Northeast Wisconsin’s premier Division I women’s basketball team is gearing up for another big season ahead. The Green Bay Phoenix women’s basketball team has less than a month left until their season commences, and they’re currently on track for another season full of highs. The Phoenix have been on a run of success for a number of years, with 19 NCAA tournament appearances and 18 conference champions, and in the 2023-24 season, they beat two top 25 nationally ranked schools, Washington State and Creighton. As the previous qualifiers from the Horizon League to participate in the NCAA tournament, the Green Bay community is eager to see what this team can achieve this year. A new coaching staff and fresh faces on the team have brought widespread excitement, as it is without a doubt that the team has set itself up for success.
The Green Bay Phoenix women’s basketball team finished 2023-24 with an overall record of 27-8 and a conference record of 17-3. They also finished the regular season in second place in the Horizon League but won the championship game and qualified for the NCAA Tournament. They were also ranked No. 1 in the country for free throw percentage, which was 83.9%.
Key returning players for the Phoenix include Natalie McNeal, Bailey Butler, and Maddy Schreiber. All three are currently seniors on the team and played vital roles in the team’s success last year. These players are highly expected to play a pivotal role in this upcoming season, and their leadership among the team will be even more crucial, especially for the younger players on the roster.
The team is also boasting a new coaching staff, after the previous head coach, Kevin Borseth, retired after the last season. Green Bay Phoenix women’s basketball team alumni and Sheboygan native Kayla Karius was announced as the incoming Head Coach earlier this year. Karius has high hopes for this season, commending her team’s dedication and approach. “Our staff has been really happy about our team’s approach this offseason,” she said. “We have a veteran group who understands the work ethic and mentality it takes to compete at the highest level.” A big focus has been on incremental progress, inspired by Atomic Habits by James Clear, which the team read over the summer. “We challenged them to think differently, centering their minds on improving by 1% with each workout,” Karius explained. “This culture of continuous improvement is something we believe will pay dividends later in the year.” With seven seniors on the roster, nearly every player has NCAA tournament experience, which Karius believes will be invaluable, especially during a challenging nonconference schedule. “The experience they’ve faced from high-pressure games has prepared our players to remain composed and focused, even in the face of adversity,” Karius noted, emphasizing the importance of the team’s established chemistry. Defense remains central to the Phoenix identity, a strategy that has earned them the top defensive spot in the league for three years. “Our main identity is our man-to-man defense, and we’ll continue to aim for the top defensive spot in the league,” Karius stated, keeping some strategic details under wraps and inviting the Green Bay community to “come to a game and find out.”
Natalie McNeal has high hopes for the team in the 2024-25 season, viewing it as a chance to build on the successes of last year. “This upcoming season is super exciting because we return so many veteran players and bring in some familiar faces on the staff,” McNeal shared. She sees this as a unique opportunity to not only replicate but exceed last season’s achievements, a goal made even more special as it marks the final season for several team members. As one of the team’s leaders, McNeal’s advice to younger players reflects her experience; “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and enjoy the trips, games, and experiences because it goes by fast.” She further explains, “One of my focuses this year is to enjoy the process and take advantage of all the opportunities with my teammates.” For McNeal, this season is about cherishing the moments on and off the court. “My goal this season is to enjoy all the time spent with my teammates and playing the sport I love,” she said. For her, success will come from focusing on the joy of competing and being with her team. Coach Karius has had a huge impact on the team so far. “Coach Karius provides a ton of insight because she was in our shoes not too long ago. Our team really looks up to her leadership, and her high energy and efficiency drives us to be better every day,” McNeal said. Despite being a top player, McNeal doesn’t feel overwhelmed by pressure, crediting her teammates for helping her play freely. “I love playing at Green Bay because I’m surrounded by great players who can lead the team every game,” she noted, explaining that this shared responsibility allows her to focus on playing within her ability and contributing to the team’s overall success.
The team will begin its season on Nov. 4 with an away game against No. 13 Kansas State. After a few more home and away games, the team will travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to participate in the Discover Puerto Rico Shootout. A rematch against number No. 21 Creighton will take place on Dec. 14. These key opponents early in the season will be critical in setting the tone for the rest of the season.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, the Green Bay Phoenix women’s basketball team are looking prepared and eager to play. With a strong blend of experienced players and new talent, the Phoenix are ready to get another season of competing at a high level underway. The excitement among the Green Bay community is palpable, with Phoenix fans hopeful that Coach Karius will lead the team to another successful season in her first year as head coach. The team is poised for a strong start, and with the support of the community, they aim to have a deep postseason run and continue the legacy that this basketball team has.
