ASHLAND — Renee Stimpert worked her way through the crush of humanity outside of Ashland University’s Kates Gymnasium like a traffic cop, directing fans into open areas of the lobby in an effort to relieve some of the congestion.
The AU women had just put the finishing touches on their 57th consecutive victory, a 111-46 win over Tiffin on Saturday that was every bit as one-sided as the final score indicated, and everyone wanted a piece of the 2016 Crestview graduate.
“This never gets old. The support is awesome,” Stimpert said as well-wishers patted her on the back on their way to the exits. “It’s like a dream come true.”
A sophomore and the starting point guard on the No. 1 ranked Division II team in the nation, Stimpert has been living the dream since her arrival on campus in the fall of 2016. She played in all 37 games as a freshman as the Eagles soared to a perfect season and the Division II national championship, averaging 5.2 points and 2.2 assists per game.
“Coming from Crestview, I was the main player,” said Stimpert, who scored a Richland County-record 2,305 career points. “I came into an awesome program with two All-Americans and took on a different role.
“I had to wait my turn, but it wasn’t frustrating at all. I mean, we were undefeated and won a national championship. I like winning a lot more than scoring points.”
The 5-foot-8 Stimpert scored nine points and handed out five assists in AU’s 93-77 win over Virginia Union in last year’s national championship game. With the graduation of starting guards Alex Henning and Kelsey Peare, Stimpert seamlessly transitioned into the starting lineup this winter and the Eagles haven’t missed a beat.
“She just loves to play the game,” AU coach Robyn Fralick said. “She is a really great competitor.”
Through 20 games this season, Stimpert is averaging 9.3 points and a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference-leading 6.1 assists a game. AU averages a whopping 102 points a game, tops in all of Division II.
“My role really hasn’t changed that much this year but instead of coming off the bench I’m in the startling lineup,” Stimpert said. “My job is to get my teammates involved.”
The Eagles (20-0, 12-0) return to action Thursday at Wayne State. The Warriors (14-4, 9-3) are fourth in the GLIAC standings, three games behind AU.
The GLIAC tournament begins on the final day of February. The NCAA regionals begin March 9 with the Elite Eight scheduled for Sioux Falls, South Dakota, beginning on March 19.
So what does the defending national champ and top-ranked team plan to do for an encore after winning it all last year?
“We don’t really talk about (another national title), but that is our goal,” Stimpert said. “We talk about focusing on playing a 40 minute game and believing in the process.”
Still, it’s hard not to think about another city-wide parade.
“The support from the Purple Swarm is just unreal,” Stimpert said. “It’s an amazing environment and an amazing experience. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Coverage of Ashland University Eagles athletics is produced in partnership with OhioHealth, the official sports medicine provider for Ashland University.
