Tag: Women’s Basketball

MONTEVALLO, ALA. – Nova Southeastern Sharks Women’s Basketball team opened the season with an impressive, 68-49 win over Montevallo in the Sharks first game at the Gulf South Conference-Sunshine State Crossover Classic. Mackenzie Steele led the way for the Sharks, pouring in 14 points and four made three-pointers to lead NSU to victory. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP 
SCORE: Nova Southeastern 68, Montevallo 49 
RECORDS: Nova Southeastern 1-0, Montevallo 0-1 
LOCATION: Trustmark Arena I Montevallo, Ala. 
GET SOCIAL: Instagram & Twitter – NSU_WBasketball 

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half – After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Sharks opened up the second quarter with one of their biggest runs of the game. Mackenzie Steele came out on fire, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers to give NSU a 14-9 lead. Kyarrah Grant wanted to join in, hitting a three of her own, extending the Shark lead even more. After numerous stops by NSU, Hailey Conley was able to keep the run going with a layup, thanks to a beautiful assist by Madison Frederick. But the three-point barrage wasn’t done yet, 40 seconds later, Conley added another three to the count increasing Nova’s lead to 22-9. The Falcons were finally able to convert a basket ending the Shark’s 14-0 run. The Sharks defense continued to put pressure on Montevallo’s offense, ending the first half with a 36-22 lead. 

Second Half – The Sharks started the second half where they left off, with two quick layups by A’lexus Bryant. Moments later Emma Krause was able to convert a layup and add on to NSU’s lead. The Falcons scored a couple of quick field goals but the Sharks offense was too much to handle for Montevallo in the third quarter. Kyannah Grant played a pivotal role in that, dishing out a couple of beautiful assists, scoring a bucket, and getting to the free throw line, she was also creating havoc defensively which resulted in a couple of steals. NSU fed off of Grant’s energy heading into the fourth quarter, putting the pressure on the Falcons defensively and ultimately sealing the game for NSU.The Sharks closed out the 68-49 victory, moving to 1-0 on the season. 

STATS OF THE NIGHT

• The Sharks shot 44% from three. 
• Madison Frederick finished with a double-double (11 rebounds and 11 assists).

UPCOMING 
Nova Southeastern makes its home opener on Friday, November 19th at 2:00pm as they take on the Flagler College.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Two of the best players in the recent history of Nova Southeastern Women’s Basketball are making a return to campus, but this time, as coaches. Former Sharks Alison Hughes and McKenah Peters are joining their former coach, LeAnn Freeland-Curry, on the bench.

“I was really excited to have the opportunity to hire both Hughes and Peters. They were both good players in our system, so they immediately understand what we’re looking to do,” said Freeland-Curry. “They understand the system well, and they really connect well with our current players..”

Hughes started her career at Minnesota-Crookston before finishing her collegiate career as a Shark. The Wisconsin native put up 13.8 points per game in her two-year career, as well as breaking the program’s single-season record for three-point field goals made (100) on the second-highest efficiency in program history (44.6%). Hughes was also a two-time member of the All-SSC Second Team in 2017-18 and 2018-19 for the Sharks. In addition, Hughes was also named to the All-SSC Newcomer Team for the 2017-18 season.

“It was something that I was super excited about and couldn’t really turn down,” said Hughes. “The whole idea of being back where I was a college athlete and being able to just jump back into the environment and already be familiar with everything that goes on during the season, it was a no-brainer when Coach offered me the job.”

Peters played one season at NSU after transferring from NCAA Division I Youngstown State. The graduate transfer was named to the All-SSC Second Team and All-SSC Newcomer Team in her lone season as a Shark. Peters averaged 15 points per game on 40.8% from the field, 40.9% from three and 82% from the line in 2021. In addition, Peters ranks in the top-10 of NSU single-season records of three-point field goals and three-point percentage.

“It’s been my dream to coach at the collegiate level and the opportunity presented itself,” said Peters. “I’m super blessed to have the opportunity to work under Coach Freeland-Curry, and I’m just super excited to continue to learn from one of the best.”

In a year where the Sharks and Freeland-Curry are bringing in six transfers, the additions of the former players onto the staff can be helpful. As two players that transferred into the Shark Tank and played for Coach Freeland-Curry, Hughes and Peters have been through the same thing that those six players are going through right now. A change of scenery and basketball system at the same time is not the easiest thing adjust to in a short period of time.

