Mercyhurst Lakers Women’s Basketball Season Preview: 2024-25
Mercyhurst enters their first season in Division I with plenty of excitement and optimism under head coach Brooklyn Kohlheim. The Lakers are coming off a successful Division II season, finishing 18-11—Kohlheim’s best season to date with the program. As they transition to the NEC, the team will look to carry over the momentum from last year, despite being ineligible for the NCAA tournament this season. Even with the challenges of moving up divisions, Kohlheim has proven she knows how to build competitive teams, and the Lakers should be confident that they’ll continue to compete at a high level.
The offense will undoubtedly run through star junior forward Bailey Kuhns, who has 28 of the Lakers’ 39 returning starts from last season. Kuhns, who averaged 14.3 points per game and scored as many as 23 in a single contest, has the ability to take over a game on offense. Her performance will be key as the Lakers adjust to tougher Division I competition.
While Kuhns will be the focal point, Mercyhurst will need contributions from their supporting cast to complement her production. Players like Allyson Ross, Jenna Van Schaik, and Grace Clary are poised to step up and help lead the team through this transition.
Projected Rotation
Bailey Kuhns (Junior, Forward)
The team’s cornerstone, Kuhns brings with her an impressive resume. She started 28 games last season and averaged 14.3 points per game. She had a high of 16 rebounds in a game, and also showed her defensive versatility with 4 steals and 2 blocks in total. As Mercyhurst steps into Division I play, Kuhns will be expected to elevate her game further and continue to anchor the Lakers’ offense and defense.
Allyson Ross (Senior, Guard)
Ross is a sharpshooting guard who will play a significant role this season. Known for her efficiency from beyond the arc, Ross shot 48.6% from three-point range last season, making her one of the best shooters on the team. With her ability to stretch the floor, Ross will open up the offense and give Kuhns more space to operate inside.
Jenna Van Schaik (Junior, Guard)
Van Schaik’s versatility on both ends of the floor makes her a key contributor. She’s second on the team in returning steals and grabbed 8 rebounds in a game last season, showing her ability to do a little bit of everything. Her defensive intensity and rebounding prowess will be important as the team competes against stronger Division I opponents.
Grace Clary (Graduate, Guard)
Clary comes in as the team’s active leader in rebounds and blocks and also brings experience as a three-point specialist. With 321 career points and 31 blocks to her name, Clary’s leadership and experience will be invaluable to the Lakers as they navigate their first season in Division I.
As Mercyhurst transitions to Division I, contributions from the freshman class will be essential. Erica Hall and Cici Hernandez are among the six freshmen expected to see playing time, as the Lakers will need new talent to complement their more experienced players. The freshmen committed knowing they'd be part of this exciting new chapter for the program, and their development will be something to watch closely as the season progresses.
Team Preview
Although Mercyhurst is ineligible for postseason play this year, their focus will be on building a foundation for the future and making a strong impression in their NEC debut. With a proven coach in Kohlheim and a star player in Kuhns leading the way, the Lakers have the potential to surprise teams in the conference. If their supporting cast, especially the sharpshooters like Ross and Clary, can step up, and if the freshmen can adjust to the pace of Division I play, Mercyhurst will have the tools to remain competitive.
The Lakers’ success this season will hinge on their ability to translate their Division II accomplishments into the faster, more physical Division I game. Coach Kohlheim’s track record of building winning teams gives plenty of reason to believe they’ll rise to the challenge.
