Trying to follow up the historic season that was the 2024-25 season for the Mastodons may be considered an insurmountable feat to most Division I programs. The Mastodons set the program record for conference wins (18), overall wins (27), highest conference regular season finish (2nd), highest conference tournament finish (2nd), longest winning streak (17), defeated every conference foe at least once, and had the NCAA leader in 3PT% and FT%.
However, confidence is at an all-time high in the 260. The recently depleted historic team (due to graduation, not the transfer portal) has reloaded with new players and “new” coaches who are ready to make more history for the ‘Dons.
The “new” coaches may be new to their titles, but not to the Mastodon faithful. Kendall Muxlow rejoins Maria Marchesano’s staff as an assistant coach. Muxlow was a player for PFW in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, though injuries prompted a medical retirement from the game. After being a student manager for the team in 2021-22 and 2022-23, she was hired as the Director of Basketball Operations (DOBO) prior to the 2023-24 season.
The other “new” coach is the aforementioned reigning best three-pointer and free throw shooter in NCAA Division I – Lauren Ross. Ross posted a message to her followers on X on April 17, 2025:
“Looking to start my career in college coaching! This game has already given me so much, and I’m ready to give back, learn, and grow in this new role! Lots of experience in the D1 game! Would love to connect! DM’s open! :)”
It didn’t take long for Maria Marchesano to grab her former sharpshooter out of the coaching free agency pool and for the Mastodons to be stronger without Ross playing a minute for the ‘Dons this season. Unfortunately, the addition of Muxlow and Ross meant the departure of fashion icons and former Horizon League standouts Jazmyne Geist (NKU) and the Mastodons’ do-it-all player Shayla Sellers.
Returning Players
Jordan Reid, 5-10, F, New Palestine, IN
Coming off her 2024-2025 campaign that earned her the Horizon League and HoriZone Roundtable Sixth Player of the Year Award, Jordan Reid looks to take another leap in her career leading the Mastodons on the floor. From NAIA to Division I quality bench minutes to Division I starter and likely First Team All-Conference, Reid will be more than a key piece in the Mastodons’ success this season. Looking to improve upon her 7.1 PPG on 47.6% shooting in only 16.1 minutes per game, Reid is expected to be a workhorse for the Mastodons. The “Mid-Range Master” loves to live around 10-15 feet from the hoop, but she can drive and elevate above the defenders at the rim with ease.
“I’ve really been working on my confidence to shoot the three ball. I knew I’ve had the skills and ability to, but I just have never added it to my game. I know to elevate my game and the way that teams will play me this season, I need to be a threat from that area. Being a threat at the three opens up more opportunities to excel and get the shots I’m confident in.” – Reid
Ella Riggs, 5-9, G, Cincinnati, OH
Only appearing in 14 games with less than 5 minutes per game for the Mastodons last season, Riggs was quite efficient when she did see the floor last year. She shot an impressive 50% from the floor and 33.3% from behind the arc. In her freshman year at Furman University, Riggs shot 49.2% from the floor, 45.2% from three, and 93.8% from the free throw line in 18 games. Given the opportunity, the Mastodons may have had their newest unconscious shooter to help replace the volume lost via graduation in their pocket this whole time.
“I’m definitely excited to play against Xavier in my hometown (Cincinnati, Ohio). Other than that, I look forward to league play where we can prove we are a top team in the league. The experience of our two sixth-year transfers has been crucial for us as a team. Their maturity and work ethic are going to help us tremendously.” – Riggs.
Hillary Offing, 5-11, F, Irmo, SC
Offing easily secures the title of biggest unknown of the Mastodon returners. Only returning three players and with Offing redshirting all of last year and not appearing in a single game makes that designation a shoe-in. Offing started her collegiate career at Penn State Lehigh Valley where she was a double-double machine averaging 17.1 points per game and 10.7 rebounds per game. Losing Jazzlyn Linbo, Sydney Graber, and the Mastodons’ Division I leader in rebounds, Amellia Bromenschenkel, Offing will have to use her incredible strength down low to end possessions for the opponents and give second chances for the ‘Dons.
