The record-breaking 2023-24 women’s basketball season will be forever etched in Golden Eagle fans’ memories. After starting the season 2-3, JBU ended with a 29-4 record and a perfect 22-0 conference mark after riding a program-record 27-game winning streak. During the run, the Golden Eagles battled to its first-ever Sooner Athletic tournament title, winning three straight games to claim the league’s postseason championship. With its banner season, the NAIA chose JBU as one of 16 institutions to host the first and second rounds of the NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship at Bill George Arena for the first time.
Head Coach Jeff Soderquist and Golden Eagle student-athletes Bella Irlenborn, Graci Harris, Natalie Smith and Tarrah Stephens share what motivated them to generate the most wins and highest winning percentage in a single season in JBU women’s basketball history.
Q: How does being part of the first JBU women’s basketball team to go undefeated in the SAC Conference feel?
A: (Tarrah) It’s a remarkable achievement to be part of such a historic team, and I feel beyond blessed. The dedication, hard work and teamwork that went into achieving this season was immense. Being forever associated with that accomplishment is something I will always cherish. I think it’s really a testament to the determination and unity of the team and is something that will forever be a source of pride for all of us.
Q: What was it like experiencing the 27-game winning streak?
A: (Natalie) It was surreal, to say the least. It is difficult to put into words how incredible that experience truly was. It was a peak that we never wanted to stop; each win just fed into the next. The joy we had after each team win just gave us motivation to keep going.
Q: What factors contributed to the team’s 27-game winning streak? As a fan, it seemed you all had good team chemistry and played to each player’s strengths.
A: (Bella) I think a big part of our success was that we were all friends and wanted each other to succeed. Every game, someone new stepped up. As a team, when you can celebrate your teammates, it builds a connection that is seen on and off the court. I think this has a lot to do with the girls that Coach Soderquist has recruited. We all have unique characteristics, but we can come together to be a unified team.
Q: What were your thoughts when the team started 2-3? What was the team’s mindset at that point?
A: (Coach Soderquist) I was concerned, but I knew we had a talented group. We started the season with some key injuries, and I just kept coaching them and looking at it one game at a time. It was the second half of our game in Florida against Southeastern that we really looked, both offensively and defensively, the way I thought this team would look. That game started our 27-game win streak.
Q: What was your reaction to being named SAC Player of the Year as well as being selected to the NAIA All-America Second Team?
A: (Tarrah) Being named SAC Player of the Year and selected to the NAIA All-America Second Team was an incredibly gratifying and humbling experience for me. Receiving those honors was a personal achievement and a reflection of the support and encouragement from my teammates, coaches and supporters. I know that I could not have accomplished anything without the help of my teammates, coaches, athletic trainers, family and most importantly, God.
Q: How have JBU and Coach Soderquist prepared you for life after college?
A: (Graci) Coach Soda was hard on us at times because he expected a lot from us. He knew that we were capable; we just had to believe it ourselves. Going to practices or games, so tired or stressed out for exams, has made us all more than ready to go out and experience life after college.
Q: Do you have any final thoughts about your 36 years at JBU?
A: (Coach Soderquist) JBU is a very special place. I had the chance to go other places, but I really thought that this was home. I bleed gold and blue, and I always will. I wouldn’t have changed anything about my time here.
From top left to bottom right: Emily Sanders, Graci Harris, Jeff Soderquist, Bella Irlenborn, Natalie Smith, Tarrah Stephens
To read more of the Q&A, visit:
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