With a little over a month until Penn State kicks off its season against Bucknell, coach Carolyn Kieger and the rest of the coaching staff are finishing putting together different lineup combinations for this year’s matchups.
Boasting one of its strongest all-around rosters in several years, the Lady Lions have a lot of talent to choose from. Regardless of who makes the starting five, the blue and white will have depth that will allow for frequent substitutions and rotations on the court.
4 guards, 1 center
Kieger is known to play guard-heavy from her earlier years at Penn State and Marquette, and this year could be no different.
The blue and white have a lot of depth at guard this year including Kiyomi McMiller, Moriah Murray and Shayla Smith.
Guard Moriah Murray (3) dribbles the ball against Maryland, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2024 in Rec Hall in University Park, Pa. The Terrapins beat the Nittany Lions 82-73.
Luke Kupstas
In a four-guard rotation, the three could be joined by veteran Vitoria Santana or freshman Viktoria Ranisavljevic — one of the top guards from Switzerland.
The Lady Lions also have sophomore Shaelyn Steele and French freshman Tea Cleante who could both fight for that last spot.
The lineup would ultimately round out with 6-foot-6-inch Gracie Merkle at the five spot, who started in all but three games last year.
3 guards, 1 forward, 1 center
After last year’s forwards averaged just over 10 minutes per game, this year’s front court will have a lot more action.
Between Amiya Evans, Rachel Okokoh and Nyla McFadden, Kieger may keep a forward on the floor at all times. While Okokoh has international experience, Evans is the only one of the three with collegiate playing time.
In December, volleyball national champion middle blocker Maggie Mendelson will join the team, and will also be a top contender for that starting spot.
Middle blocker Maggie Mendelson (44) hits the ball during the Penn State women’s volleyball game against Princeton at Rec Hall on Friday, Sept. 13, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions beat the Tigers 3-2.
Geraldine Cruz
Lining up alongside one of the four forwards in this scenario will likely be Murray, Smith, McMiller and Merkle.
3 guards, 2 centers
The Lady Lions became one of the tallest teams in the Big Ten with the addition of 6-foot-5-inch Mendelson.
Though pretty unlikely, Penn State could see both Mendelson and Merkle on the floor, locking the paint down at all times.
Merkle played strong under the basket last year but often struggled in transition, an area where a much more mobile and explosive Mendelson — as shown on the volleyball court — could take over and flourish.
The tall duo would mark one of the tallest lineups in the nation, and could be matched with Murray, McMiller and Smith dominating the backcourt.
2 guards, 2 forwards, 1 center
While highly unlikely, Kieger could feature a traditional basketball lineup with two guards, two forwards and a center.
Guard Vitoria Santana (10) looks to pass the ball while being while head coach Carolyn Kieger giver her a signal during Penn State Women’s basketball annual Pink Zone game against Wisconsin in the Bryce Jordan Center on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Lady lions lost to the Badgers 75-68.
Esteban Marenco
In this situation, Murray and McMiller would likely get the start due to their experience, making Smith the sixth man.
Evans is an obvious lock at one of the two forward positions, although the second would be a toss-up between Mendelson and Okokoh. Since Mendelson won’t be with the team until the volleyball season is over, Okokoh would likely get the look.
Merkle would finish off the lineup, composed of an elite ball-handler, a 3-point sharpshooter and three players over six feet.
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