CHICAGO – Roosevelt women's basketball coach Deon Thomas completed his 2025-26 coaching staff Wednesday with the additions of Hailey Lyczak and Lauren McDonald.

Lyczak joins the staff as an assistant coach while McDonald will be the team's graduate assistant for the upcoming season. The pair join Kevin McManaman, who was hired in May, to round out Thomas' staff for the 2025-26 season, which will tip off in November.

"I am thrilled to be adding Hailey and Lauren to our staff for this season," Thomas said. "Hailey will make an immediate impact on our program through her knowledge in player development and team management skills. Hailey is eager to learn and get her collegiate coaching career started at Roosevelt.

"Lauren brings a wealth of playing experience at both the Division I and II level where she saw great deal success. Lauren's level of dedication, work ethic, and winning mindset will be a tremendous asset to our program."

Lyczak graduated from North Park in 2024 after being part of the Vikings' women's basketball program for four years. While at North Park, Lyczak averaged 4.2 points per game in 50 appearances, but had a breakthrough campaign as a senior. She started 18 of 25 games for North Park and shot 37.5 percent from the floor while averaging 7.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

Last season, the Justice, Illinois native worked as a private coach and mentor around the Chicagoland area before getting the chance to start her coaching career with the Lakers.

"I'm honored to join the coaching staff at Roosevelt," Lyczak said. The program's culture of excellence, integrity and teamwork is something I deeply align with. I'm excited to start this journey and I can't wait to work with the team."

McDonald arrives in Chicago after a standout four-year career at Hillsdale College in Michigan. The Chicago native began her college career at the United States Air Force Academy before making a tremendous impact in 78 games for the Chargers.

She was a second-team all-conference performer in 2023-24 in her first full year at Hillsdale after averaging 12.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game as a guard. McDonald improved to a first-team all-conference pick last season with 14.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game with the Chargers. She finished her two and a half years at Hillsdale averaging 12.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 40 percent from the floor.

"I am excited to be a part of the Roosevelt women's basketball family," McDonald said. "I want to thank Coach Deon for giving me this opportunity, and I am looking forward to being a part of the amazing program and great culture that is being built here."

The 2025-26 Roosevelt women's basketball schedule will be released later this summer. The Lakers are entering their second year in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference after finishing sixth last season with a 10-10 mark in league play and 12-15 record overall.