Drake Bulldogs Tickets

The Drake Bulldogs have a long-standing tradition in college basketball, and this success extends to women’s basketball as well. As one of the top programs in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), the Bulldogs have consistently fielded competitive teams that have made their mark on the college basketball world.

Since officially starting women’s basketball in 1974, the Bulldogs have amassed an impressive record. With 10 MVC regular-season championships, 11 tournament championships, and 13 NCAA tournament appearances, the program has continually proven itself on the national stage.

Head Coach Jennie Baranczyk has been instrumental in sustaining and building this record of excellence. In her nine seasons at the helm, Baranczyk has led the team to five MVC regular-season titles and six tournament championships. She was also named the MVC Coach of the Year for five consecutive seasons, from 2016 to 2020.

One key factor in the Bulldogs’ success under Baranczyk is their emphasis on teamwork. Each player is held accountable for playing their role in the team’s game plan, which often leads to balanced scoring and strong defense. The Bulldogs are known for their ability to generate turnovers and capitalize on them with fast-break points.

Offensively, the Bulldogs have a diverse set of weapons. Senior guard Becca Hittner is one of the most dynamic scorers in the league, averaging over 17 points per game during the 2019-2020 season. But even more impressive is her ability to create opportunities for her teammates, as she averaged nearly four assists per game as well.

Junior post Sara Rhine provides the Bulldogs with a big presence inside, capable of dominating the paint while also stretching defenses with her outside shooting. Her versatility makes her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.

But it’s not just these two players that make the Bulldogs dangerous. Sophomore Monica Burich is an emerging star who can score from all areas of the court, while senior Sammie Bachrodt is a tenacious defender and skilled passer. The team’s depth is further bolstered by the play of Grace Berg, a freshman guard who averaged nearly eight points per game in her debut season.

While the Bulldogs have achieved plenty of success at the conference level, their sights remain set on making an impact in the NCAA tournament. They’ve advanced to the second round three times in recent years but are hungry for more.

With the continuity provided by Coach Baranczyk’s leadership and the talent on the roster, there’s no reason to believe that the Bulldogs won’t continue making noise in women’s college basketball for years to come.