Grinnell women's basketball team looks to build off last season's success

Pioneers open 2025-26 season at home Tuesday

GRINNELL, Iowa - Basketball season is here, and Grinnell College's women's team is excited to be back in the gym.

The 2024-25 season was an extremely successful one for the program, finishing with a 19-8 overall record, tying for second place in the Midwest Conference and achieving the second-best record in program history.

Grinnell graduated a very impactful senior class, including Grace Marsh, Nikki Ware and Sara Booher. Both Ware and Booher were All-MWC selections who appear throughout the program's record book. Despite graduating a very impactful class, Grinnell coach Dana Harrold is eager to build on the momentum they helped create as the team looks ahead to another strong season in league play.

"This year, our team captains are senior Skylar Thomas '26 and junior Carolyn Pierce '27," said Harrold. "Skylar is a natural leader and has done an excellent job organizing our preseason lifts, events and practices. Carolyn brings contagious energy and a strong work ethic. Together, they provide outstanding communication, support and guidance, and we're excited to have them leading our team this season."

Grinnell returns two starters from last year, including Thomas (three-year starter) and Bailey Strovers '27 (returning All-MWC first-teamer).

"Senior Kelsey Ericksen '26, as well as Carolyn and Juniper Schwartzman '27, all saw significant playing time last season and will look to make key contributions again this year," said Harrold. "Sophomores Nora Lynch '28 and Cassidy Pak '28 also logged double-digit minutes as first-years and are expected to play an even larger role this season."

Other returning players include senior Eleanor Cordes '26, junior Reese Stephens '27 and sophomores Amelia Rigel '28, Adrianna Perez '28 and Emily Roessler '28.

Joining the team this year is a talented group of five first-years: Megan Walters '29, Ava Wu '29, Georgia Patterson '29, Caroline Phillips '29 and Elly Marriott '29.

"Our program continues to move in the right direction, and we're working hard every day to be among the best in the Midwest Conference," said Harrold. "Each day, our focus remains on consistent effort, energy and attention to detail. The Midwest Conference promises strong competition and parity this season, and we look forward to the opportunity to compete every night against another quality opponent across the court."

Grinnell opens its season at home Tuesday when Central College visits for a 7 p.m. test.

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Players Mentioned

#34 Sara Booher: C; 6' 3"; Senior

#5 Eleanor Cordes: PG; 5' 4"; Junior

#32 Kelsey Ericksen: G; 5' 7"; Junior

#13 Grace Marsh: G; 5' 8"; Senior

#14 Carolyn Pierce: G; 5' 7"; Sophomore

#45 Juniper Schwartzman: F/C; 5' 11"; Sophomore

#12 Reese Stephens: G; 5' 6"; Sophomore

#25 Bailey Strovers: F/C; 5' 11"; Sophomore

#22 Skylar Thomas: F; 5' 9"; Junior

#10 Nikki Ware: PG; 5' 5"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#34 Sara Booher
: 6' 3"; Senior
: C

#5 Eleanor Cordes
: 5' 4"; Junior
: PG

#32 Kelsey Ericksen
: 5' 7"; Junior
: G

#13 Grace Marsh
: 5' 8"; Senior
: G

#14 Carolyn Pierce
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: G

#45 Juniper Schwartzman
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: F/C

#12 Reese Stephens
: 5' 6"; Sophomore
: G

#25 Bailey Strovers
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: F/C

#22 Skylar Thomas
: 5' 9"; Junior
: F

#10 Nikki Ware
: 5' 5"; Senior
: PG