Did you know there is a women’s college basketball team in Indianapolis that has won the NAIA national championship the past two seasons? And that two of the players and the head coach played for Southside high school teams.
I’m talking about Marian University, where former Beech Grove, Purdue and professional standout Katie Geralds is in her fifth year of mentoring the Knights (24-2, 13-1, Crossroad League).
Her players include Roncalli graduates Kellie Kirkhoff and Rachel Titzer, who scored 18 and 15 points, respectively, in a 89-44 road win over Spring Arbor (Mich.) on Saturday.
The Knights defeated Indiana Wesleyan 76-56 at home Jan. 31 to avenge an earlier loss to the Wildcats. Kellie, a senior, scored 17 points, and Rachel, a sophomore, chipped in 10.
The Southside’s presence on the Knights’ roster will be stronger next season as Beech Grove seniors Cameron Cardenas and Katie Giller have committed to play for Gearlds.
Geralds and Assistant Coach Vicky Volonaki recently attended one of the lady Hornets’ home games. It was nice to visit with them for a couple of minutes.
Marian has two more home games before conference and tournament play opens. The Knight host Huntington at 1 p.m. Saturday and Bethel at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14.
Marian is on Cold Springs Road. I enjoy driving out there because I go past the area that used to be Riverside Amusement Park.
My wife, Lyn, and I really enjoy going to Marian’s games because we see a lot of familiar faces in the stands.
Assistant coach Lakan Hasser-Smith is a 2016 Marian graduate and a former player. Jenna Sullivan, who played last year, is attending games this year. She played in a key role in the team’s march to the national championship las season. It’s great to see former players who are still connected the team.
Now, take a moment and consider the fact that you and your family and/or friends can attend one or two games being played by the national champions.
Hope to see you there.
Shonk is a 1960 graduate of Southport High School, a ’63 grad of Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis) and a retired bus driver from Beech Grove Schools.