2024-25 NSIC Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll

10/10/2024 10:00:00 AM

MINNESOTA STATE TABBED PRESEASON FAVORITE

2024_25_NSIC_Preseason_Poll_Graphic_WBB

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - The defending NCAA Division II National Champions of Minnesota State University, Mankato were selected by the league coaches as the preseason favorite in the NSIC for the 2024-25 season. The Mavericks received 194 points, garnering 12 first places votes to sit 10 points ahead of second place Northern State. The Wolves, which tied for second in the NSIC standings a year ago, had 184 points and the other three first place votes. Concordia-St. Paul was third with 162 points while Southwest Minnesota State was fourth with 147. 

NSIC coaches rank each team from 1 to 14 with a first-place vote receiving 14 points, second place 13, third place 12, etc. Coaches do not rank their own team or vote for their own players in the preseason poll.

The NSIC regular season championship will be based on the 22-game schedule. Each team will play eight teams twice and another six teams once. An NSIC Champion will be awarded to the team with the highest win percentage in the 22 games played. 

The 2024-25 women’s basketball season gets underway in early November with non-conference action, while NSIC play begins Thursday, November 21.

The 12-team NSIC Women’s Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Championships are set to take place March 1-4 at the Sanford Health Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The top four seeds will receive a first-round bye. First round games will be played on campus on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

2024_25_WBB_NSIC_Preseason_Player_of_Year
#2 Madelyn Bragg (C/F, 6-3, Jr., Aberdeen, S.D. / Roncalli HS) - Northern State University
  • All-NSIC First Team selection in 2023-24
  • Appeared and started in all 29 games for the Wolves
  • Averaged 17.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.72 blocks per game
  • Totaled 520 points, 197 rebounds, 34 assists, and 50 blocks
  • Shot 51.5% from the field
  • Scored double figures in 25 game including as career-high of 35 points against Minnesota Duluth
  • Grabbed a season-high of 13 rebounds in the game against Winona State
After a solid season last year, Madelyn has emerged as a leader for us on both ends of the floor. As she continues to develop her game, Madelyn is poised to be a major contributor and is expected to make an even bigger impact on our team this season.
Head Coach Paula Krueger

NSIC Players to Watch & Coaches' Quotes

AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY

We have a lot of really talented players who have bought in to our system. We have a lot of new players that have come together really quickly. I love our chemistry. I'm very excited to see what this team can accomplish!
Head Coach Nate Vogel
Hannah is a dynamic guard who is always under control. She has been part of successful teams in the past so knows what it takes to win. Hannah is also an unbelievable teammate who keeps are team together.
Head Coach Nate Vogel

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

There is a new energy in this group. We have a lot to prove and are determined to do just that.
Head Coach Chelsea Stoltenberg
Erin has taken over a leadership role on our team in every sense of the responsibility. She has high expectations of herself and the team this season.
Head Coach Chelsea Stoltenberg

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL

We are so excited for this upcoming season as we bring back multiple returners and a plethora of experience. We also welcome new staff members who will assist our program to be its best each day. Our team’s camaraderie and chemistry off the court are evident when we put the pieces together on the court.
Head Coach Amanda Johnson
Lindsey continues to lead on and off the court as a student-athlete. She is returning as a two-time first-team all-conference member. Her experience as a fifth-year senior and passion for the game will help catapult us into another successful season.
Head Coach Amanda Johnson

UNIVERSITY OF MARY

We have a wealth of experience returning, including five seniors, including four who have seen extensive playing time in the careers. Combined with the talent in our younger classes, we feel the potential for another successful season exists.
Head Coach Rick Neumann
Bergan was an integral part of our team last year, leading us in bench production. With the graduation of many key players, we look for Bergan to continue her growth and take a huge step forward for us this season.
Head Coach Rick Neumann

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON

I am so excited about this year's team! We returned 4 out of 5 starters and brought in some intense freshmen. Our intensity every practice has definitely increased and I am excited to see where we can go with now a year under our belts in our program!
Head Coach Natalie Moynihan
Emma has put in countless hours over the summer both on and off the court to work on not only her physical game but mental game as well. I think we will see Emma take a big jump from her Sophomore year to now in terms of her leadership and overall contribution to the game.
Head Coach Natalie Moynihan

