Feature photo by Carly Vadinsky
By Connor Ballou
In year two of her tenure, Coach Annalee Bollinger has orchestrated an impressive turnaround with the women’s basketball program.
During her first year at Peace in the 2024-2025 season, the Pacers finished 4-21. This year, the Pacers are 14-9 with two remaining regular-season games ahead of the USA South Postseason tournament.
Coach Bollinger’s viewpoint of success involves playing the right way and playing together as much as having a winning record.
“The success that we are looking for within this program doesn’t always mean winning,” said Bollinger. “Of course, we want to win every game we play, but right now we are focused on playing hard and playing together for 40 minutes straight every time we step on the floor. As long as we continue to compete at a high level every night and improve each game, that is a success for this group this season.”
Sophomore guard Zikira Henderson has led the team in scoring and minutes. She averages 14 points 33 minutes playing per game.
Standout first-year guard and Tennessee native Ensley Perry has emerged in her first year as one of the best first-year players in the conference. She averages 12 points per game to go along with four rebounds.
Perry said she has adapted to Peace.
“Moving from Tennessee was definitely a big change for me when I first came to Peace, since it was so far away from home and I was entering a new community with a bunch of new faces,” said Perry.
She has kept an open mind and continued to stay herself even in this new setting.
“I’ve adapted to all the new things by keeping an open mind and just being me,” said Perry. “I knew that if I did those two things, everything else would follow, and since coming to Peace, I have made a lot of new friends and found a daily routine that works for me in this new space.”
Coach Bollinger has seen growth from Perry throughout the season.
“Ensley has improved tremendously since the start of the season. Her offensive game has taken a leap, and her intensity on defense continues to get better,” said Bollinger.
Coach Bollinger praised her work ethic and the positive energy she brings to the teammates.
“She has put in a lot of work outside of practice, and I think that work has turned into confidence. Her teammates have been encouraging and supportive, and I think that has propelled her into a very good freshman season,” said Bollinger.
Ensley has a very open relationship with her coach that has benefited her on and off the court.
“My relationship with Coach Bollinger has different levels. She is my coach, a mentor, and a safe space to go to while I’m away from home. I feel we have a very honest and respectful relationship that works both on and off the court for us,” said Perry.
With two remaining regular-season matchups, the Pacers will then set their sights on the USA South Postseason tournament and look to clinch an NCAA tournament bid.