Houghton University Athletics

Wendy Ivey Rose has been around sport her entire life. From basketball to volleyball, soccer to softball to cross country to track. Her father and brothers were early inspirations as the family enjoyed playing sports together in her hometown of Houlton, Maine. It was these early experiences that taught lessons in teamwork, values, morals and life skills, she says.
 
But basketball was always the sport she enjoyed most. Rose loved the fast pace and competitive nature, and it was a sport where she was most naturally gifted. She had a dream of playing in the WNBA, so playing in college was an obvious first step after high school. She had some local scholarship opportunities but she felt drawn to a Christian college.
 
She attended Liberty University as a freshman where she played intramurals, but a brief visit to Houghton right before her sophomore year set the stage for a new adventure. Rose played noonball with Bill Greenway, was introduced to Coach Skip Lord, and soon realized Houghton was the right fit. She convinced her parents to transfer and within days was enrolled and a member of the Highlander program. “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord,” says Rose.
 
Rose’s impact on the court was immediate. She averaged close to 10 points per game as a freshman and hit 31 of 61 three pointers to earn All-KECC Freshman of the Year honors and help the team to a record of 20-8.  As a sophomore the team set a program record with 24 wins, won a conference title and advanced to its second ever NAIA National Tournament. Two more conference championships and national tournament appearances would follow.
 
“I am so proud of our teams,” says Rose. “We worked hard daily.”
 
Individually, Rose finished among Houghton career leaders in several statistical categories, including first in steals (321), first in assists (407), fifth in made threes (148), fourth in rebounds (785) and 10^th in points (1,091). She was a first team all-conference selection as a sophomore and junior, and earned honorable mention honors as a senior.
 
The influence of professors, teammates and coaches were key during her time at Houghton. “All of my professors had such an impact on my life. They took us to their house for spaghetti, let me stay after class to get help, supported us and came to our games. It was family,” says Rose. “Coach Lord, Pavone, Tombs and Amos were always teaching and encouraging. They challenged us to be better every day, spiritually, mentally and physically.”
 
Coach Lord’s influence and support became most evident when Rose’s father passed away after her sophomore year. “I was devastated and I will never forget the sacrifice Coach made to drive 18 hours one way to be at my dad’s viewing. This showed me how much he cared about us… it wasn’t just about basketball. I’m forever grateful God put him in my life.”
 
Rose has served as a teacher, coach, business owner and church volunteer since leaving Houghton. “I love being around people and challenging them to be their best. Teaching people the importance of knowing WHO and WHOSE they are,” she says.
 
Her heart for serving others and Christ prompted her and her husband, Brandon, to transition to the mission field. They now serve as full-time missionaries in Honduras, where they live with their seven children.