Watertown Luther Preparatory Girls’ Varsity Basketball: 2025 Winter Season Recap

The 2024-2025 winter basketball season at Watertown Luther Preparatory was marked by growth, grit, and great teamwork. Under the guidance of Head Coach Eric Paulsen, the girls’ varsity basketball team finished with an impressive 19-4 record, tying for first place in their conference—a significant improvement from their 13-12 record the previous year. We sat down with Coach Paulsen to get an inside look at what made this season special, who the key players were, and what the future holds for the program.

Leadership from a Seasoned MVP

Watertown Luther Prep’s season was led by none other than Eleanor Wendorff, a three-time MVP and all-conference standout who has been the team’s starting point guard since her freshman year. Eleanor’s leadership and consistent high-level performance provided the backbone for the team’s success. She was supported by four other seniors—Harper Brands, Allyson Cole, Madeline deGalley, and Heather Wendt—each bringing different strengths and selfless play to the floor. Coach Paulsen noted, “Without their selfless play, things would have been different.” The team’s starting five was rounded out by three juniors—Hannah Fitzsimmons, Emma Neyhart, and Lydia Vasold—with Emma having earned a starting role since her freshman year, and sophomore Elizabeth Koelpin completing the lineup. The team’s depth was a key factor in balancing scoring and minutes, with 10 players contributing solidly throughout the season.

Season Overview: A Story of Growth

Coach Paulsen described the season as a strong one, highlighting the team’s improvement from the previous year. Finishing 19-4 and tying for first in the conference was a significant step forward. “The team chemistry and camaraderie were tremendous,” he said. “The girls really had a good time this year.” Despite the success, scoring was sometimes a challenge, and there were games where the team struggled to find rhythm. However, the team’s resilience was evident—they pulled out wins in close games where last year they might have fallen short. This toughness in tight moments was a defining feature of their season.

Defining Moments and Turning Points

Several key games shaped the course of the season. One major highlight was a dominant 59-39 home victory over conference rival Living Word Lutheran (LWL). The previous year, Watertown Luther had narrowly lost to LWL at home and were heavily defeated at LWL’s venue. This season’s emphatic win was a statement about the team’s improved defense and shooting. After the Christmas break, they faced Lake County Lutheran (LCL) on the road. Despite leading by nine at halftime, Watertown Luther struggled with LCL’s hot shooting in the second half and lost 75-59. The team then battled through a tough stretch of non-conference games, winning three out of four. Returning to face LWL on their home court, Watertown Luther secured a tight 54-49 victory, maintaining their momentum. The season’s climax came with a rematch against LCL, where a win would secure a share of the conference title. The game was a defensive battle early on, but Watertown Luther’s shooting improved in the second half, sealing a 60-42 victory and a triumphant end to the conference race.

Emerging Talent and Bigger Roles

Coach Paulsen pointed out that as the season progressed, some players stepped up into more prominent roles. Junior Hannah Fitzsimmons and sophomore Elizabeth Koelpin solidified their starting spots with strong play, while sophomore Elizabeth Kieselhorst provided valuable scoring off the bench. This blend of experienced seniors and developing underclassmen gives the program a solid foundation moving forward.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges

The team’s response to adversity was a standout characteristic. Coach Paulsen praised the group’s mental toughness: “This team never flinched, no matter what they faced. It was one of the strongest teams I’ve coached in that regard.” Whether dealing with tough losses, injuries, or high-pressure situations, the girls kept their composure and focus, a testament to their maturity and team culture.

Senior Leadership: The Foundation of Success

The senior class was crucial to the program’s achievements. Coach Paulsen emphasized that these players understood leadership was about more than just playing time. “Being a senior didn’t mean it was your turn to play; it was your turn to lead.” Their exemplary leadership was repeatedly recognized throughout the season, in individual meetings and at team celebrations. Their ability to lead by example, encourage teammates, and maintain a high standard of work ethic created an environment where everyone could thrive. According to Coach Paulsen, “We wouldn’t have had the season we did without their leadership.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

With a strong returning core, the outlook for Watertown Luther Prep girls’ basketball is very promising. Coach Paulsen expressed excitement about the continued development of returning players and the overall growth of the program. The combination of seasoned juniors and sophomores ready to take on larger roles suggests sustained competitiveness.

Offseason Focus: Sharpening Skills and Strength

Offseason work will focus primarily on improving shooting and developing speed and strength. Many players are multi-sport athletes, which Coach Paulsen applauds, as it contributes to overall athleticism. The goal is to make them better all-around athletes regardless of their current sport. This holistic approach to athletic development bodes well for the basketball program’s long-term success.

Staying Connected and Following the Team

Fans and supporters can track the team’s progress and stats through the official Wisconsin Interscholastic Sports website at https://www.wissports.net/page/show/8772078-watertown-luther-prep. This platform provides comprehensive coverage of the team’s games, player stats, and upcoming events.

Conclusion

The 2025 season for Watertown Luther Preparatory’s girls' varsity basketball team was a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and leadership. Guided by a committed senior class led by three-time MVP Eleanor Wendorff, the team built upon last year’s foundation to achieve a remarkable 19-4 record and share the conference title. Coach Eric Paulsen’s emphasis on hard work, resilience, and positive attitude helped the girls overcome challenges and improve in crucial moments. With a strong mix of returning players and emerging talent, the program is poised for continued success in the years to come. As the offseason unfolds, the team’s focus on shooting, speed, and strength development will set the stage for another competitive campaign. The spirit and determination displayed this year ensure that Watertown Luther Prep girls’ basketball remains a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the court.

Watertown Luther Preparatory Girls’ Varsity Basketball: 2025 Winter Season Recap