Drew University’s winter athletic season is off to a dynamic start, with early results from men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and men’s swimming and diving suggesting that the Rangers could carry meaningful momentum into the spring semester.
There’s a noticeable spark around the men’s basketball program this year. Under first-year head coach Ryan Van Zelst, the Rangers opened their season by winning their own Tip-Off Tournament, highlighted by a tight championship victory over TCNJ that came down to the wire, ultimately decided by clutch free throws. The momentum from that opening-day victory carried into the following weeks as the Rangers remain undefeated at 6–0, soaring to No. 20 in the D3hoops.com national Top 25 poll. The squad’s elite blend of returning veterans and high-impact newcomers has fostered a seemingly tangible cohesion, pointing them toward a potentially significant late-season push.
The women’s basketball team has shown similar promise. In one of their most impressive performances so far, the Rangers secured a hard-fought 60–46 road win over FDU-Florham, pulling away with a dominant fourth quarter. Guard Olivia Aliotta (‘27) delivered a standout performance, finishing with 16 points, 16 rebounds, three steals and two blocks, one of the strongest all-around outings by a Drew player in years. Forward Gianna Pica (‘26) added a scoring punch, and key contributions from players like Amy Rachilla (‘27) and Miabella Diaz (‘27) showcased the team’s balance and depth. At 4–2, the group appears to be rounding into form as Landmark Conference play approaches.
Men’s swimming and diving has added to the winter’s encouraging start. Despite falling to Montclair State in a dual meet, the Rangers earned six event wins, a strong indicator of the team’s individual firepower and developing depth. Sprinter Brendan Burkett (‘26) led the way with victories in both the 50 and 100 meter freestyle, while teammates Nicholas Heinio-Widell (‘27), Marcell Hudak (‘29) and Gabe Spivak (‘26) each claimed first-place finishes of their own. The 200-medley relay squad also notched a win, giving Drew momentum as they moved toward their invitational and eventual conference championships.
Taken together, these performances signal more than early-season success; they reflect a growing sense of competitive identity across the athletic department. Men’s basketball is surging under new leadership, the women’s program is showing toughness and improving balance and swimming and diving is demonstrating strength that outlines the trajectory for them to build on the success of recent seasons.
Looking ahead, the spring season represents one of the most exciting times to be a part of the Drew athletic community: whether as an athlete, coach or fan. Winter sports hit their stride, highlighted by playoff-pushes and championship runs, while the spring sports gear up to put a ribbon on another year of Ranger athletics. Ranging from the tennis and golf teams seeking to build on last season’s successful Landmark playoff runs to the baseball and women’s lacrosse teams aiming to recapture the magic from their 2024 seasons, the spring season represents the best of athletics. As winter transitions to spring, the collective progress of these teams will elevate the entire Rangers athletic community, setting up the 2025–26 academic year and spring season.
Gillian Sampson is a graduate student in the Masters of Education Program and Devan Sutaria is a senior majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in business.
