Coming this October is a once-in-a-lifetime event for all Idaho State women’s basketball fans.

The program is celebrating the “Big 50,” the golden anniversary of the program becoming a varsity sport the weekend of October 25-26.

Unofficially, more than 60 former players and 20 ex-coaches, along with several other support staff over the years, are returning to Pocatello to honor and celebrate 50 years of women’s basketball with multiple events both days.

Some of the greatest names in the program are returning, including 1000-point scorers, Big Sky Conference first-team performers, members of championship teams and legendary coaches.

As part of the festivities, 19 individuals − all connected to the program over the years, some for decades, were asked to name their choices for the “50 Greatest Players in the First 50 Years”. A total of 574 votes were cast for 77 individuals. The top-50 receiving votes made the final cut. Over the next five weeks, we’ll be revealing 10 of those honored at a time. Players are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Last week the first 10 names were revealed, here are the next 10 to make the list. Players are listed in alphabetical order by last name:

Nancy Espeseth (1980-1984)

Career Highlights: Played under head coaches Beth Bricker and Mark French. Scored 1,050 points with 405 assists in her career. Her assist record stood for 39 seasons. Her career high-scoring game while at ISU was 33 points. Ranked in top-10, six times in various categories in program history. In ISU’s first- ever win in the Mountain West Conference, which it belonged to before the Big Sky Conference was formed, she scored 22 points in the game against Montana State on Jan. 14, 1983. Member of ISU Athletic Hall of Fame.

Greta Garver (1987-1991)

Career Highlights: Played under head coach Ted Anderson. Two-time first-team All-Big Sky Conference (1990, 91). Big Sky Conference Player of the Week. Team MVP for the 1989-1990 season. Ranked in top-10, four times in various categories in program history. Still the program’s all-time leader in steals for a single season and a career. Had eight steals against Northern Arizona in a win on Feb. 14, 1991. Member of ISU Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dora Goles (2017-2022)

Career Highlights: Played under head coach Seton Sobolewski. Two-time Big Sky Conference champion. Played in both the NCAA and WNIT Tournaments. First-team All-Big Sky Conference (2021). Second-team All-Big Sky Conference (2020). Two-time team MVP (2020, 2021). Big Sky Conference Player of the Week. Ranked in top-10, eight times in various categories in program history. Scored 1,145 points. Scored 36 points, including 29 in the second half in a win over Montana on Feb, 15, 2020. Native of Croatia. Now an assistant coach at ISU.

Jeanne Gragg (1979-1981)

Career Highlights: Played under head coaches Nancy Shay and Beth Bricker. Two-time team MVP (1980, 1981). Ranked in top-10, seven times in various categories in program history. Passed away at the age of 62 on December 13, 2021.

Saylair Grandon (2015-2019)

Career Highlights: Played under head coach Seton Sobolewski. Second-team All-Big Sky Conference (2019). Third-team All-Big Sky Conference (2017). Named to the 2018 Big Sky Conference All-Tournament team. Scored 1,066 points. Two-time Big Sky Conference Player of the Week. Ranked in top-10, three times in various categories in program history. Hit game-winning shot to beat Northern Colorado in Reno at the 2017 Big Sky Conference Tournament. Scored 28 points to help fuel the miracle comeback against Weber State in Reno at the 2017 Big Sky Conference Tournament.

Michelle Grohs (2005-2009)

Career Highlights: Played under head coaches Jon Newlee and Seton Sobolewski. Big Sky champion. Played in both the NCAA and WNIT Tournaments. First-team All-Big Sky Conference (2009). Scored 1,005 points. Big Sky Conference Scholar-Athlete award winner (2009). Two-time Big Sky Conference Player of the Week. Team MVP for 2008-2009 season. Ranked in top-10, eight times in various categories in program history. Scored 27 points in win over Northern Colorado at Reed Gym on Feb. 7, 2009.

Shelley Hand (1981-1985)

Career Highlights: Played under head coaches Beth Bricker and Mark French. Honorable Mention Big Sky Conference selection (1985). Scored 1,056 points. Team MVP for 1984-1985 season. Ranked in top-10, two times in various categories in program history.

Molly Hays (2003-2005)

Career Highlights: Played under head coach Jon Newlee. Two-time first-team All-Big Sky Conference (2004, 2005). Team MVP for 2004-2005 season. Played in the WNIT Tournament. Ranked in top-10, eight times in various categories in program history. Scored 25 points at Boise State on Dec. 6, 2004. She then scored 25 points in a game against against Weber State at Reed Gym on Jan. 29, 2005. Also holds the program record for most free throw attempts in a game (20) and most made free throws in a game (18). That took place against Eastern Washington at Reed Gym on Feb. 19, 2005.

Lynn Henderson (1982-1986)

Career Highlights: Played under head coaches Beth Bricker and Mark French. Scored 1,052 points. Team MVP for the 1983-1984 season, where she averaged 13.7 points per game. Scored 28 points in a game against Eastern Washington. Did not miss a game her first three seasons at ISU.

Joanna Hixon (2005-2007)

Career Highlights: Played under head coach Jon Newlee. Big Sky champion. Played in both the NCAA and WNIT Tournaments. Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year for the 2005-2006 season. She was one of the Big Sky’s top rebounders, ranking third at 8.2 a game. She also ranked second in the league in defensive rebounds with 4.7 a game, and had posted eight games of 10 or more boards that year. Recorded 24 blocks and 30 steals. Scored 20 points at Portland State in an ISU win on Feb. 16, 2006. Averaged 10.1 points that year.

Check back next week when the next 10 names are revealed.

Previously named players:

• Annie Anderson (2002-2004)
• Brooke Blair (2015-2018)
• Jeni Boesel (2005-2007)
• Charly Bond (1976-1980)
• Callie Bourne (2018-2023)
• Christa Brossman (2003-2005)
• Jenna Brown (2005-2009)
• Jennifer Cannon (1991-1993)
• Mandi Carver (1998-2002)
• Natalie Doma (2004-2008)