Record Setting and Heart Breaking

This past Saturday, the Grinnell Women's Basketball Team earned their 12th victory of the season ( a win over Lake Forest), to end the season tied for third place in the Midwest Conference. Due to tie-breaking rules, the Pioneers ended up fifth, and out of the conference tournament.

There is no doubt that the team is disappointed about not reaching our ultimate goal of conference. It is bittersweet knowing that the difference lies in our 1-point loss to Illinois College or our two 2- point losses to Carroll University. We were that close.

But, there is no doubt, either, that we had a tremendous season.

I walked into our locker room on Saturday with tears in my eyes knowing that my opportunity to work with this outstanding group of student-athletes was over. My sadness represented the fact that this team, this group of Pioneers, was special beyond compare.

I am forever indebted to this group for their unrelenting belief in themselves, in our coaching staff, and in Grinnell Women's Basketball. They have changed what we stand for and how we do business.

We have used the mantra DO MORE. NOW throughout the year to represent the urgency with which we needed to practice and compete. The Pioneers lived up to that saying.
Here is what they accomplished this year:

1. 12-11 Season Record (first winning season since 2003-2004)
2. 11-7 MWC Record- 3rd place tie (tied for most conference wins ever with 1990-1991 team)
3. Beat Lake Forest for the 2nd time in the history of the program (1st time in 1991)
4. Beat Monmouth twice (first time since 2004)
5. Led conference in field goal percentage defense, 3 pt defense, and blocked shots