The Purdue Northwest Women’s Basketball team enters the 2025-26 campaign with renewed energy and a clear sense of direction under second-year head coach Jesse Ford. After a season of transition that featured flashes of potential amid growing pains, the Pride aim to take a significant step forward in year two of Ford’s tenure.
Last season, PNW battled through a challenging slate, averaging 64.5 points per game while working to establish a new identity on both ends of the floor. The team’s competitiveness and commitment were evident, but statistical gaps in rebounding and shooting efficiency often told the story of a young team still finding its rhythm. With a full offseason to develop chemistry and a balanced mix of returning contributors and fresh talent, expectations around the program are on the rise.
Leading the charge is senior forward Alyssa Cole, who emerged as one of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s most reliable scorers a season ago. Cole averaged 13.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 49 percent from the field and an impressive 86 percent from the free-throw line. Her experience and consistency make her the anchor of Purdue Northwest’s offense and a vocal leader in the locker room.
Senior forward Zoe Spoelman also returns after showing flashes of impact before injuries limited her to just three games last year. Her interior presence and ability to stretch the floor will add depth to the frontcourt, complemented by versatile senior Thaya Luse, who posted 4.5 rebounds per game and provided steady defensive play.
The Pride’s backcourt features several returners who gained valuable experience a year ago. Sophomore guard Riley Milausnic played in 26 games and showed poise as a floor general, while junior guard Sophia Remmel contributed scoring off the bench. Sophomore guard Ciara Sims also returns after averaging 4.9 points in limited minutes and could take on a larger role this season.
Coach Ford welcomes a promising group of newcomers who are expected to make an immediate impact. Freshman center Tristan Stoutermire brings much-needed size at 6-5 and will be a key piece in improving the team’s interior defense and rebounding, areas where the Pride struggled last season. Freshman guard Bryn Leonard joins a strong Lake Central pipeline, adding shooting and defensive energy to the perimeter. Sophomore transfer forward Caley Strahan arrives from Southwestern Michigan College, bringing length and scoring versatility to the frontcourt rotation.
The Pride open the 2025-26 season with a challenging nonconference schedule designed to test their progress early before entering the grind of GLIAC play. With experience, leadership, and a renewed sense of confidence, Purdue Northwest looks poised to make a statement and turn last year’s lessons into this season’s success.
