Women’s Basketball Ready to Begin 2024-25 Season

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's basketball team is set to begin its 2024-25 season on the road at Cleary University on Friday, October 25 at the Gannon Gymnasium in Lansing, Michigan.

MVNU placed ninth in the competitive Crossroads League conference last season. Despite last year's finish, there are many reasons for optimism heading into the new season. With a talented group of newcomers and pieces coming back from injury to add to its group of upperclassmen, MVNU is hopeful to improve upon its 9-19 record last season and make some noise in the Crossroads League.

Angela Roshak returns for her junior year after receiving All-Crossroads League Honorable Mention recognition last season. Roshak, who is from North Canton, Ohio, led the Crossroads League in blocks per game and was fifth overall in the NAIA. Roshak averaged 11.3 points per game and was fifth in the Crossroads League in rebounds at 8.2 per contest. Heading into 2024-25, Roshak was voted onto the Preseason All-Crossroads League First Team.

The Lady Cougars also return their three senior captains Katie Sprang (G/Lakeville, Ohio), Grace Vermilya (C/Loudonville, Ohio), and Emily Walker (G/North Canton, Ohio), and all of them will provide valuable experience and leadership on and off the court throughout the season. Walker led the Crossroads League in assists in 2023-24, averaging 6.3 per contest.

Head Coach Amanda Short's incoming class of talent is headlined by the addition of redshirt sophomore guard, Teresa Maggio (Lafayette, Indiana). Maggio joins the Lady Cougars from NCAA Division 1 Tarleton State University. Maggio will be looking to make an immediate impact on the court for MVNU.

MVNU's incoming freshmen consist of Serenitee Johnson (F/G / Uniontown, Ohio), Naomi Keib (F/C / Smithville, Ohio), Olivia Skillings (G/Mechanicsburg, Ohio), and Hadley Hajdu (G/Copley, Ohio). Each will be looking to make contributions to the team this season.

Returning from injury is redshirt freshman, Megan Weakley (G/Westerville, Ohio). Weakley will help provide floor spacing that was missed last season for the Lady Cougars. Also returning from injury is redshirt freshman, Camryn Cummings (F/C / Lewis Center, Ohio), who looks to bring versatility and length inside.

Sophomore, Jaelle Keller (G/Castalia, Ohio) brings energy on the defensive end of the floor, while junior, Shalen Guilliams (G/Loudonville, Ohio) brings added three-point shooting on the offensive end.

Tip-off for MVNU's season opener at Cleary University on Friday, October 25 is set for 2:00 p.m.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,000 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries.