Women's Basketball Adds Two More for 2015-16


Valpo head women's basketball coach Tracey Dorow announced Tuesday that Amber Lindfors and Imani Scott-Thompson have signed National Letters of Intent (NLI) to play with the Crusaders. Lindfors and Scott-Thompson will join Meredith Hamlet, Claire Marburger, Hannah Schaub, and Allison Schofield as newcomers for the 2015-16 season.


Women's Basketball Announces Adjustment to Summer Camp


The Valparaiso University women's basketball program announced its 2015 summer camp dates Wednesday.


Strong Second Half Boosts Milwaukee Past Valpo


Trailing by three points at halftime, Milwaukee outscored the Crusaders 38-22 over the final twenty minutes in a 77-64 contest at the Klotsche Center in Milwaukee. Junior Lexi Miller was 5-for-6 from beyond the arc, guiding Valpo's offensive effort to the tune of 18 points.


Crusader Freshmen Honored as Horizon League Announces Postseason Awards


The Horizon League announced its postseason awards Monday afternoon, and a pair of Crusader freshmen cleaned up. Dani Franklin was named Freshman of the Year and Sixth Person of the Year in addition to a spot on the All-Freshmen Team. Classmate Jasmyn Walker joined Franklin on the All-Freshmen Team.


Crusaders Open Horizon League Championship Play Monday Night


The opening round of the 2015 Horizon League Championship gets underway Monday evening at the Klotsche Center. Valparaiso will make its third trip to the state of Wisconsin as the Panthers await the Crusaders in what will be the teams’ fifth meeting in the last 53 weeks. The 7:00 pm CT affair will feature three of the best freshmen the Horizon League have to offer: UWM’s Jenny Lindner and Valpo’s Dani Franklin and Jasmyn Walker.


Valpo Women Fall to YSU Saturday; Will Face Milwaukee Monday


Freshman Jasmyn Walker vaulted her way into the Valpo record books, but Heidi Schlegel and the Youngstown State Penguins prevailed Saturday afternoon at the Beeghly Center, 80-57. By virtue of Wright State's victory over the Panthers on Saturday, the Crusaders will travel to Milwaukee on Monday evening for the first round game of the 2015 Horizon League Championship.


Crusaders Conclude Regular Season Saturday at Youngstown


The Crusaders round out the regular season Saturday afternoon in Youngstown, Ohio in a 1:05 pm CT jump ball. Valpo’s destination for the Horizon League Tournament play-in game Monday night has yet to be determined, but the Brown and Gold can do their part to surpass last season’s win total with a victory against the Penguins. Freshman Jasmyn Walker needs just three boards to crack Valpo's top-10 for total rebounds in a season.


Freshmen Shine, but Crusaders Fade in Oakland


The Valparaiso women's basketball team saw a two-point halftime lead evaporate in a 70-55 loss to Oakland at the Athletics Center O'Rena Thursday night in Rochester, Michigan. Freshman Jasmyn Walker squeezed a career-high 15 rebounds and classmate Dani Franklin regained her early-February form, posting 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting.


Crusader Women Visit Oakland Thursday Night


The Crusaders’ first stop on their final road trip of the 2014-15 regular season takes them to Rochester, Michigan to face the Oakland Golden Grizzlies on Thursday evening. Oakland, who will be celebrating its Senior Day at the Athletics Center O’Rena, can help its chances of avoiding the play-in game of the 2015 Horizon League Tournament with a win.


Titans Spoil Senior Day with 76-57 Victory over Valpo


Senior Sharon Karungi and freshman Jasmyn Walker both posted double-doubles, but Detroit shot 50% from the field to score a 78-57 victory over Valpo on Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center.


Pair of Promotions on Tap for Women's Home Finale


The sun sets on another home slate for the Valparaiso women’s basketball team this Saturday afternoon when Detroit makes its annual trip to the ARC. The Crusaders will honor their three seniors (Jessica Carr, Sharon Karungi, Jessica Dill) prior to the 1:35 pm tipoff. Saturday will also serve as the team’s annual Father-Daughter Game. Each daughter in attendance with her father will receive a t-shirt and team-autographed poster.


