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5 Key Takeaways From The Davenport Women's Lacrosse Program: A Deep Dive Into The Panthers' Recent Success And New Era

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The Davenport University Women's Lacrosse program has firmly established itself as a competitive force within the NCAA Division II landscape, particularly in the challenging Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). As of late 2025, the team has concluded its most recent season with a winning overall record and is now transitioning into a new era of leadership, aiming to build on its recent success and challenge for the conference championship. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the Panthers' performance, key players, and the promising future of the program. The Panthers' commitment to excellence extends beyond the field, as evidenced by their consistent recognition for academic achievement, earning the prestigious IWLCA Academic Honor Squad honors. This dual focus on athletic competition and academic rigor defines the program's culture and continues to attract high-caliber student-athletes to the Grand Rapids campus.

Davenport University Women's Lacrosse Program Profile & Coaching Staff

The Davenport University Women’s Lacrosse team competes at the NCAA Division II level and is a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). The program has a strong foundation, consistently demonstrating competitive spirit and earning both athletic and academic accolades.

  • University Name: Davenport University
  • Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Nickname: Panthers (DU)
  • Affiliation: NCAA Division II
  • Conference: Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC)
  • Home Venue: Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex
  • Program Distinction: IWLCA Academic Honor Squad recipient.
  • Most Recent Season (2025): Overall Record: 9-8, GLIAC Record: 3-5.

The New Era: Head Coach Frank Rogers

The Davenport Women's Lacrosse program is currently embarking on a new chapter with a change in leadership. Frank Rogers was recently named the fifth head coach of the Davenport University women's lacrosse team. Rogers takes the helm of a competitive program, bringing his vision and experience to guide the Panthers in their pursuit of a GLIAC title and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

This transition follows the successful tenure of the previous staff, which saw the Panthers achieve significant milestones, including reaching the GLIAC Tournament Semifinals in the most recent season.

The 2025 Season In Review: A Competitive 9-8 Campaign

The 2025 season proved to be a successful and competitive one for the Davenport Panthers. The team finished with a winning overall record of 9-8, navigating a challenging schedule that included tough non-conference matchups and a demanding GLIAC slate. The Panthers' ability to secure a winning record underscores the program's resilience and depth, especially in a conference known for its high level of play.

GLIAC Tournament Run and Semifinal Appearance

As the No. 4 seed in the 2025 GLIAC Women's Lacrosse Tournament, Davenport showcased their potential by reaching the semifinals. Their tournament run culminated in a hard-fought battle against the No. 1 seed, Grand Valley State. The Panthers pushed the Lakers to the limit before ultimately falling with a final score of 12-9. This close contest demonstrated that the Davenport program is closing the gap with the top teams in the conference and is a serious contender for future championships.

Individual Excellence: All-GLIAC Honorees

Individual player performance was a highlight of the 2025 season, with a remarkable seven Panthers earning All-GLIAC honors. This high number of recognized athletes is a testament to the talent and balance across the Davenport roster. Among the most notable honorees were two key offensive and midfield leaders:

  • Blakely Malpass (Midfielder): Malpass was a dominant force in the midfield, earning significant recognition. She was named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week during the 2025 season, highlighting her crucial role in the Panthers' attack and transition game.
  • Gabby Basha (Attack): Basha’s performance at the attack position earned her a spot on the 2025 All-GLIAC teams. Her scoring prowess and offensive leadership were vital to the team's success throughout the campaign.
  • Theadora Krueger: A consistent performer, Krueger was recognized for her outstanding play by being named to the GLIAC All-Tournament Team. She had also received Second Team All-GLIAC honors for the third consecutive season in 2024, showcasing her sustained excellence in the program.

The Future is Bright: Key Players and Program Momentum

Looking ahead, the Davenport Women's Lacrosse program possesses a strong core of returning talent that will be instrumental in the upcoming seasons. The foundation built by the 2025 squad, coupled with the fresh perspective of the new coaching staff, sets the stage for continued improvement and potential postseason breakthroughs. The team’s success is often measured by its ability to compete against rivals like Grand Valley State and Northern Michigan, both of whom present significant challenges in the GLIAC standings.

Leaders on the Field

The 2025 team was anchored by a cohort of experienced leaders who set the standard for the program. Captains like Theadora Krueger, Blakely Malpass, Alyssa Bird, and Maddy Haynes were pivotal in leading the roster, providing guidance, and driving performance in multiple statistical categories. Their collective experience and leadership are invaluable assets for the Panthers as they prepare for the next competitive cycle.

Topical Authority: The GLIAC Landscape

The GLIAC is a highly competitive conference in NCAA Division II women's lacrosse. Davenport's consistent placement in the top half of the standings, alongside perennial powerhouses like Grand Valley State and rising programs such as Northern Michigan and Concordia-St. Paul, solidifies their position as a top-tier regional program. The Panthers' season records, including their 4-2 home record in 2025, show their strength at the Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex, making it a difficult venue for visiting teams.

The Davenport Athletic Department's commitment to the women's lacrosse program, demonstrated by the recent coaching hire and resources allocated, signals a clear intent to elevate the team to national prominence. The focus on recruiting high-impact players and maintaining a high academic standard ensures the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the program.

5 Essential Facts About Davenport Women's Lacrosse Post-2025 Season

To summarize the current state and recent achievements of the Davenport University Women's Lacrosse team, here are five key takeaways:

  1. Winning Record Secured: The Panthers completed their most recent season (2025) with a positive overall record of 9-8, demonstrating a highly competitive level of play.
  2. New Head Coach Appointed: Frank Rogers has been named the program's fifth head coach, marking a significant leadership change heading into the next competitive year (2026).
  3. GLIAC Semifinalists: Davenport earned the No. 4 seed in the 2025 GLIAC Tournament and advanced to the Semifinals, narrowly losing to the top-seeded Grand Valley State.
  4. Seven All-GLIAC Honorees: A large contingent of seven players received All-GLIAC recognition, including key athletes like Attack Gabby Basha and Midfielder Blakely Malpass, underscoring the team's depth.
  5. Academic Excellence: The program maintains a strong commitment to academics, evidenced by the team's recognition as an IWLCA Academic Honor Squad.

The Davenport Women's Lacrosse team continues to be a program on the rise. With a solid foundation of returning talent, established leadership from players like Alyssa Bird and Maddy Haynes, and a new coaching staff eager to make their mark, the Panthers are well-positioned for a strong run in the upcoming seasons. Fans and prospective recruits should keep a close eye on this NCAA Division II contender.

5 Key Takeaways from the Davenport Women's Lacrosse Program: A Deep Dive into the Panthers' Recent Success and New Era
davenport university women's lacrosse
davenport university women's lacrosse

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