“I feel like I can relate to them,” said Hughes. “I was in their shoes just a couple of years ago, and I can help explain things a little better if they don’t understand since I’ve already played in the system.”

The Sharks open its season in the GSC/SSC Crossover Classic on Friday, Nov. 11 at the University of Montevallo in Alabama. To stay up-to-date on Sharks Women’s Basketball, be sure to visit the team page and follow on Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_WBasketball.

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Following a return to the Sunshine State Conference tournament in 2021-22, the Sharks Women’s Basketball team, led by Head Coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry, has reloaded and built a deep team ready to contend this season. NSU finished last season with a 16-12 record and the Sharks welcome seven new players, five of which come from the Division I level.
 
“Our staff appreciates our team’s work ethic, drive and competitive spirit” said Head Coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry. “We have a fun, experienced group to coach and are excited to see how we come together this season.”
 
Madison Frederick (Iowa State), Zeyno Seren (New Mexico), Emma Krause (William & Mary), Suzan Kinran (UC Riverside) and Kyannah Grant (UT-Martin) come to NSU after spending some time at the D-I level. Mackenzie Steele also comes to the Shark Tank after playing the first four years of her career in the Sunshine State Conference with Florida Southern.
 
The Sharks open its season on the road in the GSC/SSC Challenge, travelling to Alabama to take on Montevallo and Auburn-Montgomery in a back-to-back on 11/11 and 11/12. After a trip home to take on Flagler in the home opener at the Shark Tank (11/19), the team is back on the road, travelling to Raleigh to take on Saint Augustine on 11/22.
 
“Our non-conference schedule will prepare us well for the grind of the SSC season,” said Freeland-Curry. “The opening GSC/SSC Challenge in Montevallo is a great opportunity to play against region opponents.”
 
Nova Southeastern will then play a back-to-back against Minnesota-Crookston (11/25) and Purdue Northwest (11/26) at the Shark Tank. SSC play opens against Lynn on 11/30, followed by matchups against Eckerd (12/3) and Palm Beach Atlantic (12/10). A four-game homestand is on the horizon for the Sharks against Saginaw Valley State (12/18), Bluefield State (12/19), Florida Tech (12/29) and Florida Southern (1/1).
 
From that point, the Sharks will visit Rollins (1/4) and Barry (1/7) before coming back home to take on Tampa on 1/11 and St. Leo on 1/14. A short trip to Embry-Riddle (1/18) is up next for the Sharks before a two-game homestand against Lynn (1/21) and Rollins (1/25).
 
The Sharks then play five of its next eight on the road, starting with a visit to Florida Southern on 1/28, followed by a trip home to take on Palm Beach Atlantic (2/1). A two-game road trip is up next for Nova Southeastern with matchups against Florida Tech (2/8) and St. Leo (2/11).
 
Nova Southeastern will finish off the season against Barry (2/15), Tampa (2/18), Eckerd (2/22) and will take on Embry-Riddle for Senior Night on 2/25.
 
To stay up-to-date on the Nova Southeastern Sharks Women’s Basketball team, be sure to follow on Twitter and Instagram at NSU_WBasketball. 
 

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MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Sunshine State Conference is proud to announce its 2022 Hall of Fame class. The league will usher in the nine newest members on Saturday, October 8th, during the SSC Hall of Fame brunch and celebration. The event will take place in Fort Lauderdale on the campus of Nova Southeastern University.
 
The inductees of the SSC’s 24th Hall of Fame class are Dr. Joan Davison (Rollins, Faculty Athletics Representative), Doug Gordin (Florida Southern, men’s golf), Dr. Katie (Heintz) Stowers (Saint Leo, softball), Bill Livesey (Eckerd, baseball/men’s soccer), Dr. Danielle Robinson (Nova Southeastern, women’s basketball), Dr. George Samuel (Barry, tennis), Jarrett Slaven (Tampa, cross country), James Taylor (Lynn, men’s basketball), and Dr. Frank Webbe (Florida Tech, Faculty Athletics Representative).

Danielle Robinson will also be enshrined into the Nova Southeastern Sharks Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 12th, earning her place amongst other Knights and Sharks legends after a tremendous playing career at NSU.  

