Lenox duo transfers to SWCC, signs with Spartan basketball

News from Southwestern Community College

The Spartans women’s basketball team is getting a dose of Southwest Iowa next season as two former Lenox stars are joining the team.

Zoey Reed

Southwestern Community College has added a dynamic multi-sport athlete to its future backcourt, as Zoey Reed has signed her national letter of intent to join the Spartans for the 2026–27 season, head coach Kori Zarzutzki announced.

Reed, a 5-foot-9 guard from Lenox High School, graduated in 2025 and will arrive in Creston after a year away from sports. Known for her competitiveness, versatility and leadership, she brings a well-rounded skill set shaped by extensive multi-sport experience.

As a senior, Reed averaged 14.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.5 steals per game, earning all-conference honors in all four seasons of high school basketball.

She was named Lenox Athlete of the Year (2024–25), selected to the All-KMA Senior Team and earned Iowa Basketball Coaches Association All-Region (Region 6) recognition twice, along with Class 1A all-district honors.

Beyond the hardwood, Reed was active in five sports throughout her high school career, competing in basketball, softball, track and dance. She qualified for the Iowa state track meet three times and earned all-academic recognition across multiple sports.

Reed also distinguished herself in the classroom, graduating with honors, earning National Honor Society induction and receiving All-Academic All-Conference recognition. She served as a team captain, further highlighting her leadership qualities.

Reed said Southwestern’s environment and people played a major role in her decision.

“I enjoyed the small campus, coaches, and met a couple of very welcoming teammates,” Reed said. “I’m excited to continue my basketball career and further my education at Southwestern.”

Zarzutzki sees Reed as a guard who can impact games in multiple ways.

“We are beyond excited about Zoey signing with us,” Zarzutzki said. “She comes from a great family, and we see her fitting in well. She will be a positive difference maker for us right away. She’s tough, athletic, can help us handle the ball and defensively she can cause chaos. We can’t wait to have her on the court.”

Sadie Cox

A decorated and versatile post player, Sadie Cox, has been added to SWCC’s future roster.

A 6-foot forward from Lenox High School, Cox graduated in 2025 and will join the Spartan program after a year away from basketball. She brings an extensive resumé of on-court production, leadership and academic achievement to Southwestern.

During her senior season at Lenox, Cox averaged 15.8 points, 14.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.5 steals per game, establishing herself as one of the most complete players in the state. Over the course of her high school career, she set or tied 19 school records, including nine in basketball.

Among her basketball records are career marks in points (1,567), rebounds (1,349) and steals (320), along with single-game highs of 40 points, 26 rebounds and 12 blocked shots. Cox was a four-time first-team all-conference, four-time all-district, and four-time all-state selection and served as co-captain of the Lenox basketball team during her senior year.

Cox was equally accomplished as a multi-sport athlete, lettering in volleyball and setting six school records in that sport. She earned first-team all-conference honors every season and received all-district and all-state recognition in volleyball, while serving as team captain.

Beyond athletics, Cox excelled academically and as a leader. She was class president of the Lenox High School Class of 2025, a National Honor Society inductee, a four-year honor roll student and was selected as class speaker at her graduation ceremony.

Cox cited familiarity, environment and proximity to home as key factors in her decision to sign with Southwestern.

“I chose SWCC because I am familiar with the campus, and I love the small-town feel,” Cox said. “SWCC has a great environment and good energy. I have met great people at SWCC — all of the staff and students are very friendly and encouraging. Lastly, I love that it is close to home so family and friends are not too far away.”

Zarzutzki believes Cox’s size, versatility and competitive mindset will translate immediately at the collegiate level.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about Sadie joining our program,” Zarzutzki said. “She is a great all-around athlete and person. She is a tough competitor, and she will immediately impact our team on both sides of the floor. She brings size, athleticism and confidence in finishing around the rim. We can’t wait to have her in a Spartan uniform.”

Cox and Reed will enroll at Southwestern Community College ahead of the 2026–27 season and will compete for the Spartan women’s basketball program, which competes in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) and the NJCAA.