Basketball

Eagles prepare for home opener

Jenna Twedt attacks her defender off the dribble on Oct. 17, 2024. Photo by Jake Panek.

With the start of the basketball season, the Kirkwood Community College Women’s basketball team is looking to double down on their success from a season ago and capture the program’s 10th national championship. 

The team is gearing up to have another successful season at the helm of Hall of Fame Head Coach Kim Muhl. The Eagles had a record of 35-2 last season, capping it off with a 69-58 win over Johnson County Community College in the National Championship game. 

“Last year’s national championship meant so much to the team and I. At the beginning we definitely had some struggles that we didn’t fix quickly but in the end every practice and game leading up to that was worth it. The feeling of winning that game was something none of us will forget,” said sophomore guard Jenna Twedt. 

The Eagles return one starter in Twedt but will still need to lean on the experience of the rest of the sophomore class to lead them to another successful postseason run. 

Kirkwood Community College Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kim Muhl talks to players during a time out on Oct. 17, 2024, in Johnson Hall. Photo by Jake Panek.

“Jenna Twedt, Lizzy Puot, Ellah Kissell, Sam Veto and we got a good transfer, Kaliyah Sain… The sophomores coming back, they know how to get there,” said Muhl. 

Kirkwood comes into this season as the team everyone is looking to beat. Defending the national title doesn’t come lightly. To make things even better, the Eagles are ranked as the preseason #1 team.  

They may carry a target on their back, yet don’t seem to feel the pressure. “I don’t look at it as pressure. I look at it as, what do you want to be? Would you rather be 0-27, or do you want to be in the national championship? I’d rather be in the national championship. People are out to get you; that’s the way it is, and that’s okay,” said Coach Muhl. 

The Eagles defend an inbound play during a preseason game against William Penn. Photo by Jake Panek.

With a new team, the Eagles will need to find their new identity. Twedt said they’re a faster paced team than last year with more shooters and solid defense. Twedt also made it clear that the goal has not changed from last season. The Kirkwood Eagles have their eyes set on defending their title. 

“The goal is the same as last year. Hopefully this year we can get coach his 10th national championship,” said Twedt.  

The team is set to make their home debut on Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Johnson Hall against Sauk Valley Community College. 

Images courtesy of Jake Panek and admin | Kirkwood Communiqué