Vikings Prevail 77-70 over Crusader Women


Five Crusaders finished in double figures Wednesday night, but seniors Imani Gordon and Cori Coleman boosted Cleveland State to a 77-70 victory over Valpo at the Athletics-Recreation Center.


Homestand Continues for Crusaders Wednesday Night


Freshman Dani Franklin is expected to return for the Brown and Gold Wednesday night as Valparaiso welcomes Cleveland State to the Athletics-Recreation Center for the penultimate home game of the 2014-15 season. The Crusaders are looking to earn a split in the regular season series versus the Vikings, who emerged with a 69-62 victory over Valpo back on January 8th.


Penguins, Schlegel Hold on Loosely in Win over Valpo Women


Four Crusaders made their way into double figures, but Penguin forward Heidi Schlegel recorded 38 points for the second straight game Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Jasmyn Walker tallied her third consecutive double-double as the freshman finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds.


Valpo Women Return Home for "Pink" Game vs. Penguins


Cancer survivors will be honored prior to tipoff of the Valpo women's 1:35 pm tilt versus Youngstown State on Saturday. The Crusaders can move to within one game of Milwaukee with a win over a Penguins' squad who opened this season with a 10-game winning streak.


Crusaders Go Cold in Green Bay


A 12-minute field goal drought by the Brown and Gold allowed Green Bay to run away with an 87-45 victory Thursday night at the Kress Events Center. Freshman Jasmyn Walker posted her fifth double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds.


First-Place Phoenix Await Crusaders Thursday Night


Valparaiso travels to Green Bay to square off against the first-place Phoenix Thursday night before returning home for a three-game homestand. Reigning Horizon League Freshman of the Week Jasmyn Walker (9.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG) leads the Crusaders into the Kress Events Center where Valpo seeks its first win since March 1st, 1991.


Walker Collects Third HL Freshman of the Week Honor


Jasmyn Walker was rewarded for her outstanding performance versus Milwaukee last Thursday with her third Horizon League Freshman of the Week award. Walker's 18 points and 13 rebounds rallied the Crusaders to a 69-56 victory over the visiting Panthers.


Walker Leads Crusaders to 69-56 Win over Milwaukee


Freshman Jasmyn Walker tallied 18 points and 13 rebounds to help power the Valparaiso women's basketball team past Milwaukee, 69-56, at the Athletics-Recreation Center on Thursday night. The 56 points allowed were the fewest surrendered by the Crusaders since November 20th.


Valpo Women Open February Home Slate Thursday vs. Milwaukee


The Crusaders play their first of four home games in the month of February this Thursday evening at 7:05 pm. Led by senior Ashley Green (20.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG), Milwaukee is currently occupied in a four-team logjam for fourth place in the Horizon League.


Franklin Selected HL Freshman of the Week for Third Time


Back-to-back 20-point performances versus Detroit and Wright State have earned Dani Franklin her third Horizon League Freshman of the Week award, as announced by the league office Monday. Franklin has averaged 16.0 points per game and shot 52.7% from the field in her last six contests.


Wright State Erupts to Erase Halftime Deficit Versus Valpo


Jessica Carr's half-court heave gave Valparaiso a 42-40 halftime lead over Wright State. However, the Raiders responded with a 26-3 run as part of a 55-point second half en route to a 95-66 win versus the Brown and Gold Saturday afternoon at the Ervin J. Nutter Center in Dayton.


Crusaders, Raiders to Conclude Season Series Saturday


Valparaiso wraps up its swing trip Saturday afternoon in search of a regular season series split with Wright State. Freshmen Dani Franklin and Jasmyn Walker starred for the Crusaders in last month’s meeting versus the Raiders, as they combined for 33 points and 18 rebounds.


Crusaders Put It All Together in Detroit


What began as an intriguing battle between two budding freshmen blossomed into a thorough team effort from the Crusaders Thursday night. Valpo manufactured a 74-68 victory over the Titans in Motor City thanks in part to three players finishing in double figures.


Rising Stars on Display in Detroit Thursday Night


Horizon League play continues for the Valparaiso women's basketball team Thursday night at Calihan Hall. Three-time HL Freshman of the Week Darianne Seward and the Titans welcome Dani Franklin and Jasmyn Walker, both two-time recipients of the award, in a 6:00 pm CT tilt.


Despite Strong Second Half, Crusaders Fall to Phoenix


The Valparaiso women's basketball team outscored the visiting Green Bay Phoenix 35-29 in the second half, but it wasn't enough as the defending Horizon League regular season champions advanced to 6-0 in league play with a 67-52 victory Thursday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.


Valpo Women Return Home to Host Green Bay


Valparaiso plays host to perennial powerhouse Green Bay on Thursday evening at the ARC. The Phoenix are five wins away from their 16th straight campaign of 20 wins or more. Meanwhile, the Crusaders are in search of their fourth win at home this season.


First-Half Scoring Drought Costs Crusaders in Chicago


For the second year in a row, the UIC Pavilion rims were unkind to the Brown and Gold as the visitors weathered a dry spell of nearly eleven minutes in the first half of a 60-42 loss to the Flames on Tuesday night.


UIC Awaits Valpo Women Tuesday Evening


Valparaiso will make the short trip over to the Windy City Tuesday night for a Horizon League contest versus UIC. The two teams will close out the regular season series after meeting just 17 days prior at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Both teams are coming off road losses to Milwaukee in their last games.


Milwaukee Outlasts Crusaders, 90-79


Lexi Miller posted a career-high 21 points while Jessica Carr recorded a career-best eleven assists, but Milwaukee claimed a 90-79 shootout at the Klotsche Center on Wednesday evening behind Ashley Green's 31 points.


Tracey Dorow Joins the Valpo Coaches Show


With Horizon League play underway for the Valparaiso women's basketball team, head coach Tracey Dorow joins the Valpo Coaches Show to discuss the contributions she's received from a pair of freshmen, and what the Crusaders can expect in the week to come.


Valpo Travels to Milwaukee for Wednesday Night Tilt


After playing five of its last six games inside the Athletics-Recreation Center, Valparaiso hits the road for a Wednesday night showdown with Milwaukee. Senior Jessica Carr needs just five three-pointers to reach 100 for her career.


Walker Earns Second HL Player of the Week Award


Jasmyn Walker earned her second career Freshman of the Week honor from the Horizon League office after averaging 12.5 points and 10.0 rebounds per game in two league tilts.


Crusader Women Fall to Raiders at Home


The Wright State women's basketball team closed the first half on a 13-2 run as the Raiders claimed an 80-62 win over Valpo at the Athletics-Recreation Center Saturday afternoon. Freshmen Dani Franklin and Jasmyn Walker combined for 33 points while the latter recorded her second double-double in four games.


Valpo Set to Entertain Wright State on Saturday Afternoon


Valparaiso wraps up its three-game homestand Saturday afternoon versus Wright State at 1:35 pm. Player of the Year candidate Tay’ler Mingo (22.7 PPG, 5.0 APG, 3.7 SPG) will lead the charge for the Raiders while Jasmyn Walker seeks to continue her excellence in Horizon League play (15.3 PPG, 8.3 RPG).


Perimeter Shooting Betrays Valpo in 71-54 Loss to Oakland


Valparaiso entered Thursday evening's game owners of the Horizon League's best three-point field percentage, but a 1-for-15 night from beyond the arc hamstrung the Crusaders in a 71-54 loss to Oakland at the Athletics-Recreation Center.


Crusader Women Aim to Get Back on Track Thursday vs. Oakland


Valparaiso continues one of its longest home stretches of the season Thursday when Oakland visits the ARC for a 7:05 pm tipoff. The Golden Grizzlies made quick work of the visiting Milwaukee Panthers in their league opener last Saturday. Meanwhile, the Brown and Gold are in pursuit of their first Horizon League victory of the 2014-15 season.


Campbell Leads Flames to Win over Valpo Women


Sparked by Ruvanna Campbell's 30 points and 19 rebounds, UIC seized an 86-56 victory over the Crusaders Saturday afternoon. Valpo freshman Jasmyn Walker paced the Brown and Gold with 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting. It was the freshman's fourth consecutive double-figure tilt.