A four-year starter at Nova Southeastern during her career, Robinson’s name can be seen at the top of nearly every Women’s Basketball all-time record. Danielle is the NSU all-time leader in points (1,676), games played (125), games started (123), three-point field goals (227), and free throws made (357). Additionally, Robinson-Pratt also ranks in the top-10 all-time in steals (2nd/191), minutes played (2nd/3,452), rebounds (3rd/594), field goals made (3rd/546), and assists (7th/235).  

As a freshman, Robinson was named to the Division II Bulletin All-American Freshmen Team and the All-SSC Newcomer Team while earning Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year honors. Danielle followed her freshman year success with another exceptional season as a sophomore, earning co-SSC Defensive Player of the Year honors, and was named to the All-SSC Second-Team and All-South Region Second-Team. Danielle also added the SSC Tournament Most Valuable Player and All-SSC First-Team honors as a senior.  

During Robinson’s time as a Shark, NSU Women’s Basketball experienced the program’s first Elite-8 appearance in 2013, going 23-9 and finishing as the SSC Co-Champion, the first Final Four Appearance in 2014, finishing 29-5 and SSC Tournament Champions, and the program’s third consecutive Elite-8 appearance in 2015, guiding the Sharks to a 27-6 record while winning both the Sunshine State Conference regular-season and tournament crowns.   
Off the court, Danielle excelled at Nova Southeastern. Robinson-Pratt was selected as captain of the NSU Women’s Basketball team three times, a member of the distinguished President 64, a SAAC representative, Executive Vice President of Alpha Kappa Psi’s Psi Prospect Class, and the President of the Flying Sharks Aviation Club.  

Robinson graduated with her undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sport Science as a junior in 2014 and completed her graduate studies in Athletic Administration in 2015. She finished her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) in May 2022 from the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences at NSU.   

The SSC Hall of Fame was founded in 1991 to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the league. Its purpose is to perpetuate the memory of those who brought distinction, honor, and excellence to the league. Conference officials selected a charter class in 1992, with 21 individuals honored. The 2022 class brings the number of SSC Hall of Fame inductees to 213.

Tickets are available for the SSC Hall of Fame Brunch and Celebration on October 8th at 11:00 am in Fort Lauderdale. Event space is limited, and you must purchase no later than Friday, September 30th. If you are interested in celebrating the SSC’s 24th Hall of Fame Class, email Maryanne Simkulak, Sunshine State Conference Senior Associate Commissioner, for more information. 
 

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern Women’s Basketball welcomes the addition of two signees, Suzan Kinran and Mackenzie Steele, as the pair has committed to the Sharks program, announced Head Coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry.  

Kinran, a native of Istanbul, Turkey, transfers to NSU from UC-Riverside. Kinran red-shirted during the 2021-22 season, and appeared in 11 games, shooting 48% from beyond the arc, and averaged 14 minutes-per-game.  

“Suzan is a highly competitive, tough-minded player with great skill and size. When we watched Suzan on film, we were immediately impressed by her overall skill set and three-point shot,” stated Freeland-Curry. “She can be a game-changer on both ends of the floor. We are excited to see how well she fits into our system and expect her to evolve over the next four years.” 

Kinran, upon enrollment, is expected to pursue a degree in Communications from Nova Southeastern.  

Steele, a graduate transfer from Florida Southern, joins the Sharks after another successful campaign for the Moccasins. During the 2021-22 season, Steele started 24 games for FSC, averaging 9.2 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists, over 29 minutes per game. In 2020-21, Steele earned second-team All-Sunshine State Conference honors, averaging 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game, while shooting 37% from three-point range.  

“After competing against Mackenzie for four years, we are excited she is joining our program,” said Freeland-Curry. “She is a very skilled, consistent and competitive player, who is a great fit for our system. Offensively, she is one of the best three-point shooters in our league, runs the floor well, and makes easy, sharp passes.” 

Steele obtained her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Florida Southern and will be pursuing her graduate degree in Nutrition at Nova Southeastern.  

To stay up-to-date on Sharks Women’s Basketball, be sure to visit the team page and follow on Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_WBasketball.  

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern Sharks Women’s Basketball team continues to retool for the upcoming 2022-23 season by adding Kyannah Grant, a graduate transfer from Tennessee-Martin, announces Head Coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry.  

Grant will be joining her sister, and fraternal twin, Kyarrah on the Sharks. During the 2021-22 season, Kyannah started 23-of-26 games, averaging 32.6 minutes per game, 6.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.  

