic, her vocal presence during daily practices, and an aura that instilled confidence in her with just one look at her. ”
The job wasn't done after being crowned NCAC champions, as the team qualified for the national tournament and faced Bellaire in the first round. DePauw won 74-52.
“Our collective motivation was evident every day as we lined up together, ready to put in the work. Because of this shared commitment, we held our heads high during the NCAA Tournament. “We were able to move forward,” Allen said.
Each player on this special team emphasizes the importance of a unique team bond. This team was very close and ended up having such a memorable season. “When asked what my favorite thing about playing basketball at DePauw is, I always mention my teammates. Their unwavering support and commitment motivates and inspires me.” Moira McGinley ’25 said:
Similarly, Mr. Barr said the same thing. “I think the bond we have as a GBT family is what really brought us together as a team throughout the season. No matter what happened, we always supported each other.”
On Saturday night, March 2, they faced Hope in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. It was a fierce battle where they never gave up, and they lost 55-70.
The 2023/2024 season is over and the team is already ready and eager for next season.
Barr said: “I'm looking forward to next season building on what I've achieved this season and hopefully playing even longer in March!”
The team will take a few days off and then return to lifting as a team and playing together. “I look forward to growing as a team and creating even more special memories on and off the court. I think we have a great group of hard-working girls, so I'm excited to see what next season holds.” It is!” Pusko said.
The team is preparing for next season and hopes to make further progress. “I'm looking forward to seeing what the growth of each of us will bring next season. I know all of us want nothing more than to play in March and get out the first weekend,” Berger said. Ta.