The Online Reflector

The Reflector takes a closer look at the record-breaking Greyhound women’s basketball team.

THE DETERMINED ONE
Katie Dewey • Senior • Point Guard

“She’s a relentless competitor; her toughness and determination makes her the player that she is,” explained head coach LeeAnn Freeland.

Katie Dewey averages 9.9 points and 5.1 assists per game, she credits her success to hard work and determination.

“We were so close to the Elite 8 last year and that was motivation,” Dewey said. “Also, being a senior made me work harder than ever.”

According to Freeland, the team looks to her to provide the toughness from the point guard position. Teammate Jessica Canary  admires her style of play, fire and intensity she brings to the team.

“Like all of my teammates, I know every game she’s going to do everything she can to help us win,” Canary said. “She always seems to be making big plays for us, whether we’re on offense or defense. I also admire her tenacity and her scrappiness.”

Teammate Katherine Lyons says she can count on Dewey on and off the court.

“You can always count on her,” Lyons said. “I consider her the glue to the team.”

THE FOCUSED ONE
Jessica Canary • Senior • Guard

Entering the season just 25 points shy of joining the UIndy 1,000-point club, Jessica Canary saw an area she wanted to address and put in the time to improve.

Working on her shot all summer, she was able to gain more confidence. That boldness brought about successful moments.

“We had so many great moments this season, but a couple of my favorites happened in our recent game against Drury,” Canary recalled. “Sam hit a huge three late in the game to put us ahead. I blocked their last three point attempt, and Dewey ended the game with a steal and layup. This was also the first time we had ever beaten Drury, so that was pretty special.”

Averaging 14 points per game, this six foot senior deflected credit to her teammates.

“I give a lot of credit to all of the hard work we put in individually,” Canary said.

Teammate Katie Dewey said she’s the whole package.

“She is a great student, person, teammate, roommate and friend.”

THE SOLID ONE
Cayla Keegan • Sophomore • Guard

“She brings a lot of athleticism from the defensive end,” said head coach LeeAnn Freeland.

Indeed Cayla Keegan brings a lot of athleticism, coming to UIndy  from Margaretta High School; Keegan earned nine varsity letters in four sports: four in basketball, three in soccer and one in both track and cross country.

She finished high school with nearly 1,200 career points and over 400 career steals.

While at UIndy, she’s scored a season-high of 13 points and three steals in the victory over Quincy.

According to Freeland, Keegan is a solid defender.

“She’s a good player all around,”  Freeland said.

Keegan described the team as a family that functions to make each other successful.

According to Freeland, in tight situations, the Greyhounds always pull together and find a way to finish the game.

“This season is going by fast, and although its not over I’m very proud of where we are right now,” Freeland explained. “They’re very close, they have great team chemistry and believe in each other.”

THE LOYAL ONE
Katie Lyons • Junior • Forward

Arriving at the University of Indianapolis from New Palestine High School, this Indiana native participated in Hoosier Basketball Magazine’s Top 40 workout her senior year.

Coming to UIndy she has brought along that success with her.

Head coach LeeAnn Freeland  described Katie Lyons as a great teammate that has drastically improved her game and confidence over the last couple of years.

“My confidence level is a lot higher from more experience and hard work in the off season,” Lyons said.

Her hard work has also showed in season,  during the Nov. 24, 2009 game versus Central State, Lyons scored 19 points.

“She’s consistent in terms of providing production in her offensive position,” Freeland said.

Lyons said success comes with preparation.

“The coaches and all of us push each other daily to make ourselves the best we can be,” Lyons said. “I credit our team’s success this year to our hard work in the preseason, throughout the season and our determination.”

THE FEARLESS ONE
Samantha Meissel • Junior • Center

According to Head Coach LeeAnn Freeland, Samantha Meissel will take the big shot and have the confidence to knock it down.

“She’s definitely not afraid to critique herself or improve her game,” Freeland said.

One of Meissel’s memorable moments came Nov. 21, 2009  when UIndy played Saginaw Valley State.

“Jess [Canary] and I both hit 1,000 [career] points. We were the first teammates to do it in the same game,” Meissel said. “Plus Jess’ s family had made some super sweet signs for us.”

Meissel earned Student Athlete of the Month, the title awarded to student athletes who best represent Greyhound athletics.

Averaging 20 points a game, she’s progressed significantly.

“My biggest improvement has been playing both ends of the court. Coach has been having me focus on my defensive game a lot more,” Meissel said. “In a way, I’m fighting for more rebounds, getting deflections and steals.”