Long-Standing Rivalry Continues Saturday Afternoon


Valparaiso hosts its first Horizon League contest of the 2014-15 slate when HL Player of the Year candidate Ruvanna Campbell (16.9 PPG, 12.9 RPG) and the UIC Flames visit the Athletics-Recreation Center Saturday afternoon. The Crusaders and Flames will be meeting for the 42nd time in the history of the series, with the Brown and Gold holding a 21-20 advantage.


Vikings Launch Second Half Comeback to Overcome Crusaders


Freshman Jasmyn Walker collected her first double-double Thursday, but Valparaiso fell to Cleveland State 69-62 at the Wolstein Center. The Crusaders return to action Saturday afternoon at 1:35 pm when the UIC Flames visit the ARC.


Horizon League Action Begins Thursday in Cleveland


Valparaiso aims to duplicate its regular season start when Horizon League play opens Thursday evening in Cleveland. Tomorrow evening's meeting represents the third of five trips to the state of Ohio for Valpo in 2014-15.


Peters, Franklin Named Athletes of the Month


Alec Peters (men's basketball) and Dani Franklin (women's basketball) have been named the Valparaiso athletic department's Student-Athletes of the Month for December.


Jasmyn Walker Crowned HL Freshman of the Week


The Horizon League announced Jasmyn Walker as its Freshman of the Week Monday. The honor is the forward's first in a Crusader uniform. In two games last week, Walker averaged 18 points and six rebounds per game.


Stetson Seals Victory over Crusaders with Second Half Run


Haylee Thompson nailed down her second straight double-double, and Jasmyn Walker put together one of her strongest games in a Crusader uniform, but a pair of bookend runs by Stetson lifted the Hatters to a 73-62 win Saturday at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valparaiso begins Horizon League play Thursday afternoon in Cleveland.


Valpo Women Set for Final Tune-Up Before Horizon League Play


The Crusaders will host Stetson on Saturday afternoon in a 1:35 pm CT tipoff in their final non-conference test of the 2014-15 season. The Brown and Gold have concluded non-league play with wins in six of their last eight seasons.


Crusaders Snap Skid in Shootout with Purdue-Calumet


Three Crusaders notched double-doubles, freshmen Dani Franklin and Jasmyn Walker extended their career highs in points, and Valparaiso recorded its tenth-highest offensive output in a single game in a 109-81 win over Purdue-Calumet Tuesday night at the Athletics-Recreation Center.


Crusaders Aim to Return to Winning Ways Tuesday Evening


The sun may be setting on 2014, but the Crusaders have one more date circled on this year’s calendar as they welcome Purdue-Calumet to the ARC on Tuesday night at 7:05 pm. The Peregrines are flying high in part because their high-octane offense ranks 3rd in scoring in NAIA Division II.


Career Days Don't Cut It for Crusader Women


Anne Hamilton (Chanhassen, Minn./Minnetonka) had the half of her life, Jessica Carr (Arcadia, Ind./Hamilton Heights) finished with career highs in points and rebounds, but it wasn't enough as SIU-Edwardsville turned a four-point halftime deficit into a 77-65 victory at the Vadalabene Center on Saturday afternoon.


Crusaders and Cougars Tangle Saturday in Edwardsville


Valparaiso heads south for its penultimate game of the 2014 calendar year. A win Saturday would represent the Brown and Gold’s first in the state of Illinois since January 22nd, 2011, when they handed Loyola (Chicago) a 65-58 defeat in the Windy City.


Franklin Collects Second HL Freshman of the Week Award


The Horizon League named Dani Franklin as its Freshman of the Week on Monday. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native netted 18 points and six rebounds in both games this past week.


Valpo Women Fall to Illinois at Home


Saturday's tilt at the ARC had a handful of familiar ingredients: freshman Dani Franklin (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/George Washington) led the Crusaders in scoring, and their opponent opened the contest with a double-digit run en route to a school record for three-pointers in a game.


Crusader Women Face Big Ten Foe Illinois Saturday


The Crusaders play their final home game before Christmas this weekend as Illinois stops by the ARC for a Saturday matinee. Valpo aims to jump back over the .500 mark at home versus its second Big Ten opponent in a month.


Strong Start Lifts South Dakota to 81-62 Victory over Valpo


Freshman Dani Franklin (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/George Washington) led all scorers with 18 points, but the Crusaders dropped an 81-62 contest Tuesday night in a game that may be best remembered for its DakotaDome-record 11 jump balls.


