Rockford University

During the winter of 1986-87, the women's basketball team made things very exciting in Seaver Gymnasium. After posting a 15-9 record and returning everyone off last year's squad, Coach Steve Crick openly expressed optimism about winning the team's first NIIC Championship in seven years. 

When the team was 10-0 at Christmas, the excitement began to grow as a rugged NIIC schedule lay ahead. Led by seniors Carie Walker and Stephanie Johnson, teammates from Black Hawk Community College, and Jean Moore, a transfer from Rock Valley College, the Regents eased through the first round of NIIC play undefeated, rising to 10th in the national polls. The unbeaten streak ended at 22-0, when Rockford fell to Benedictine. However, the ladies finished strong down the stretch ending the regular season 24-1 to claim the NIIC Championship. Rockford was rewarded for their phenomenal regular season with a berth in the NCAA Tournament and was selected as a host site for the Great Lakes Regional. Rockford opened the Regional with a 69-66 win over St. Thomas before falling 67-64 to William Penn, Iowa. 

Carie Walker and Stephanie Johnson were each named Honorable Mention All-Americans by the American Basketball Coaches Association.