Bradley Braves Tickets

When it comes to college women's basketball, the Bradley Braves have become one of the more intriguing teams to keep an eye on. They may not be a household name just yet, but they are quickly making a name for themselves in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) and beyond.

In recent years, the Braves have seen a resurgence of sorts, thanks in large part to their head coach, Andrea Gorski. Gorski took over the program in 2012 and has steadily built up the team from there. In her first season, the Braves won just five games. By the 2018-19 season, however, they had improved to 20 wins and a trip to the Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT).

This past season, the Braves took another step forward, finishing with a 22-6 record (12-4 in conference play). That performance earned them a second consecutive trip to the WNIT, where they advanced to the Sweet Sixteen before falling to Memphis.

One of the keys to the Braves' success on the court has been their balanced attack. While there may not be any superstar players on the roster, the team has several solid contributors who can step up at any given time. Senior guard Gabi Haack was named the MVC Player of the Year this season after averaging 18.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. But she is far from a one-person show. Junior Lasha Petree also averaged double figures in scoring (13.0 ppg), while sophomore Tatum Koenig was a force on the boards with 7.3 rebounds per contest.

But it's not just about the players on the court for the Braves. There is also a sense of community and togetherness that permeates throughout the team. As Gorski told the Peoria Journal Star earlier this year, "These kids are great together. They're best friends. They truly love each other, and I think that goes a long way."

Of course, success breeds attention, and that is exactly what the Braves are starting to receive. This year, they appeared on national television twice, both times in games against Missouri State. And as they continue to win and build their program, more eyes will be on them in the future.

It's been a long road for the Bradley women's basketball program, but the Braves seem to be hitting their stride at just the right time. With a talented group of players and a dedicated coach at the helm, they could very well be a force to be reckoned with in the MVC and beyond for years to come.