Coyotes Await Crusaders in South Dakota for Tuesday Tilt


Valparaiso travels to Vermillion, South Dakota for the first time ever Tuesday. The Coyotes, who represented the Summit League in the NCAA Tournament last season, are in the midst of a five-game homestand. Meanwhile, the Brown and Gold enter Tuesday’s matchup attempting to snap a four-game losing streak.


Crusader Women Sign Four to NLI


Head women's basketball coach Tracey Dorow announced the signings of Meredith Hamlet (sister of Annemarie), Claire Marburger, Hannah Schaub, and Allison Schofield on Monday. All four will begin their Crusader careers as freshmen in 2015-16.


Golden Hurricane Make it Rain from Deep; Down Crusaders at ARC


Jessica Carr recorded a career-high eight assists, but Tulsa raised the nylon on a school-record 15 threes in an 87-63 defeat of the Crusaders Saturday afternoon at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Valpo had four players finish in double figures including Jasmyn Walker, who contributed 16 points and nine rebounds.


Women's Basketball Looks to Rebound Saturday Against Tulsa


An action-packed Saturday is on tap at the Athletics-Recreation Center as women's basketball kicks off a day-night doubleheader at 1:35 pm versus Tulsa. The Crusaders and Golden Hurricane enter this weekend's tilt with identical 3-4 records.


Crusader Women Fall Flat in Second Half, Lose 82-59 to RedHawks


Miami of Ohio turned a one-point halftime deficit into a 23-point victory Wednesday afternoon at Millett Hall in Oxford. RedHawk forward Hannah McCue nailed seven three-pointers as she scored a career-high 26 points and secured 15 rebounds. Jessi Wiedemann led Valpo in scoring with nine points.


Old Rivals Square Off on New Stage


Valparaiso head coach Tracey Dorow and Miami (OH) head coach Cleve Wright went toe-to-toe seven times when their former teams were members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). Dorow led Ferris State to a 6-1 record over the Wright-led Gannon Golden Knights from 2002-08. On Wednesday afternoon, the two reconvene in Oxford, Ohio for a non-conference tilt.


Crusaders Assemble Valiant Effort Versus #12 Louisville


The Crusader women's basketball team ditched its polite defense Sunday en route to accumulating a season-best six steals, but #12 Louisville owned a 54-34 advantage in the paint as the Cardinals picked up an 86-59 win over the Brown and Gold at the Athletics-Recreation Center.


12th-Ranked Louisville Swoops Into ARC Sunday


Valparaiso hosts a ranked opponent for the first time in nearly three years Sunday when the 12th-ranked Louisville Cardinals fly into town for a matinee. Louisville is coming off a 2013-14 campaign that yielded a 33-win season highlighted by an Elite Eight appearance.


Crusader Women Suffer Road Defeat to Zips


Akron exploded for a 59-point second half en route to a 100-65 victory over Valparaiso Tuesday night at the James A. Rhodes Arena. Freshman Dani Franklin put up 16 points and eight rebounds, while Annemarie Hamlet reached double figures for the second time in her young Crusader career.


Valpo Takes Its Talents to Akron Tuesday Night


The Crusader women will make their first of five trips to the state of Ohio this season when they tip-off versus the Akron Zips on Tuesday evening. The Zips represented the Mid-American Conference in last season's NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, Valpo aims to do something it hasn't done in 40 seasons.


Franklin Named Horizon League Freshman of the Week


Four days after recording her first career double-double at Northern Illinois, freshman Dani Franklin (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/George Washington) earned Horizon League Freshman of the Week honors, as announced by the league office Monday.


Crusaders Dial It Up From Deep to Defeat Tennessee Tech


Valparaiso shot over 50% from the field in both halves of its 79-61 victory over Tennessee Tech at the ARC. Jessica Carr dropped in 16 points on 4-of-5 shooting from three-point range and Abby Dean registered 15 points. The Brown and Gold are off to their first 3-1 start since the 2008-09 season.


