This past weekend, the Lady Eagles of Pensacola Christian College ended the 2023–2024 playing season as third in the nation for the NCCAA DII Division. Despite challenges across the season, the team grew together as they maintained their reputation as a tough competitor against prepared opponents.
Soaring at the Tournaments
For the last 11 years, the Lady Eagles have made an appearance at the NCCAA National Tournament, winning the title in 2022. And while going to Nationals may have been the goal, Jared and Heather Sellars, the Lady Eagles basketball head coach in his 12th year and assistant coach, often put a personal challenge to their student athletes. “Our focus that Coach has drilled into us is the idea of being ‘All In’ in everything we do whether it be on the court or off of it,” shared Kinsey Tindol (Sr., WA). “This pushed us to set goals and work as hard as we could to reach them.”
At the South Regional Tournament in February, the team qualified as #2 seed and took home the South Region Championship title after a battle against Toccoa Falls College. While at the South Region Tournament, Coach Sellars was honored as Coach of the Year. And for their undeniable hard work and determination this season, five Lady Eagles were recognized as well:
- Jenna Wolford: South Region Player of the Year
- Montse Torres and Jenna Wolford: First Team All-Region
- Leah Phelps: Second Team All-Region
- Sky Boyd: All-Freshman Team
- Kristin Mentzer: All-Region Honorable Mention
At the National Tournament, the #2 team in the nation saw a few firsts for the team history. The Lady Eagles faced Calvary University for the first time in the program, defeating them in the quarterfinal with 68–45. While the team couldn’t maintain a winning score against Toccoa Falls College in the semifinals, the loss didn’t keep them down. They earned a win with 82–70 in the consolation game after facing the Crown College Polars for the first time ever—finishing third in the nation.
Regardless of how the season ends, the team knows that there’s more to take away from the experience than wins and losses. “Every year we get closer as a team, and it’s fun to watch that progress,” said Kinsey. “Coach and ‘Mama’ Coach help us set goals but always remind us that we are a part of something greater. We recognize that God is good, regardless of if things go our way or not. God gave us this gift to glorify Him to the best of our abilities, and we strive to do so each and every day.”
Reflecting on the Season
While they may not have brought home the national championship title, the Lady Eagles ended the season well with 26 wins and 4 losses, a new record.
For the seniors on the team, these games were bittersweet, marking their final moments on the court before graduation. “Being a Lady Eagle has made my college experience something special,” expressed Kristin Mentzer (Sr., VA). “I will never forget what I was able to accomplish in my four years here. Being able to go to the gym every day and play a game that I have loved since I was little, but [also] being able to play it with a team of others that also love the game—growing together with teammates and friends that I would never have met without basketball—it has truly been an incredible experience that I will never regret.”
The Lady Eagles aren’t the only ones thankful for the experience of the last several years. “I am thankful and blessed to be coaching this team,” shared Coach Sellars. “They all play so hard and play for each other. The team truly cares about each other and has developed a great family culture. The seniors this year have helped us win 90 games in the last 4 years—that is so impressive. They are a joy to coach, and I am just grateful that the Lord allowed me to be their coach. I look forward to next year as we continue to grow the culture that this group has developed.”
As for the season ahead, younger student athletes are more than prepared to step up and show incoming team members what they’ve learned this year. “Although this is just my freshman year, this team has taught me so much about [personal] drive and that the game isn’t over till the buzzer sounds,” said Sky Boyd (Fr., AL). “We have come back from losing not just because of talent, but the heart to not give up. I have watched my team grow closer by them always being there for each other. We suffered several injuries that played key role changes, but each teammate stepped up and we fought together—All In!”