The Jackrabbit women’s team is gearing up for the 2024 season, but they will be missing two key players, Haleigh Timmer and Kallie Theisen, due to off season injuries. Both players will be medically redshirting this season. Despite these setbacks, the Jacks were still voted to be the number one team coming into this season. They will have to find ways to replace production this season but their depth from previous seasons give them potential.
Leading the way for the Jacks will be Junior guard Paige Meyer, one of the best players in the conference. She will face a lot of offensive pressure as the preseason first team guard. Tori Nelson and Brooklyn Meyer are also expected to fill in bigger roles on offense and defense. Nelson, the lone senior, will look to step up offensively while staying a tough/versatile defender for the Jackrabbits. Brooklyn Meyer, who showed flashes in her limited minutes as a true freshman, will likely be the starting center in Theisen’s absence, making her vital for defending and in rebounding.
Last season, the Jacks played 10-11 girls per game, and with the injuries and graduated players, their depth will be tested this season. Madison Mathiowetz, Ellie Colbeck, Madysen Vlastuin, and Mesa Byom are expected to provide quality minutes and become key threats for the Jackrabbits to deliver on their offseason number one conference ranking.
This season, there were no transfers added to the roster for the Jackrabbit women but they have two incoming freshmen, Jenna Hopp and Hilary Bhrens, both of whom had impressive high school careers. Jenna Hopp, known for her seven seasons for Glenwood high school, and two time KMA player of the year, is expected to make an immediate impact as a longer guard. Hilary Bhrens, a three time first team all state selection out of Brandon, South Dakota and was a finalist for the South Dakota Gatorade player of the year, is also likely to earn quality minutes as a freshman.Natalie Nielsen is the sole redshirt freshman, hailing from Akron Iowa. Standing at six-foot-three, she also had a great high school career in Iowa.Due to injuries and graduations, I would expect Nielsen to get some minutes and really show some abilities to clog the lane and grab rebounds for the Jacks.
Despite losing several key players from last season, the Jacks are still the conference favorites. Coach Aaron Johnston has built a program with high expectations year in and year out, making it no surprise they are the conference favorites this season. However, I wouldn’t expect the domination results we saw last season. The Jackrabbits open the season with Arkansas State at 6pm on November 6th at Frost Arena.