Evangel women’s basketball is officially on notice, and the rest of the KCAC might want to catch up fast. Under first-year head coach Madi Wallace, the Valor have stormed out to a 10–1 overall record and a perfect 7–0 start in conference play, turning heads across one of the most competitive and quietly underrated leagues in the region. For Wallace, the hot start isn’t just about wins, it’s about vision, culture, and coming home.

“This is a dream opportunity,” Wallace shared, returning to her alma mater with a clear goal: build something special, sustainable, and rooted in local talent from the 417.

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE:

Defense First – And the Offense Follows

At first glance, Evangel’s offensive numbers jump off the stat sheet. The Valor are averaging 95 points per game, one of the most explosive outputs in the conference. But Wallace is quick to point out that it all starts on the defensive end. Her coaching philosophy is deeply defensive-oriented, shaped by influences like Molly Miller and the men’s program at Nova Southeastern, where pressure, positioning, and disruption create easy offense. Force turnovers. Speed up the game. Let defense dictate the tempo. It’s a blueprint that’s paying off, and doing it in a way that keeps opponents constantly uncomfortable.

A Seamless Transition and Strong Chemistry

One of the biggest questions heading into the season was how quickly the program would gel. Wallace brought several players with her from Mission, and the mix of returners and transfers has clicked faster than expected. Chemistry hasn’t been forced, it’s been built through trust, shared standards, and a clear understanding of roles. That cohesion has shown up in close games, fast starts, and the ability to respond when challenged.

The KCAC may not always get national attention, but Wallace doesn’t mince words about its competitiveness. This season alone features six new head coaches, creating a league full of unpredictability, fresh strategies, and nightly battles. Key matchups loom large, including a highly anticipated showdown with Sterling, an undefeated squad led by a former rival and close friend. Add in games against Bethel and Ottawa, and Evangel’s conference slate is anything but forgiving. There’s no cruising in this league, every night is a test.

Facilities, Focus, and the Long Game

Off the court, Evangel continues to invest in excellence. The AG Financial Arena has elevated the program’s daily routine and game-day atmosphere, giving student-athletes top-tier resources that align with the Valor’s growing ambitions. But for Coach Madi Wallace, success isn’t defined by facilities or fast starts alone. As the holidays approach, the focus shifts to player maintenance, striking the right balance between rest, family time, and staying physically and mentally sharp. The expectation remains the same: standards don’t slip just because the calendar changes.

Wallace’s path to the head coach seat is deeply rooted in her playing days at Ash Grove, where she helped lead her team to a state runner-up finish. Those experiences, the grind, the pressure, and even the heartbreak,  continue to shape how she leads today. She’s lived the moments her players are navigating now. And that perspective is helping her set the tone for what Evangel basketball is becoming.

At 10–1 overall and unbeaten in conference play, the Valor are off to a storybook start, but Wallace isn’t chasing headlines. She’s building habits. She’s building belief. And she’s laying the foundation for a program designed to last. If this is what year one looks like, the future of Evangel basketball is only just beginning.