“Striving for Victory” is what the Lady Kingsmen Basketball team is pursuing as they are soon to kick off an exciting 2024-2025 season. PGBB is under the direction of Kristi Kaniewski-Ulrich, who has led the Lady Kingsmen program for 15 years with great success and plans to make this one triumphant as well.
Season Recap
Looking back at last season, The Lady Kingsmen finished the 23-24 season with an 18-7 overall record, and a 9-2 conference record, clenching 2nd in the NIC. The Lady Kingsmen fought their way through some intense games and adversity to beat some tough teams but took a heartbreaking loss to Northridge in the Sectional Championship to end last season on an anguishing note. Although they may not have achieved the goal they wanted—this is no excuse to dwell on the past. The Lady Kingsmen are hungry and are ready to dominate this season as some new incoming Freshman talent and experienced returners are looking to make an impact.
Returners and Fresh Faces
The Lady Kingsmen have some dynamic forces that are returning for the upcoming season including Senior Leaders Jessa Troy & Ava Stebbins, Macy Little, Anna Sachire, and Anna McCullough. These girls have contributed to making some important influences and have proven to continue the overall success of this team. Along with the returners, the Lady Kingsmen also welcome some strong 2028 powers who have already made a huge difference in the preseason competition and practices.
Junior Anna Sachire had her take on this as well.
“I think we have a great balance of returning players and newcomers on the team. We’re led by great Senior and Junior classes that bring a lot of varsity experience and there are a handful of Sophomores and Freshman that could make an immediate impact on the team.”, Sachire said.
Team Culture
Penn Girls Basketball isn’t just a team—it’s a sisterhood. The Lady Kingsmen take pride in their team culture and work to be a family. “Buying into the team culture” is an essential part of what it means to be a member of the program. “#DMGB” or “Doesn’t Matter, Get Better.” has grown to be a mindset that PGBB holds in high regard.
“We of course have to go back to our motto from last season–#DMGB. We must strive to get better and grow our culture, to grow together as a group. We’re not just striving to win games–We’re striving to win championships.”, Ulrich said.
The goal overall is to perform as one. “Together” the Lady Kingsmen create an environment where they play at a high level but also know they are a part of something bigger that will be passed on for years in the legacy of PGBB. This mentality is key to the values of the entire program as a whole.
“We can ensure this mindset and approach in our returners and upperclassmen by them setting the tone and modeling expectations, whether that be on the court, in the classroom, even in the hallways, so everyone knows what PGBB is all about.”, Head Coach Kristi Ulrich emphasized.
Power Play
There’s a reason for the season—and the Lady Kingsmen Basketball team has hit the ground running already. The Lady Kingsmen kicked off their preseason preparations back in early September, and have continued the grind ever since.
Practices have consisted of work within not only fundamentals and plays, but shedding light on the key details that are necessary to allow the Lady Kingsmen to perform at the highest level possible. Along with play additions, conditioning has also taken place to help prepare for the exhilarating and imminent road ahead. Focus and effort have played a crucial role in preparations as well as expectations are high for the 24-25 season.
“Since we’ve started this season we have been focused on the importance of doing the little details and putting forth our best effort no matter what we are doing. For defense, we have prioritized things like communication and boxing out, and on offense we have focused on executing and being composed which will result in overall team success”, Senior Leader Ava Stebbins stated.
This year, the Lady Kingsmen program has had a focal point in getting the job done. On all levels of the program, the intensity and magnitude of competitiveness keep growing. The Lady Kingsmen have a mission this year, and it’s being achieved by outworking everyone.
Head JV Coach Troy Gray agrees.
“We’re weeks ahead of where we were last year because now we don’t have to revisit what we did over the summer, we are now on to the future. As a coach, I’m more excited that the physicality and game itself has elevated”, Gray shared. “At this point now as we get into the season, we are ready to compete for a championship from day one. Players have continued to put in the work through their team chemistry and they all push each other to work equally hard as well.”, he concluded.
Prospective Perspective
With new Sectional assignments for the 24-25 season, the Lady Kingsmen now will face some new challenges compared to the past seasons they have encountered–but they are ready to take on the trials and tribulations. Senior Leader Jessa Troy added her thoughts.
“Obviously every year comes with different challenges but this year is especially different. After losing four impactful seniors, we are completely changing our lineup, with multiple underclassmen playing important roles.”, Troy stated. “Some people might view the inexperienced as a weakness, but I think our potential will set us apart from other teams.”
The PGBB team is looking to excel on the court this season as they set the stage for not only a revamp but for a notable and unforgettable execution of girl’s basketball altogether. The Lady Kingsmen are excitedly awaiting to showcase their offseason work and passion for the sport. Fans are just as excited to see what they are bringing to the table this season.
“While we may not have as much experience as other teams, that also means the only way we can go is up. I think by Playoff time we will be a very scary team to come across.”, Troy stated further.
All eyes are on this Northern Indiana contender as more is to come. You can find the Lady Kingsmen team as they are set to take on the Valparaiso Vikings in a Season Opener at home in the Palace, Sat Nov. 9 at 7:30 PM EST, seeking a thrilling victory to kick off an exciting crusade.