“After getting a taste of success last season, it’s only made us hungrier for more. As a group, we have a lot of new faces and versatility. Our expectations are to stay focused on the bigger picture and have discipline in everything we do. I’m beyond excited to finally get in on the action and compete against every team in this conference.” – Offing
Incoming Players
Alana Nelson, 5-11, F, Springport, MI (Spring Arbor)
A name that turned some serious heads in the NAIA world joins the Mastodons with Alana Nelson. In three years at Spring Arbor University, Nelson scored nearly 1800 points averaging 19.4, 18.5, and 21.6 points per game. In addition to filling up the scoring column, Nelson has no problem fighting for the rebounds as well. She averaged a double-double in the 2022-23 and 2024-25 seasons with 10.7 and 10.6 rebounds respectively. She also recorded some seriously impressive scoring stats, with her top 5 scoring games last season showing 31, 32, 33, 39, and 40 points in the scorebook.
“When we learned Alana Nelson was considering playing basketball one more year – we knew right away we were interested. She is one of those ‘do it all’ type players that we love to have in this program. She also shoots it extremely efficiently from three – which is another need we had this offseason.” – Maria Marchesano.
Lili Krasovec, 6-3, F, Budapest, Hungary (Boston College)
Coming from Boston College, the 6-3 Hungarian brings height, resilience, and Power 5 experience to this Mastodons team looking to stay in the upper echelon of the Horizon League. Krasovec played for the U16, U19 and U20 Hungarian national teams during her time overseas, and in the States experienced the challenge of playing the likes of Duke, Notre Dame, Louisville, North Carolina, NC State, etc.
The experience playing against these elite teams could prove to be the difference maker in tight games against the perennial powerhouses of the HL – Green Bay and Cleveland State. Krasovec has been known to make smart plays and have a great passing touch to act as a facilitator in the high post, very similar to a graduated Jazzlyn Linbo.
“It’s hard to get a Power Five post out of the portal. We’re pretty excited. She’s got some experience. The cool thing about where she’s coming from is that they run a lot of similar systems, especially offensively [to us]. She’s got to continue to get stronger, but her IQ is extremely high. The passing ability is extremely high.” Marchesano believes that Krasovec’s experience going against the likes of Duke and North Carolina in the ACC will pay dividends in the Horizon League.
Nika Lokica, 5-10, G, Split, Croatia (Idaho State)
The second piece of Maria Marchesano’s international flavoring comes from Croatia by the way of Idaho State. Lokica has found success in the international game and hopes to bring the success to the Horizon League. She has played for the Basketball Academy Žana Lelas where she won the National Championship twice in the U14 and U16 circuits. Her team was the National Championship Runner-Up twice in U15 and U17, where she was named MVP twice. On a larger scale, Nika also posted 16.6 points per game over 5 games while playing for the U18 Croatia national team.
“She’s had some injuries, and I think that’s really the only thing that’s held her back from being consistent, but she’s started on a good program out west. She’s kind of a combo too. She helps with that point guard you question but also is big and strong and can shoot it like Mastodon players can.”
Lauren Lee, 5-7, G, Dunnville, KY (Campbellsville)
In what may become a theme of transferring NAIA players finding success in Maria Marchesano’s program, Lee is a guard whose reputation precedes her. Lee earned a more than deserved recognition by being named NAIA First Team All-American, NCCAA First Team All-American, NCCAA Mid-East Region Player of the Year, and Mid-South Conference Player of the Year. She will also fit in academically into the historically high achieving Mastodons team as Lee has earned Academic All-Conference, NAIA Scholar-Athlete, and NCAA Scholar-Athlete honors.
“Everyone I talk to says the same thing — she’s a dawg,” Marchesano says. “She is going to do whatever it takes to win. She doesn’t care about scoring unless she has to. She scored 17 points a game last year, but that’s because her team needed it. She’d rather pass, defend, and lead. She wanted to get here to start working out which is awesome.” Lauren Lee led the Campbellsville Tigers in point, minutes, assists, and minutes played last season.
