Athletics: Women's Basketball

The William Jewell Women’s basketball team has become known for their up tempo style of play and their pressing defense. This style of play has helped make the Cardinals one of the consistent forerunners in the competitive HAAC. The women’s program at Jewell has seen seven conference championships and they have qualified for the NAIA National Tournament three times with their highest showing being a sweet sixteen appearance in 2002-03. The Lady Cardinals also have had eleven players named to the NAIA Academic All-American Team.

William Jewell is led by Jill Cress in her 12th year as the head coach of the women’s basketball program. Before coming to Jewell, Jill was the Interim Head Coach at Ottawa University. Cress is a native of Vinton, Iowa and is a 1993 graduate of Northwestern College, Orange City Iowa.

During Cress’s Tenure at Jewell she has had the opportunity to coach 5 All-Americans (8 selections), 7 Academic All-Americans (15 selections). “William Jewell is truly a special place where students are challenged both academically and athletically. I am proud of our student athletes’ accomplishments on the court and am just as proud of the way they excel and represent our family off the court”.