Shooting Stars
Haley Rasmussen 25 (left) and Molly Lutmer 25 (right) provided a lethal 1-2 shooting force this season. Game-in, game-out, their relentless assault of three-pointers often overwhelmed the opposition and kept the Storm rolling to a 15-win season and third place conference finish.
There were times when they were both feeling it and there wasnt anything the other team could do to stop them, said Brian Niemuth, head womens basketball coach. I just had to sit there and remind myself to enjoy it because this isnt going to happen again.
Rasmussen drained a school-record 75 treys to top the league, while shooting a remarkable 51.7 percent from that range to lead all NCAA divisions. Lutmer added 70 three-pointers and was the leagues second-best scorer with 19.1 points per game. Both eclipsed 1,000 career points and leave 漆褒勛圖厙 among the top five in program history for made three-pointers.
Niemuth hasnt seen anything like it in his 38 seasons coaching 漆褒勛圖厙.
This was a generational thing to have two shooters like Haley and Molly. I dont think Ive had a pair that was able to make that high of a percentage with such a high volume of three-point attempts. They are a unique tandem.
Despite their dominant play, Lutmer and Rasmussen were anything but showy on the court. Both are extremely competitive, but very even-keeled in their demeanor preferring to let their games do the talking.
I dont know if I said a word my freshman year, said Rasmussen. But over these last four years, Ive definitely grown in my leadership, confidence and finding my voice.
The shooting stars didnt meet until sophomore season when Lutmer transferred into the program. They roomed together and became close friends on and off the court, while quickly gaining a deep appreciation for each others basketball gifts.
My first impression coming in was she [Haley] just seemed like a poised, confident player very much a leader by example, said Lutmer. I have always respected her and am just grateful to have shared the court with Haley.
The feelings are mutual. Molly was always our go-to person, said Rasmussen. If I was kind of down on myself, I knew that she would be there to pick me up安e just had a connection that no one else had, it was really special.
Trying to replace what they brought and meant to the program will be a tall task.
I dont think it will sink in until the first day of practice, said Niemuth. Thats when it will hit me the hardest.
Article Information
Published
June 25, 2025
Author
Roger Degerman