“Kyannah is an exceptionally skilled point guard with a high-motor that impacts both ends of the court. She pushes the tempo on offense, is a solid distributor, and a three-point maker. Defensively, she is a tenacious on-ball defender who understands positioning well,” said Freeland-Curry. “Because of her high basketball IQ, coachability, positive attitude and high-efficiency scoring ability, she is a perfect fit for our system. Our coaching staff and players are excited to announce Kyannah Grant is a Shark.”  

Some of the most notable games during her playing days at UTM include, 18 points against Eastern Illinois, a perfect 5-5 night from beyond the arc against Tennessee Tech, and a pair of five steal games (Belmont and Christian Brothers).  

Kyannah will be pursuing her graduate degree in Computer Science upon enrolling at Nova Southeastern.  

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. – Nova Southeastern Women’s Basketball welcomes three transfer student-athletes to the “One Shark Family,” as Head Coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry announces the commitment of Madison Frederick, Emma Krause and Zeyno Seren, on Thursday afternoon.  

Frederick joins the Sharks as a graduate transfer from Iowa State. Frederick appeared in 22 games during the 2021-22 season for the Cyclones, while also earning Academic All-Big 12 First-Team recognition for the third consecutive season.  

“We’re very excited to welcome Madison to our program here at Nova Southeastern. While at Iowa State, she made a positive impact both on and off the court, serving as a leader for four seasons,” said Freeland-Curry. “Because of her experience competing in the Big-12, she will be well-prepared to be a high impact player with our program. She’s a natural leader, a versatile player, has a high basketball IQ, and a team-first mentality which are all essential to being successful as a Shark!” 

Frederick graduated from Iowa State with a 3.9 GPA with a degree in Accounting and will be pursuing a graduate degree in Leadership as well as a Business Certificate at Nova Southeastern.  

Krause comes to Nova Southeastern from William & Mary, and is returning to the Rick Case Arena, where she has previously attended basketball camps at NSU.  

“When we noticed Emma in the transfer portal, we immediately knew we had to reach out. Nearly ten years ago, she attended basketball camps and was a ball girl for us during home games, so it’s a full-circle moment to sign her to our program,” added Freeland-Curry. “Emma is a skilled forward, who has shown comfort on the perimeter, and alongside her intangibles, can use her size, skill set and three-point shooting ability to be a great fit with our team.” 

Krause held a 3.65 GPA at WIlliam and Mary, graduating with a degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. At NSU, Krause intends to pursue a Sports Science graduate degree.  

Seren signs with the Sharks from New Mexico State, where she appeared in 15 games during the 2021-22 season.  

“Zeyno impressed us throughout her recruitment process, due to her maturity, intelligence, and professional approach to the process. She is eager, fearless, and excited to be an impact player in our program,” continued Freeland-Curry. “Zeyno uses her size and athleticism to her advantage, often creating shots for her and her teammates, as well as getting to the rim. Additionally, her tenacious on-ball defense makes her a tough defender.” 

Seren will be pursuing a Business degree, with a concentration in Economics, while enrolled at Nova Southeastern.  

To stay up-to-date on Sharks Women’s Basketball, be sure to follow on Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_WBasketball.  

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MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Sunshine State Conference released its 2021-22 All-SSC Women’s Basketball selections on Wednesday afternoon. McKenah Peters and Grace Gilmore were recognized by the SSC, with Peters earning All Sunshine State Conference Second-Team and Newcomer team honors, while Gilmore was selected to the All-Newcomer team.  

Peters, a graduate transfer from Youngstown State, was the leading scorer for Nova Southeastern in her lone season as a Shark, averaging 15 points-per-game, while shooting 40.9% from beyond the arc. Peters finished fourth in the league in points-per-game, fourth in three-point percentage, and was first in three-point field goals per-game (3.0). Peters earned Sunshine State Conference Player of the Week honors on January 24, averaging 20.5 ppg, and made eight three-pointers across the two games.  

Gilmore, after transferring from Western Illinois, made an incredible impact on the court for the Sharks in her only season at NSU, finishing second on the team in points-per-game (13.0), leading in rebounds (146), free throws (122), and assists (71). Gilmore was named the Sunshine State Conference Defensive Player of the Week on November 8, opening the season with the award.  

Both Peters and Gilmore achieved the milestone of 1,000 points for their collegiate careers this season, with Peters surpassing the mark on December 11 and Gilmore on January 2.  

