Top MSU Women’s Basketball Players of All Time: No. 3

Over the years, many Spartans have demonstrated their skills on the court. In the lead-up to the women’s basketball season, Impact Sports takes a look at the top 10 women’s basketball players in Spartan history. This week we look at No. 3.

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Most known for setting records her freshman year and being the tallest player in MSU history, Allyssa DeHaan takes the No. 3 spot on the list.

DeHaan started her career as a Spartan in 2006. From the beginning, DeHaan illustrated the reasons she would become such an important asset to the team. In her freshman year, she broke the Big Ten record for blocks with 145, ranked second in the nation in blocks, was named Big Ten Player of the year twice and set the MSU freshman record for points and field goals.

In the summer after her freshman year, DeHaan went on to play for USA in the 2007 FIBA U-19 World Championships in Bratislava, Slovakia. With her help, USA went on to win gold that year. DeHaan led USA and was second among all tournament players with 19 blocks.

After her successful freshman year, she went on to break more records. In her sophomore year (2007-08), DeHaan set the Big Ten single-season record with 150 blocks and became the fourth MSU player to score more than 500 points in one season. Her junior year, she became the Big Ten career blocked shots leader and Michigan State’s 19th player to reach 1,000 points.

In her last year as a Spartan, DeHaan became the first Spartan to be named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and the Academic All-Big Ten.

After completing her time at MSU, she went to complete graduate school at Grand Valley State University. While at Grand Valley, she also played for the volleyball team.

DeHaan’s record-breaking career at MSU proves why she made it to the No. 3 place in the series. Her determination and drive allowed her to make a lasting mark in Michigan State history.


Jennifer Aldridge is the host of the Merchantaries for Impact Sports.

Photo: Nubia Buckingham/Impact Sports