Lady Lions Basketball: A busy off season for PSU’s Womens Hoops
By Joey Lovell
Grace Hall-Forward
In the 2022-23 season at Wabash, Grace Hall redshirted, taking the time to refine her skills and prepare for her next collegiate basketball journey. Prior to her time at Wabash, the 6’2″ Hall had a brief stint at LSU during the 2021-22 season. She appeared in seven games, showcasing her scoring ability by putting up 10 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting performance against Alcorn State on December 15. Notably, she made her first four career three-point attempts, displaying her shooting prowess.
Hall’s basketball journey began during her high school years at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, where she gained recognition as an ESPNU HoopGurlz Top-100 and a four-star prospect. ESPN ranked her as the No. 86 overall player and the No. 16 forward in the nation, while World Exposure Report placed her at No. 74. Her impressive high school statistics included averaging 16 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks per game. She received IBCA Class 4A Second Team All-State honors and made notable contributions to her team’s success.
As a sophomore, Hall averaged 17.8 points and 9.1 rebounds, leading her team to the playoffs. She earned recognition as an honorable mention for the 2020 AP All-State 4A team and was nominated for the prestigious 2021 McDonald’s All-American Game. During her high school career, Hall played AAU hoops for Example Sports, further refining her skills and showcasing her talent on a competitive stage.
Coach Kieger expressed excitement about Grace Hall joining the Penn State Lady Lions, noting their long-standing connection since Hall’s eighth grade. Kieger believes Hall’s versatility and ability to play at a high level will greatly benefit the team. Hall’s rebounding prowess and defensive capabilities will provide a significant boost to the team’s performance. Coach Kieger is confident that Hall’s best basketball is yet to come, and the entire team eagerly anticipates her arrival.
When asked why she chose Penn State, Hall expressed her belief that the university would not only foster her growth on the court but also as a woman. She recognizes the opportunities for personal and athletic development that Penn State offers and looks forward to embarking on this new chapter.
With three years of eligibility remaining, Grace Hall brings a wealth of potential and talent to the Penn State Lady Lions. Her experiences, both at LSU and in high school, have shaped her into a versatile player ready to make her mark at the collegiate level. As she joins the team, Hall’s presence promises to contribute to the Lady Lions’ success, and her growth as a player and person will undoubtedly continue to flourish at Penn State.