Madonna University Has Rising NAIA Athletic Department; WPIAL Product Dante Parsons Calls Northern Michigan College Home

There are a lot of things that come to mind when people think of Madonna. People think of the singer and actress, they think of Dennis Rodman, and they may even think of the university. They’re all relevant and associated buzz words to the word Madonna, but the latter two each have a connection to basketball.

(Photos courtesy of Madonna University Athletics)

Strangely, they even have a link to NAIA hoops as well. Rodman was an NAIA product; one of the best of all-time to ever suit up for a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics program; right up there with his former NAIA manager turned NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen.

So, why’s this matter to anyone in Pennsylvania everyone is probably wondering. Well, it means everything, honestly. You see, the whole connection goes back to the word Madonna, the name of a Catholic University in Livonia, Michigan. A school with around 3,500 students and over 20 varsity sports, this institution is on the rise. Recently, the school installed its own athletic complex to accommodate for improved student-athlete experience and more competitive teams.

For one former WPIAL stand out, Dante Parsons, he’s come to the Roman Catholic university looking for the opportunity to become the next Scottie Pippen or Dennis Rodman story; from NAIA to professional basketball. The former Greensburg-Salem point guard was a 1,000 point scorer and all-section performer for the Golden Lions, with averages of 20.5 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals per game.

Before AAU basketball, he had never heard of the Madonna Crusaders, but once her heard about the plans for a new athletic facility and the chance to earn a scholarship towards his education, he knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Additionally, the Crusaders coaching staff stayed with him from the first time they spoke all the way through his college decision process.

In the spring of 2020, Parsons decided that the chance to call a new state home and playing for a loyal coaching staff made the decision an easy one. 

Parsons first college season was one that allowed him to accept a COVID-19 redshirt as he only played in around a handful of games because of a shortened season. This was his first season with the program, with this being spent as a part of the developmental program.

In 2022, Parsons made great strides on the developmental squad with a few 20-point games and handling starter left minutes as a key reserve and spot starter for the team. While the developmental team has been important in his development as a player, he’s hopeful to receive the nod for the varsity roster in his third college season.

As a small guard, Parsons relies on outside shooting, crafty finishes, and smart play to make up for a lack of physicality. As we’ve seen in professional basketball, it is not always about pure size. If people can make it happen, it doesn’t matter their size. This mindset is what’s helped the Westmoreland County native land in the college ranks in the first place. It is the same mentality he hopes will allow him to become a professional player in the coming years.

While Madonna was a great athletic opportunity, it’s also allowed him to gain a great amount of experience in Broadcast and Cinema Arts, a degree he hopes to use as a part of the production crew of professional sporting events one day. He’s grown in his career already, having made friends with Madonna University employee and NFL legend, Kellen Winslow Sr. In fact, Winslow even allowed Parsons to create a short documentary about the former Missouri Tigers life.

Sometimes and unanticipated opportunity becomes the best thing that ever happens to someone. For Dante Parsons, he had no idea about the Madonna Crusaders prior to an AAU tournament. But now, there’s no way he could picture his life without this school and the connections he’s made by taking the chance to leave southwestern Pennsylvania. 

While Madonna will likely always be known more for acting and dancing than education, Dante Parsons is doing his best to make sure the Michigan school is more known to our friends throughout central and western Pennsylvania.

Best of luck in year number three of college, Dante! Thank you for the chance to highlight your accomplishments and path to Madonna 🏀🎥