MORE THAN A TEAM
IWU Basketball’s Season of Collective Courage
The Indiana Wesleyan University women’s basketball team stands out — not just for being National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) champion runners up, or for their impressive 34-3 record overall, but for their faith and shared mission. They aren’t simply teammates passing the ball back and forth.
Even players from opposing teams can sense IWU’s energy. Senior Guard Taylor Folkema transferred from Spring Arbor University after witnessing IWU’s culture firsthand.
“I knew the culture here was way different. Encouraging, positive, and fun to be around. I wanted to be part of it,” Folkema said.
That culture has been built over the past few years around the team’s “JUICE” philosophy, introduced by Head Coach Ethan Whaley. JUICE stands for Joy, Unity, Inspire, Celebrate, and Edify.
“JUICE is focused on: how can I use my gifts to make you better? How can I celebrate you when success happens for you?” Whaley said.
Weekly worship nights and team gatherings have become foundational to the team’s bond. “That just creates a sense of vulnerability and trust. It’s one of the biggest things that connects us all,” Folkema said.
Earlier this year, one teammate was baptized — and the whole team celebrated.
“That was a win in life,” Senior guard Izzy Reed said. “Not just basketball. That was a life victory.”
“I KNEW THE CULTURE HERE WAS WAY DIFFERENT. ENCOURAGING, POSITIVE, AND FUN TO BE AROUND. I WANTED TO BE PART OF IT.”
-
TAYLOR FOLKEMA ’25
IWU Student
Their strength when things are going well has also been revealed through adversity. This season brought its share of challenges — injuries, losses, and lineup shifts — but the team always responded. “Tough teams win tough games,” Whaley said. “And they’ve become comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Still, their biggest goal isn’t just about winning. It’s about finishing with purpose. “This group? They hate to lose, but they don’t crumble. They respond,” Whaley said.
They’ll be remembered for going 16-2 in NAIA conference play, and being national champion runners up — but more importantly, they’ll be known for the kind of people they are off the court.
“Hopefully we’re going to direct it back to our Father,” Reed said. “That’s why we’re here.”
The IWU women’s basketball team plays for something greater. They have the courage to face challenges head-on, letting the Lord shape them into women who are ready to lead — on the court and far beyond it.