Alyssa Berry, 5-7, G, Houston, TX (Morehead State)
The last piece of the transfer portal puzzle is the redshirt junior from Houston. Berry unfortunately did not see much action at Morehead State due to injury. However, at Hill College, Berry averaged 17.4 points per game and 5.2 rebounds per game. She scored at least 10 points in 28 of the 31 games that she appeared in, earning All-American honors in the NJCCA.
“Coming off an ACL, and even though that isn’t ideal, we really like her game and what she brings to the table,” Marchesano says. “She’s a high IQ player with the ability to score and create for others. She is attacking her rehab hard and should be ready for the season.”
Avery Wagner, 6-4, F, Waterford, OH (Waterford High School)
The first piece of the 2025 high school recruiting class brings immediate intrigue. The high school three sport (golf and volleyball) all-conference athlete adds serious height to the roster. Wagner led her high school to a state championship in 2022 and a state championship appearance in 2024. Her high school career high of 26 rebounds in a game gives a chance for Wagner to see the floor her freshman year.
“She’s got that [Kristaps] Porzingis-type feel to her,” Marchesano notes. “She’s a stretch five. She blocks shots, knocks down threes. She’s got to grow, put on some weight, and get stronger, but super excited about her.”
Rylee Bess, 5-6, G, Pickerington, OH (Pickerington Central High School)
Perhaps undersized, yes, but underestimated? Not likely. Bess was named First Team All-Conference, First Team All-District, and All-State Honorable Mention while leading the Pickerington Central Tigers to three straight undefeated conference records and three straight state final four appearances, including a state championship in 2024-25.
“She reminds me of QMR,” Marchesano says, referencing the men’s team’s former guard Quentin Morton-Robertson. “Heck of a player. She can shoot the crap out of the ball and is shifty. She’s coming off injury, so we’ll have to make sure she’s healthy.”
Bailee Duck, 5-8, G, Louisville, KY (Assumption High School)
Sometimes the best offense is a lock down defense. Bailee Duck offers ferocity on the defensive side of the ball that makes any opposing coach scratch their heads while game planning for the Mastodons. Her defense helped Assumption High School to two state championships and helped herself be named to All-District, All-Sectional, and All-Tournament teams.
“She’s probably a little different than the players we usually recruit,” Marchesano admits. “But she’s just so athletic, high motor, defense-first. She came to our Elite Camp where she already had a few offers, and we just loved her game.”
Destiny Macharia, 5-6, G, Columbia, MD (Oakland Mills High School)
Destiny Macharia is the final member of the 2025-26 Mastodons. She is a smooth, skilled combo guard from Maryland. While willing to dish it out to teammates, Macharia can fill up the scoring column as well, as she scored over 1,000 points in high school. She was named First Team All-County and Baltimore Sun Honorable Mention. She also made immediate contributions to the team as a freshman, earning Maryland All-Freshman Team honors as well.
“She’s a hooper. A combo guard that can shoot it deep, pass, unselfish. She’s got that swag like Rylee, but different.” Marchesano is more than excited for the Mastodon moxie that Macharia will bring to Marchesano’s squad.
Even so, Marchesano is realistic. “You can’t rely on freshmen anymore,” she says. “But it’s kind of like the pros. They’re going to be in their rookie year, and can they break through and get some rookie minutes? I think a couple of them will.”
Projected Starting Lineup
Lauren Lee – 5-9, G
Nika Lokica – 5-10, G
Jordan Reid – 5-10, F
Alana Nelson – 5-11, F
Lili Krasovec – 6-3, F
Preview Week 2025-26
MBB: Preseason Poll | Preseason All-League | Preseason Awards
WBB: Preseason Poll | Preseason All-League | Preseason Awards
Cleveland State (MBB | WBB) | Detroit Mercy (MBB | WBB) | Green Bay (MBB | WBB) | IU Indy (MBB | WBB)
Milwaukee (MBB | WBB) | Northern Kentucky (MBB | WBB) | Oakland (MBB | WBB) | Purdue Fort Wayne (MBB | WBB)
Robert Morris (MBB | WBB) | Wright State (MBB | WBB) | Youngstown State (MBB | WBB)
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