The Crusaders will go down in the record-books with last year’s squad that featured three McDonald’s All-American selections (Kate Koval- Notre Dame, Kayleigh Heckel- USC, and Syla Swords- Michigan) as well as finishing as #1 in ESPN’s final rankings with a 21-2 record.

After losing five seniors (all playing DI collegiately), head coach Christina Raiti has reloaded the Long Island Lutheran team with a youthful bunch. Lone returning starter, junior Savvy Swords (6-3), will be counted on for veteran leadership. Swords helped guide Team Canada to a silver medal in the U17 FIBA World Cup this past summer.

Junior guard Olivia Jones (5-11) also returns for the Crusaders after playing primarily off the bench last year. New additions of junior wing Sanai Green (#29 in ESPN 2026 class), junior guard Zaniyah Williams (#41 in 2026), sophomore guard Taylor Brown (USA U16 Invitee) gives Coach Raiti a new core to mold and shape as they try to be one of the nation’s best once again.