Northwest Nazarene University Athletics

The 1994-95 Northwest Nazarene College women's basketball squad enjoyed the greatest season in program history at the time, qualifying for the NAIA National Tournament for the first time and making a run to the National Championship game before finishing as the NAIA DII National Runner-Up. NNC went 23-7 overall and 9-3 in Cascade Collegiate Conference action during the season. They won nine of the first 10 regular-season games and were ranked fifth in the nation at one point during the season. It was the second-highest victory total in the women's program at the time, just one behind the 1990-91 team's 24 wins.
 
After falling in the conference tournament, the Crusaders' resume was still good enough to earn an at-large bid to the NAIA Tournament. Held at Western Oregon's home gym, NNC rattled off victories over Hardin-Simmons (TX), Huron (SD), No. 2 overall seed Findlay (OH), and a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Mount Mercy (IA) in the semifinal to reach the title game. However, it was host Western Oregon who claimed the national championship, 75-67.
 
On the year, Donna Knight was the team's leading scorer with 14.5 points per game, followed by Kari Smith at 12.8 points per game and Ellen Duncan at 12.6 points per game. Knight and Sandra van Langen shared top rebounding honors at 6.3 per game. Knight earned Second Team All-American honors, and Mary Kessel was named an Honorable Mention All-American.

Members of the Hall of Fame team include: head coach Roger Schmidt, assistant coach Eric Ely, players Donna Knight, Kari Smith, Ellen Tamminga, Sandra van Langen, Erica Benear, Jen Fowler DeVore, Kathy Kyle, Lisa Schram Cheney, Jen Long, Wende Kornstad Tindall, Mary Kessel, Kristi Mylander, and Jeri Ross, and managers Jennifer Luhn Vasquez and Robby Robinson.