The Nova Southeastern Sharks finished the 2021-22 season with a 16-12 record, 11-9 in the Sunshine State Conference and advanced to the quarterfinals of the SSC Championship Tournament.  

To stay up-to-date on the Sharks Women’s Basketball program, be sure to follow on both Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_WBasketball  

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern Sharks Women’s Basketball team saw their 2021-22 season come to a close, falling against Eckerd 81-66 on Tuesday evening from the McArthur Center in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament Quarterfinals.  

INSIDE THE MATCH-UP 

RECORDS: Nova Southeastern 16-12, 11-9 SSC; Eckerd 20-3, 15-3 SSC 

SCORE: Nova Southeastern 66, Eckerd 81 

LOCATION: McArthur Center | St. Petersburg, Fla. 

GET SOCIAL: Instagram & Twitter – NSU_WBasketball 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

1ST QUARTER – Grace Gilmore gave the Sharks their first lead, knocking down a three-pointer and adding a free throw make, putting NSU ahead 6-2. A 10-2 run by the Tritons over 2:12 flipped the scoreboard as Eckerd took a 12-6 lead. EC finished out the quarter with a 28-11 lead over the Sharks.  

2ND QUARTER – McKenah Peters was fouled in the early stages of the second quarter, and knocked down three free throws to get the scoring started for NSU. Gilmore hit a three-pointer, starting a 14-1 run by Nova Southeastern, which featured three-point buckets from Madeline Hardy and India Shepherd, putting the score at 45-30 with 2:05 remaining in the half. The Sharks went into the halftime break trailing the Tritons 47-32.  

3RD QUARTER – Makenna Drabick added a three-pointer of her own to cut the deficit to 57-44 nearing the midway point of the third quarter. Later in the quarter, Drabick also finished a lay-up to bring the Sharks within 10, 62-52 with 2:06 remaining. The Sharks were down 65-54 after three quarters of play, needing a comeback to continue their season.  

4TH QUARTER – Patricia “Pistol” Brinson was able to bring the Sharks within single-digits, making a three-pointer to put the score at 65-57. Eckerd pulled away, extending their lead to over 20-points, as NSU continued to try and comeback. The effort fell short, with Peters making the final basket of the season, putting the score at 81-66 as Nova Southeastern was defeated in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament. 

The Nova Southeastern Sharks concluded their season with the loss on Tuesday evening. During the season, both Grace Gilmore and McKenah Peters joined the 1,000-point club, additionally, Head Coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry earned her 200th win at NSU. Thank you for your support of Sharks Women’s Basketball, to stay up-to-date, follow on twitter and instagram at NSU_WBasketball. 

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Sunshine State Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament presented by S3 Design is set to tip-off on Tuesday evening, with Nova Southeastern facing off against Eckerd. NSU (16-11, 11-9 SSC) enters the SSC Championship Tournament as the sixth seed, while the Tritons (19-3, 15-5 SSC) finished the regular season in third place.

The Sharks own a 16-13 Sunshine State Conference Championship tournament record, having won the league crown three times, the most recent in 2015. They have also made the Sunshine State Conference tournament each year under the direction of Head Coach LeAnn Freeland-Curry.

Despite dropping both matchups in the 2021-22 regular season, the Sharks are undefeated (3-0) against Eckerd in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, though the two sides have not met in the post-season since 2014.

The offensive duo of McKenah Peters and Grace Gilmore lead the Sharks. Peters leads the Sunshine State Conference in three-pointers per game (3.0) and third in points-per-game (15.2), while Gilmore is eighth in the league in points-per-game (12.9). During the 2021-22 campaign, the Sharks averaged 66.3 points-per-game, while shooting 41% from the field as a team.

Tournament Seeds

1. Tampa
2. Florida Southern
3. Eckerd
4. Saint Leo
5. Barry
6. Nova Southeastern
7. Lynn
8. Emby-Riddle

Following Tuesday’s quarterfinal round, the Sunshine State Conference Tournament semifinal round will be played on Thursday, March 3, with the final being played on Sunday, March 6. Each round of the SSC Tournament will be played at host site of the higher seeded institution. The SSC champion will receive an automatic bid to the 2022 NCAA Division II Championships.

For more information on the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, visit the tournament central page.

For complete coverage and to stay up-to-date on Nova Southeastern Women’s Basketball, follow on Instagram and Twitter – NSU_WBasketball.

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