The Croy Era Begins: 5 Key Takeaways From William Jewell Women's Basketball's Challenging 2025-2026 Season Start
The William Jewell Women's Basketball program is currently navigating a period of significant transition and challenge as the 2025-2026 season gets underway. With a new head coach at the helm, the Cardinals are working to establish a fresh identity and competitive edge within the rigorous Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). As of this current date, December 25, 2025, the team has faced a difficult start, signaling a rebuilding year focused on foundational growth and integrating new talent.
This article provides an in-depth look at the state of the William Jewell Cardinals, focusing on the new coaching staff, the key players driving the offensive and defensive efforts, and the outlook for the remainder of their NCAA Division II campaign. The team’s commitment to development, even amidst a challenging record, remains the central narrative for fans and followers of the program.
The New Era: Head Coach Jenni Croy and the 2025-2026 Roster Profile
The biggest story for William Jewell Women’s Basketball is the arrival of a new leadership team. The program officially welcomed its ninth head coach, Jenni Croy, who was appointed on April 21, 2025. Coach Croy brings her own philosophy and energy to the Mabee Center court, aiming to revitalize the Cardinals' performance in the highly competitive GLVC.
Croy is joined by Assistant Women's Basketball Coach Lesli Collins, who is instrumental in implementing the new system. The transition marks a fresh start, moving past the tenure of previous coaches like Kyley Bachand and Jill Slominski, to focus entirely on the future.
Key Player Entities for the 2025-2026 Season
The 2025-2026 roster features a mix of returning players and promising newcomers, crucial for the team’s long-term development. The following players are central to the Cardinals’ efforts:
- Jariah Harris (Forward, Junior, #1): A veteran presence and a key offensive contributor, Harris has shown efficiency, particularly from the free-throw line, where she is shooting 83.3%. She is a critical leader in the frontcourt.
- Jalea Price (Guard, Freshman, #2): As a freshman, Price is already taking on a significant role, leading the team in games played and minutes. Her performance as a young guard is a major indicator of the team's future potential.
- Jacee Peterson (Guard, Freshman, #3): Another freshman guard, Peterson is part of the new wave of talent that Coach Croy is developing.
- Maja Komaszynska (Forward, #4): A vital player in the rotation, Komaszynska provides depth and versatility in the forward position.
- Chanelle Anderson (Guard, #11): An experienced guard who contributes to the backcourt stability and scoring.
The Challenging Start: 5 Key Performance Metrics
The 2025-2026 season has presented immediate challenges for the William Jewell Cardinals. The early schedule has been rigorous, forcing the new-look team to find their footing against tough opponents. As of the latest statistics, the team's overall record stands at a difficult 0-7, including an 0-3 start in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
The team’s focus is not just on the win-loss column but on measurable improvements in key areas. Here are five crucial performance metrics defining the start of the Croy era:
- Defensive Rebounding Battle: The Cardinals have struggled in the rebounding department, being outrebounded by opponents, 273 to 252 total, through their first seven games. Controlling the boards is a fundamental area for improvement.
- Free Throw Efficiency: Jariah Harris has demonstrated excellent accuracy from the charity stripe, hitting over 83% of her free throws. This individual success highlights a reliable scoring option when the offense drives to the basket.
- Scoring Production from Newcomers: Freshman Jalea Price has immediately become a significant part of the offense, logging the most minutes for the team and providing a high volume of shots. Her development is crucial for increasing the team’s overall scoring average.
- The GLVC Struggle: The 0-3 start in conference play underscores the difficulty of competing in the GLVC, one of the premier NCAA D2 conferences. Every GLVC game, including matchups against rivals like Rockhurst, provides a high-level test for the young squad.
- Points Per Game (PPG) Output: Early statistics show Jariah Harris leading the charge in scoring among the main rotation players, averaging 9.6 points per game. Developing consistent secondary and tertiary scoring threats is a primary objective for Coach Croy.
The Road Ahead: GLVC Outlook and Team Development
Despite the winless start, the long-term outlook for William Jewell Women's Basketball revolves around development and establishing the new system under Jenni Croy. The team is not only competing for wins in the present but is also laying the groundwork for sustained success in the future. The Cardinals’ home court, the Mabee Center in Liberty, Missouri, will be a crucial venue for building momentum as the season progresses.
The Great Lakes Valley Conference schedule remains the focus. The GLVC is known for its depth and demanding travel schedule, forcing teams to bring their best effort night after night. The Cardinals must find ways to translate their practice efforts into game-day execution, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Topical Authority: The GLVC Landscape
The GLVC features numerous powerhouse programs, making every victory a significant achievement for a rebuilding team. William Jewell's ability to compete in the GLVC will be defined by their performance against regional rivals and their success in protecting their home court. The league provides a constant benchmark for the Cardinals' progress toward becoming a consistent NCAA D2 tournament contender.
Focus on Fundamentals and Future Success
Coach Croy's first season is a pivotal moment for the program. The emphasis is on improving fundamental basketball skills, increasing team chemistry, and developing the young talent, such as freshmen Jalea Price and Jacee Peterson. Success this year may be measured less by the final record and more by the growth of individual players and the team's ability to compete consistently in the second half of the season.
The Cardinals will continue to battle through their remaining schedule, with every game serving as a valuable learning experience. Fans are eager to see how the team adapts to the new coaching structure and how the key players like Jariah Harris and Jalea Price evolve their game as they gain more experience in the demanding environment of William Jewell College basketball.
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