The Lake Superior State Lakers Womens Basketball team is a collegiate basketball program that represents the Lake Superior State University based in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The team competes at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II level and has been a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) since 1975.
As one of over 1,000 college women's basketball teams across the country, the Lakers Womens Basketball team has a rich history of competition, success, and development. While the sport of basketball was originally created as a men's sport in the late 1800s, women's basketball began to emerge shortly thereafter. By the early 1900s, colleges and universities began forming their own women's basketball programs, with official intercollegiate women's basketball games being played for the first time in 1893.
Since then, women's basketball has continued to grow and evolve, with improvements in fundamental skills, athleticism, and strategy. Today, women's college basketball is a high-energy, fast-paced sport loved by players, coaches, and fans alike.
For the Lake Superior State Lakers Womens Basketball team, competing at the collegiate level means dedicating countless hours to rigorous training and practice schedules. Beyond mastering basic basketball fundamentals like dribbling, passing, shooting, and rebounding, players must also develop a deep understanding of team dynamics and communication, learning to work together seamlessly in order to achieve their goals.
Over the years, the Lakers Womens Basketball team has had its fair share of successes and challenges. Since joining the GLIAC conference, the team has battled it out against tough competition from other regional schools. Some of their most noteworthy accomplishments include making several GLIAC tournament appearances and producing standout athletes like guard Ashlyn Mcdonald, who helped lead the Lakers to a GLIAC championship in 2018.
However, as with any competitive sport, the Lakers Womens Basketball team has also faced setbacks and obstacles. From injuries to unexpected losses, players and coaches alike must learn to adjust their strategies and remain resilient in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, what sets college women's basketball apart is its ability to bring people together. Whether it's a bustling arena packed with cheering fans or simply a group of teammates practicing after hours, the sport fosters a deep sense of camaraderie and community that transcends individual performance and achievement.
For the Lake Superior State Lakers Womens Basketball team, this spirit of collaboration, perseverance, and passion lies at the heart of their ongoing efforts to develop as athletes, individuals, and members of a greater community.