When Abby Hausner ’26 first arrived at Bucknell, she thought she’d have to leave basketball behind.
“I remember I was sad because I didn’t see that there was a team on the Bucknell website,” Hausner recalled. “But then when I got here I saw it at the Activities Fair, I was so excited because I wanted to play and I signed up.”
Her co-captain, Carol Anne Bredeson ’26, had a similar story.
“I played basketball in high school and I was really sad when I didn’t see that club basketball was offered at Bucknell,” Bredeson said. “But thankfully, I saw it at the Activities Fair. It was really great because the team had just started when Abby and I were freshmen, so it was perfect timing.”
Now, as seniors, both Hausner and Bredeson are leading the women’s club basketball program, alongside fellow co-captains Charlotte Hughes ’27 and Lindsey Preston ’27.
For Hausner, the chance to become captain was a natural progression.
“When last year’s captains asked me to become a captain I was so excited. I love club basketball and would always show up to practice, so I was happy to do it!”
Bredeson emphasized the importance of consistency and encouragement in her leadership.
“I always enjoyed mentoring younger girls informally and being a support system and encouraging people to play, especially at Bucknell when playing is not an obligation.”
Hughes added that the role has been about both basketball and community: “Club basketball has been an incredible opportunity on campus to connect with wonderful people while playing the sport that I love. I always look forward to practices and games with an outstanding group of people and am deeply appreciative of everyone who helps make this team happen!”
While the team has yet to play its first official game this semester, practices are buzzing with energy.
“We haven’t had any games yet because it’s early for us… but we’ll probably play Bloomsburg as a scrimmage. That’s always a fun one because we’re competitive with them.”
Bredeson added that the foundation being built in practice is especially promising.
“I’m really excited because we have seen a really great first-year turnout,” she said. “We have more numbers than we’ve had in the past, which is really awesome. Practice is always really fun– It makes it so enjoyable to go twice a week.”
The team gathers Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9 p.m., balancing drills with free play and plenty of fun.
“We start out shooting around a little bit and then we’ll do layups and a fun passing drill,” Hausner explained. “We try to change it up sometimes. We do 11-man, which everyone loves, and then incorporate different drills. Usually we scrimmage, and then end practice with something fun, like knockout.”
Bredeson added that the informal structure is intentional.
“For the most part, we don’t have a really strict or intense practice plan,” she said. “It’s really just about showing up and playing basketball, especially because, as girls, you never see a spontaneous pickup basketball game that’s very organized. So it’s really nice when you get the opportunity just to play. We get competitive, which makes it fun. As captain, I also try to make sure I’m recognizing girls on the team. You want to make sure people feel like they’re contributing to the team.”
Uniquely, the women’s club team also has a lineup of student coaches– male peers who volunteer their time. Over the years, the coaches have become known for their sideline presence, especially their tradition of wearing full suits to games.
“This year we have senior head coaches Jeffrey Killian [’26] and Hugh Straine [’26], and then junior Evan Simioni [’27] is our assistant coach. We’re really happy to have them,” Bredeson said. “It’s a collaborative relationship. They’ll play with us, give us tips and offer their perspectives. It just makes the experience more fun.”
While winning is always a motivator, the captains emphasize that the team’s real goal is creating a positive and healing space for players.
“I think every year we get more competitive, which is awesome,” Hausner said. “One of our goals is obviously to win. But also just to let girls play basketball. A lot of people come into college with not-so-great high school experiences. Club basketball is a good way for them to heal those negative relationships.”
Bredeson echoed this sentiment. “Club basketball healed my relationship with basketball,” she said. “Now I can love it without thinking about the difficult times I had with it. So encouraging as many people as possible to show up is the goal. Winning is great, but the best thing is always when people genuinely want to be there.”
Some of the best memories for the captains are tied not just to victories, but to resilience and friendship.
“One of the most memorable experiences we’ve had is when we literally had only five girls, and we drove all the way to Rutgers,” Hausner said. “We played our butts off, and it was actually so fun. Afterwards, we all got Wawa. It was a true team bonding experience.”
For Bredeson, the relationships built through the team are the most meaningful takeaway.
“I’ve met some amazing people from club basketball,” she said. “I’m so grateful for the older girls who made this such a great experience for me, and I always want to keep that going.”
When asked what advice they’d give to someone considering joining, both captains emphasized the welcoming atmosphere.
“Just come– you’re going to have a great time!” Hausner said. “Even if you’re not that into basketball, it’s a good environment and a way to let off steam.”
Bredeson added: “People always say they’re too busy, or can only come once a week. And I just say, show up whenever you can! I’ve never left practice feeling like I shouldn’t have gone. It always makes me feel better.”
Whether chasing down wins, shooting half-court shots for fun or bonding over postgame Wawa runs, Bucknell’s women’s club basketball team is proving that sports at their best are about both competition and community.
