William Jewell College Athletics

The 2004-2005 women's basketball team is the winningest team in program history, going 28-7 on the season. These Cardinals, coached by Jill Slominski, finished as the Heart of America Conference runners-up with a league record of 17-3, including a perfect 10-0 at home. In February of that season, they became the first team in program history to earn a top-10 national ranking, coming in at No. 10. At the conclusion of the year, this team had set new program records for free throw percentage, at 71%, and defensive scoring average, allowing opponents just 62.8 points per game. This team was headlined by two players who left their mark on the program in Lynsay Gallagher and Stacy McAlexander. Both became members of the 1,000-point club during this season and were named All-America Honorable Mention. Gallagher scored 640 points on 230 field goals, setting single season program records in both categories on her way to first team All-Conference honors. McAlexander was also a first team All-HAAC honoree after averaging 15.1 points and 9.0 rebounds. Additionally, Kerri Vena was a third team All-HAAC selection and finished her career ranked fourth with 261 assists, while Jessica Heath totaled 262 for third in program history at the time, totals that still stand in the top-10 today. As a team, these Cardinals were among the top-25 in the NAIA in field goal percentage, three-point shots per game, steals per game, assists per game and turnover margin. They won 18-of-21 games after the winter break, leading up to the conference championship. The Cardinals qualified for the NAIA National Tournament for the third time in four years falling to Judson University by just two, 76-74 in the opening round. 

Team Members: Nicole Revenaugh, Kerri Vena, Lynsay Gallagher, Stacy McAlexander, Jessica Heath, Casey Courtney, Jessica Kohrs, Lori O’Dell, Jenny Ghidoni, Heidi Winkler, Roxi Davitt, Lauren Wright, Chelsea Holmes, athletic trainer Megan Kovak, student manager Heidi Strobel, student assistant coach Chad Thompson, assistant coach Larry Williams and head coach Jill (Cress) Slominski