Wilson Senior Laura Crocona to Become a Golden Bear

Laura Crocona grew up playing basketball, field hockey, and lacrosse. When she started as a high school freshman on the basketball court, she took it as a sign of where her future might be.

Wilson rising senior Laura Crocona in her new digs. (Photo courtesy of Laura Crocona)

Now a senior guard at Wilson, Crocona has given her verbal commitment to Kutztown University, a Division II program, choosing to continue her athletic and academic career close to home.

“It feels amazing,” Crocona said. “The coaches made me feel comfortable from the start, and I can really see myself thriving there. I’m excited to focus on basketball while balancing academics.”

Crocona has been a three-year varsity contributor for the Bulldogs and will be again her senior year. Always a great defender and someone who never shies away from guarding the opposing team's top player, Crocona has gradually improved her offensive production throughout her career.

Crocona averaged 6.4 points per game as a freshman when the Bulldogs went 15-9 and fell to Wyomissing in the BCIAA semifinals. She scored 5.5 ppg with 19 3s as a sophomore and the Bulldogs went 24-5, losing to Wyomissing in the BCIAA championship, finishing third in District 3 Class 6A, and falling to Conestoga in the first round of states.

Last season, she averaged 9.8 points per game, hitting 27 three-pointers. She helped Wilson reach a 20-10 record before the Bulldogs fell to Gov. Mifflin in the BCIAA semifinals and Dallastown in the District 3 quarterfinals. The Bulldogs rebounded to beat Upper Dublin for their first state playoff win since 2014.

Her basketball journey has recently included AAU play with Penn Fever, where she was coached by Kutztown associate head coach Justin Hallman.

“Playing AAU gave me exposure to new competition and allowed me to grow my game,” Crocona said. “It also introduced me to Coach Hallman, and that relationship played a big role in my college decision.”

Before settling on Kutztown, Crocona visited several Division III schools, including Gettysburg, Dickinson, Ursinus, and Susquehanna, evaluating both academic and athletic fit. Ultimately, she felt that Kutztown offered the best combination of high-level basketball, academics, and personal connections with the coaching staff.

Crocona puts up a 3. (PhilMarPhoto)

Off the court, Crocona has built an impressive academic record. She has been a member of the National Honor Society since 2024, earned a place on Wilson’s high honor roll all three years, was named Student of the Year in 2025, and ranks in the top 20 of her class. At Kutztown, she is considering studying finance or marketing.

“I want to challenge myself on and off the court,” Crocona said. “Balancing basketball and academics is something I’ve always taken seriously, and I know Kutztown is the right place for that.”

Crocona credits her family for much of her growth and passion for basketball, including her brother Nick who is playing baseball at Ursinus.

“My brother inspired me, and my dad and I work out almost every day,” she said. “They’ve always supported me and pushed me to get better.”

She also highlighted the influence of her Wilson teammates, most of whom are returning to a team expected to be the favorite for the Berks County title with District 3 and state playoff potential to boot.

“We’ve played together in youth leagues and varsity,” Crocona said. “Having teammates you trust and have grown up with makes every game and practice meaningful.”

The Bulldogs senior class itself has built a strong foundation, but will be aiming to get over the hump and bring a county title to West Lawn this year.

Crocona driving this past season. (PhilMarPhoto)

“My senior year goal is to take another step forward,” Crocona said. “I want to be a stronger offensive threat, keep improving defensively, and help my team achieve county, district, and state goals. We have high expectations, and I think we can reach them.”

Kutztown, part of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), has a long history of competitive women’s basketball, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances. Head coach Janet Malouf enters her 31st season in 2025-26 and is Kutztown’s all-time winningest coach with a 445-372 (.545) record.

Malouf has been named PSAC East Coach of the Year four times and has guided 24 Golden Bears to 46 All-PSAC East honors, including PSAC Athlete, Defensive, and Freshman of the Year recipients.

Under Malouf, the Golden Bears have reached the postseason in 13 of the last 15 seasons, including a program-record 26 wins in 2021-22, a PSAC title, and an NCAA Division II Championship appearance. Malouf is a former Rutgers standout and Rutgers Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.