GARY, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest women's basketball opens the 2025-26 season at home Friday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m. against Grace College in the Savannah Center.
IU Northwest enjoyed a successful campaign in 2024-25 with a 23-8 overall record and were 15-5 in CCAC play earning the program's sixth NAIA Women's Basketball National Tournament appearance.
Head Coach Nicki Monahan-Keith will look to offset the departures of key players with experience in the starting lineup and an infusion of talented transfers and incoming freshmen. Senior forward Maggie Grady and sophomore Ava Kingery return as the RedHawks top contributors from last season. Grady is looking to expand her scoring and rebounding role this season. Kingery is taking on more of a scoring and leadership role to help to make the RedHawks succeed this season.
Transfers EJ Brown and De'Mour Watson will be looked at for their vast collegiate basketball experience. Brown and Watson both were recognized for their performances at the NJCAA level with 1st Team All-Region honors in their respective regions. Senior Diamond Howell, juniors Deniza Fuentes, Jamarea LaCaze, and Aiyanie Troutman and sophomore Aniyah Hinton-Henry will also provide experience and versatility across the perimeter and frontcourt.
Junior Maranda Mason and sophomore Madelyn Murray is expected to take expanded roles after playing behind key contributors. Freshmen Loreli Mallon, Gracie Little, and Jiselle Chabes bring athleticism and depth as the RedHawks look to build on last season's 23-win campaign.
IU Northwest will play a mix of non-conference and CCAC matchups, including home contests in the Savannah Center and key road games against Saint Xavier, Olivet Nazarene, and Holy Cross. The RedHawks aim to translate last year's success into a deeper CCAC run and another national tournament appearance.
Fans can follow RedHawks women's basketball throughout the 2025-26 season at iunredhawks.com and on social media at @iun_wbb.
