Drake Bulldogs Shine on 2025-26 MVC Women’s Basketball Watch List

Drake University’s women’s basketball team is making some real noise this year. Four standout players just landed spots on the 2025-26 Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Players to Watch List.

This nod shines a light on seniors Abbie Aalsma and Ava Hawthorne, plus freshmen Anna Becker and Mylea Monahan. Clearly, Drake’s got a strong presence in college hoops, and the buzz for the upcoming season is building fast.

Drake’s Senior Stars: Abbie Aalsma and Ava Hawthorne

Seniors Abbie Aalsma and Ava Hawthorne lead the Bulldogs this year. Both have shown real skill and steady play, earning their places on the MVC Players to Watch List.

Abbie Aalsma: A Sharpshooter with a Scholarly Edge

Abbie Aalsma comes from Waupun, Wisconsin, and she’s made her mark since joining Drake. Last season, she picked up MVC Third Team Scholar-Athlete honors and was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team.

She started in 28 of 34 games after working her way up from the bench. That kind of grit and growth says a lot about her drive.

• Field Goal Percentage: 49%
• Three-Point Shooting: 45%
• Total Rebounds: 64
• Assists: 67
• Steals: 18

Her single-game high of 20 points at Southern Illinois really stands out. Aalsma’s cool under pressure and her academic chops make her one to keep an eye on.

Ava Hawthorne: Consistency and Versatility

Ava Hawthorne, a Gilbert High School grad, has been a steady presence for the Bulldogs. She started six games last season and played in all 34, showing up every time her team needed her.

Her shooting stats are solid—48% from the field and 39% from three. That career-high 19-point performance against Saint Louis in November 2024, including four threes, was pretty memorable.

As a senior, Hawthorne brings experience and reliability that Drake will lean on this season.

Fresh Faces: Anna Becker and Mylea Monahan

Drake’s roster also features two promising freshmen, Anna Becker and Mylea Monahan. They’re both loaded with talent and ready to make an impact.

Anna Becker: A Rising Star from Topeka

Anna Becker, a 5’10” guard out of Topeka, Kansas, played her high school ball at Seaman. She racked up two United Kansas Conference (UKC) Player of the Year awards, plus a bunch of All-UKC, All-Shawnee County, and All-State honors.

She was also named Dan Key Rising Star Female Athlete of the Year as a junior. Not a bad résumé for someone just starting college ball.

• Height: 5’10”
• High School: Seaman High School
• Accolades: UKC Player of the Year, All-UKC, All-Shawnee County, All-State

Becker consistently put up double figures during her varsity years. Fans and analysts are definitely going to keep tabs on how she adjusts to the college game.

Mylea Monahan: Continuing a Family Legacy

Mylea Monahan, a 5’7″ guard from Silver Lake, Minnesota, has a special tie to Drake. Her sister, Maddie Monahan, starred for the Bulldogs from 2017-22 and even coached her at Glencoe-Silver Lake High School.

Mylea’s athletic range is impressive—she earned all-conference honors and varsity letters in basketball, soccer, and track & field.

• Height: 5’7″
• High School: Glencoe-Silver Lake
• Sports: Basketball, Soccer, Track & Field

She helped lead the Panthers to three straight section finals. Her early contributions could really shape the Bulldogs’ chemistry this year.

Looking Ahead: The 2025-26 Season

The 2025-26 Drake women’s basketball season kicks off on November 3rd at Eastern Illinois. Before that, they’ll host Dakota Wesleyan for an exhibition on October 28th.

With Aalsma, Hawthorne, Becker, and Monahan all on the MVC Players to Watch List, expectations are running high for this squad.

For more info on the MVC Players to Watch List or updates on the Bulldogs, check the official Drake Bulldogs website.