The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team wrapped up another successful season, finishing 20-9 overall and extending its streak of consecutive 20-win seasons to six. While the Warhawks’ season ended with a 62-46 loss to the University of Chicago in the Round of 32, they once again proved themselves as one of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s (WIAC) most consistent programs.

Despite the early exit on the national stage, the Warhawks’ season was defined by defensive intensity, balanced scoring and team chemistry. Those three elements carried them through a competitive schedule and into the NCAA Tournament.

Defense served as the backbone of the team’s identity all season long. The Warhawks held opponents to just 55.6 points per game, consistently creating problems for opposing offenses. Senior guard Renee Rittmeyer, who earned All-WIAC Defensive Team honors, was a key part of that effort.

“Our defense is all about effort, grit and wanting more than your opponent,” Rittmeyer said. “Our defense is our identity and something our coaches consistently emphasize. We want to be the toughest defensive team around.”

Rittmeyer’s impact extended beyond on-ball defense, particularly in rebounding. 

“Rebounding is all effort and it’s an area of the game where I know I can make a real impact,” Rittmeyer said.

While defense anchored the Warhawks, their offensive success came from a balanced scoring approach. Rather than relying on a single player, the team saw contributions from multiple players throughout the season. 

“This year has been unique because we have so many players who can score,” Rittmeyer said. “We don’t rely on just one person, which has been really cool to be a part of.”

That balance was complemented by a strong sense of togetherness and unity. Junior guard Camryn Nies emphasized these defining characteristics.

“The grit and determination of our team has shown every year,” Nies said. “We never backed down from opponents and in every game we believed we had a chance to win.”

Nies, an All-WIAC Honorable Mention selection, pointed to team chemistry as a key factor in UW-Whitewater’s success this season.

“I think our team chemistry is what truly sets us apart. We care about one another and hold each other accountable, which we grow from,” Nies said.

That connection translated into postseason play, where the Warhawks earned a spot in their ninth-straight NCAA Tournament. Even with the pressure of the moment, the team stayed grounded in its approach.

“Our focus was on playing hard, trusting one another and enjoying the moment because not every team gets the chance to play in the tournament,” Nies said. “We wanted to represent our program well and leave everything we had on the floor.”

Leadership also played a major role in shaping the Warhawks’ season. Rather than relying on one or two voices, they thrived on a collective leadership style that saw contributions from players across the roster.

That leadership was especially evident through the senior class, which helped set the standard for the program both on and off the court. Rittmeyer and fellow senior Logan Lowry brought consistency, energy and a team-first mindset that shaped the culture throughout the season and left a lasting impact on the younger players.

Although the season ended sooner than the Warhawks had hoped, the foundation remains strong. With a core of returning talent and a culture built on defense, trust and accountability, UW-Whitewater women’s basketball will continue its success and remain a contender in the WIAC for years to come.