Photograph by Anthony Bauer


Stacia Nemitz has a career high of 27 points in a single game against Dubuque on Nov. 24.

Stacia Nemitz does not just beat the odds; she cuts around a pick to score two points on the odds with a hook shot before they even know what happened.

“Unless they know my story, people think I’m just like every other college student,” Nemitz said.

From a first impression, she fits that role very well. Nemitz is set to graduate in May on the Honor Roll with a degree in health promotion, and she works in catering on campus. She is also a bit of a bookworm and looks forward to reading for fun after graduation.

Aside from her basketball career, Nemitz has also played volleyball and participated in track.

The inspiration for working hard and keeping herself on track does not come solely from her competitive nature, but instead from her daughter, Madison. Nemitz does not miss any of the typical college experiences, instead she fondly recalls watching Disney cartoons with her daughter while doing homework.

The skills she has learned from managing her role as a parent with a full load at school, a job and playing for the Pioneers is reflected in her leadership role as team captain.

“She is after it, day after day,” said assistant coach Lisa Wubben. “She runs at one speed on and off the court.”
Assistant coach Clint Nemitz says that Stacia helps the younger members of her team both on the court and off, serving as a mentor to her friends in all areas of their lives. It is this camaraderie that she loves most about basketball.

Nemitz first found an interest in playing while watching her father coach boy’s basketball in grade school, and that interest kept her involved through high school and into college with the Pioneers, until a knee injury sidelined her in her freshman year.

Forced to sit out of active play, Nemitz “learned a lot from watching,” and matured as a player through observation. Returning from a two-year hiatus in her senior year, Nemitz shot to the top of the game by the end of her first season back.

Upon graduation, Nemitz plans to work at her sister’s chiropractic office educating patients on health and wellness. Nemitz is even looking to add a few marathons to her athletic experience, starting this August.