The Washburn Ichabods basketball team recently completed one of its most successful seasons in program history, reaching the NCAA Division II Elite Eight for the first time since 2001. In this episode, we sat down with three key players—Sam Ungashick, Jake Schadegg, and Andrew Orr—to discuss the team’s incredible run, the mental aspects of the game, and the role team chemistry played in their success.
A Team Built on Chemistry and Trust
What stood out most from our conversation was how the team struck a rare balance between competitive fire and deep friendship. As Andrew Orr shared, the locker room culture was uniquely strong—every player could hang out one-on-one with another, no cliques, no drama. That camaraderie created a trusting environment where players could push each other without it becoming personal.
The Mental Game: Compete Without Conflict
Mental toughness was key to their success. The players emphasized the importance of separating practice competition from personal relationships. As Andrew explained, even if a teammate made you mad during practice, you had to remember that you’re still friends off the court. That emotional maturity helped the team thrive in pressure situations.
Basketball Isn’t Everything—And That’s the Point
Coach Brett Ballard helped the team keep perspective by reminding them that basketball isn’t their entire identity. As Sam noted, "The ball’s going to stop bouncing eventually." That mindset allowed the team to play loose and joyful basketball, unburdened by fear of failure—a key factor in their deep postseason run
Why Washburn Attracts Top Division II Talent
Jake Schadegg, a Florida native, was blown away by Washburn’s athletic facilities. The university’s compact campus concentrates resources on elite amenities, making it stand out in Division II. From indoor training areas to the renovated Lee Arena, Washburn’s commitment to athletics played a big role in drawing high-caliber talent to Topeka.
A City That Showed Up
The Ichabods’ success ignited fan support across Topeka. Game attendance grew steadily throughout the season, culminating in sellout crowds during the NCAA Tournament. Even bars and restaurants in town were packed with fans watching their Elite Eight matchup. For players not from Topeka, the community’s embrace made their season even more memorable.
Beyond the Final Buzzer
As the players prepare for their next chapters, they carry forward valuable lessons—discipline, mental strength, and perspective. Their season might be over, but the bonds, memories, and growth will endure. Washburn’s historic Elite Eight run wasn’t just about wins—it was about building something that lasts far beyond basketball.
About the Author:
The above article Washburn Basketball’s Elite Eight Journey: Team Culture, Mental Toughness & Community Support with Sam Ungashick, Jake Schadegg, and Andrew Orr on Topeka Insider was written by Justin Armbruster of the Armbruster Team at Genesis, LLC, REALTORS®, local leaders in Topeka real estate, digital marketing, and social media. You can contact Justin Armbruster at 785-260-4384. He has helped hundreds of people buy and sell homes in the Topeka area for years, and would love the opportunity to help you as well. Follow him on Instagram and connect!