The Lady Crusaders come into the season excited for the new year under first year Head Coach Lynell McCrary. The Lady Crusaders will kick their season off at home on November 5th against Sienna Heights University at 6:00pm. The Women's program is playing a tough schedule featuring seven teams who were either ranked or receiving votes in the top 25 poll for NAIA. The Crusader roster is young with half of the roster being freshmen. Coach McCrary is excited to build the culture and identity of the Women's program. 

Meet the Roster:

• Oke Johnson is one of the returners this year for the Crusaders. She was All Region Honorable Mention this last season.
  • What Coach Says: Oke is a force to be reckoned with in the paint. She is plays with a tremednous energy. She is a true team leader.

• Valerie Kopper is another returner for the Crusaders. She was also an All Region Honorable Mention last season for the Crusaders.
  • What Coach Says: Val is a lightening quick guard and pesty defender. She has a sweet three point shot. She is a real knockdown shooter.

• Sawanda Seay: competed for the Crusaders this last season, but is sitting out first semester.
  • What Coach Says: Sawanda is a strong and physical post player. She plays hard and with tenacity every time she is on the floor.

• Holly Epps: this is her first year with the Crusader program
  • What Coach Says: Holly is a super teammate and has a real servants heart and will sacrifice her all for the team. She has improved immensely this preseason.

• Mystic Striker: is in her first season with the Lady Crusader Basketball Program 
  • What Coach Says: Mystic has a shot that she can make from anywhere on the court. She is fearless and will compete relentlessly. She will be a dominate guard for us.

• Kerlanda Dervil: this is her first season with the Lady Crusader Basketball Program
  • What Coach Says: Kerlanda is a relenteless competitor. She refuses to let anyone beat her. She can score it and defend all over the court. She will challenge every opponent.

• Azhure Shotwell: this is her first season with the Lady Crusader Basketball Program.
  • What Coach Says: Azhure is a strong and dominant post player. She has a great mid range jumper that she knocks down with ease.

• Jillian Wilson: this is Wilson's first season with the Lady Crusader Program.
  • What Coach Says: Jillian is growing everyday. She continues to improve at a rapid rate. She has a contagious energy and joy. She is a determined defender.

Season Outlook:

• What are your expectations this season?
  • Coach Lynell McCrary said this, "We are expecting to surprise some teams this year. We are building a strong program, starting with fundamentals and building strong athletes. The Lady Crusaders are mentally strong, spiritually sound, and physically aggressive on the court. We will win some great games this season."

• What can we expect from your Lady Crusasders?
  • "This season we will continue to grow in defense and rebounding. Those components will lead to our success on the court. Expect to see a team that never quits and goes above and beyond. We plan to win more games than expected because we are truly a team. I call our team Mighty Champions and that is the mentality we will have."

• What are you most excited about this season?
  • "As a coach, I'm most excited about the skills our Lady Crusaders are gaining every day. We continue to grow on and off the court. I've seen these ladies dig down deep to overcome the odds. Their stories are amazing of how God brought them to Great Lakes Christian College... and their story doesn't stop there. If you get time to talk to one of the players one on one, ask them what God is doing in writing their story. He is a good God and I get a chance to coach some true champions."

• Thoughts on your preseason practices?
  • We are small in numbers but mighty in courage. These ladies are putting it all on the line to be their best. The team has grown in skill and strength. There will be some very surprised teams that we face this season. Lady Crusaders are doing what it takes to rise above and conquer the court! I am so proud of them.

What's next:

• Crusaders open up their season Monday November 5th at home against Sienna Heights University. Tip off is scheduled for 6pm est. For the full schedule check it out here.