Crusaders Aim to Continue Winning Ways Saturday vs. Tennessee Tech


Valparaiso takes to the court for the third time in five days as its welcomes Tennessee Tech to the ARC for a Saturday night tilt. The Crusaders and Golden Eagles met last November for the first time in history, with TTU prevailing 84-78. Valpo is currently in a stretch where it plays one home game a week for five weeks.


Franklin's First Career Double-Double Leads Crusaders Past NIU


Lexi Miller (Caledonia, Mich./Caledonia) supplied the scoring, Jasmyn Walker (Muskegon, Mich./Mona Shores) provided the rebounding, and Dani Franklin (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/George Washington) did both as Valparaiso collected its first road win of the season with a 65-50 defeat of Northern Illinois Thursday night at the Convocation Center in DeKalb.


Crusader Women Wrap Up Road Trip at NIU Thursday Evening


Valpo faces its first out-of-state opponent Thursday as Northern Illinois plays host to the Crusaders. The Huskies own a 17-2 advantage in the all-time series, but the Brown and Gold won the most recent affair, 54-49, last January in Valparaiso.


Valpo Falls to Indiana Tuesday Night


Freshman Dani Franklin was 3-for-5 beyond the arc as her 11 points paced the Crusaders inside Assembly Hall Tuesday night. But Indiana's Tyra Buss and Larryn Brooks combined for 36 points and ten steals in a 81-49 Hoosier victory.


Crusaders Begin Road Play Inside Iconic Assembly Hall


Valparaiso takes to the road for the first time Tuesday night when it squares off against Indiana. The Hoosiers waxed Gardner-Webb, 115-54, in their season opener Saturday. Tuesday represents the Crusaders’ first trip to Bloomington since Nov. 15th, 2006.


Crusader Women Open Season with a Bang


Crusaders match their highest offensive output in a season opener since 1992 in a 91-57 victory over Butler on Friday evening. Five players finished in double figures including junior Abby Dean, who dropped in 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting.


Familiar Foe Visits ARC in Season Opener


Head coach Tracey Dorow is in search of her 250th career win as the Crusaders begin the 2014-15 regular season versus longtime rival Butler. In addition to a new coaching staff, the Bulldogs welcome six new players from a squad that went 10-8 in Big East play a season ago.


Crusaders Pegged 8th in Horizon League Preseason Poll


A poll of the league's head coaches, sports information directors, and various media members predicts an 8th place finish for the Valparaiso women's basketball team in the Horizon League.


Crusader Women Drop Exhibition to UW-Parkside


The Valparaiso women’s basketball team opened up the 2014-15 campaign on Saturday afternoon at the ARC, dropping a 69-52 decision to UW-Parkside in exhibition action. Freshman Dani Franklin led the Crusaders with 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting.


What You Need to Know - Valpo Women's Basketball


The Crusaders hit the hardwood in just over 24 hours when they welcome UW-Parkside to the ARC for an exhibition contest. Today, we delve into this season's team, schedule, and how the rest of the Horizon League projects.


Valpo Hoops Dodgeball Challenge Set for October 16


The ValparaiZone and Valpo Men's and Women's Basketball Teams are excited to announce the Valpo Hoops Dodgeball Challenge for students. This event, which will take place Thursday, October 16, at 7:00 p.m. in the ARC, is sure to generate excitement around the upcoming basketball season.


Crusaders Release 2014-15 Schedule


Head coach Tracey Dorow announced the 2014-15 women's basketball schedule Thursday, a slate that includes a home tilt versus the Louisville Cardinals in late November. The Crusaders open the regular season at the ARC on Friday, Nov. 14th versus the Butler Bulldogs. Horizon League play tips off Jan. 8th when Valpo travels to Cleveland State.


Horton Signs Professional Contract with TG Neuss in Germany


Former Crusader Liz Horton, who graduated this past May, signed a contract last week to play professionally with Turngemeinde (TG) Neuss. TG Neuss is a Division II club, the second-highest of seven levels in Germany.


Good as Gold: Cisneros Reflects on Valpo, Paralympic Career

Nearly two decades ago, Patty Cisneros lost the use of her legs in an automobile accident. What she went on to accomplish can be described only as awe-inspiring. The Valpo Athletics Hall of Famer, graduate, two-time Paralympic Gold Medalist, newlywed, and proud mother shared her story this past week.