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH

After graduating six seniors, I feel like we are a brand new team! We are young and do not have a ton of experience on the court in the NSIC but that is very exciting! This group has great energy, gets along really well and has been working very hard. I see this team as a group that could make huge improvements throughout the entire season and I am excited to help these young women reach their potential!
Head Coach Mandy Pearson
Myra has a super high motor, works really hard and is super competitive. Myra has a very good skill set and is a strong athlete! Our program is excited to watch Myra step into a bigger leadership role for the Bulldogs this season!
Head Coach Mandy Pearson

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO

We're excited to be bringing back a great core from last year's National Championship team. Returning two of our top three leading and six players that averaged double figure minutes, we will lean on our experience to help guide us through the grueling NSIC schedule. Our seven newcomers add great depth, speed, and athleticism that will allow us to push the tempo and continue our full court pressure defense. It has been a fun and energetic preseason, and we are excited to grow and improve each day.
Head Coach Emilee Thiesse
Destinee has played a large role in our program’s success over the past 3 seasons. She is an incredibly explosive player and has the ability to create and finish shots in so many different ways. Destinee is a true competitor who brings so much intensity and energy to everything we do. Her work ethic and her passion for the game make everyone around her better.
Head Coach Emilee Thiesse

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD

The Dragons have a good mix of veterans and youth which should make for an exciting year on the hardwood!
Head Coach Karla Nelson
Natalie is the leader of the Dragons on and off the court! She is a leader by example but over the years has really learned to use her voice when it comes to bringing people together. Natalie will be expected to lead the Dragons in scoring, assists, and floor burns!
Head Coach Karla Nelson

MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY

I am very excited and optimistic about the group we have. There has been a lot teaching and learning this Fall, but I have loved the way our group has approached it. They have been committed to being the best they can be on a daily basis, which has led to a lot of positive growth for our team. We are looking forward to having the opportunity to compete against some great teams and coaches in the NSIC.
Head Coach Ryan Clark
Sydney is a great example of what you want in a student-athlete. She is very determined, motivated, and hardworking. I have enjoyed the opportunity to coach her. She has had a great Fall semester, and I look forward to watching Sydney have a fantastic year for us.
Head Coach Ryan Clark

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

What excites me most about this upcoming season is the blend of talent, experience, and fresh energy on our roster. Coming off a successful year, we're building on that momentum while integrating seven new players, including two experienced transfers who bring a wealth of knowledge and competitiveness to our team. Equally important, we have seven returning players who provide a solid core and strong leadership, which will be crucial in helping our newcomers adjust. The chemistry is already forming, and the combination of seasoned returners and new additions brings versatility and depth at every position. I’m excited to see how these players mesh, elevate our play, and push us to new heights.
Head Coach Paula Krueger
After a solid season last year, Madelyn has emerged as a leader for us on both ends of the floor. As she continues to develop her game, Madelyn is poised to be a major contributor and is expected to make an even bigger impact on our team this season.
Head Coach Paula Krueger

University of Sioux Falls

I'm excited about the 24-25 Cougars. We started 4 freshman the majority of the season last year so we were constantly learning on the go. We added some nice pieces from the portal this off season and brought in some impact freshman as we ll. The NSIC is always very competitive and we look forward to seeing where we stack up again this league. I have been in the NSIC for a long time and have as much excitement for this team as any I have had the chance to coach.
Head Coach Travis Traphagen
Kami is an excellent player that was voted as Freshman of the Year last year. Averaging close to 15 points a game. It was fun to watch her game grow throughout last season. We put a lot on her plate being a true freshman. She consistently draws double team from opponents and has really extended her range with more consistency this off season. Most opponents will have to draw up game plans to bring help to stop her. Glad she is on our team.
Head Coach Travis Traphagen

Southwest Minnesota State University

Their commitment to improvement is evident; they push each other to be better every day, which is truly inspiring to witness. Although we lost four talented seniors, our younger athletes are stepping up and are eager to seize the opportunities ahead. The competitive spirit in this group is unwavering, and I can’t wait to see how it translates into our season.
Head Coach Tom Webb
Bri has a relentless competitive spirit that drives everyone to be better around her. She’s not just an elite player on the court but her commitment to excellence in the classroom makes her the ultimate student-athlete. Bri’s leadership, drive, and work ethic sets the tone, and we couldn’t be more excited about her senior campaign.
Head Coach Tom Webb

St. Cloud State University

With no seniors on our roster we look forward to seeing how this young team develops over the course of the season. It might be the most self motivated group we have coached, which is inspiring.
Head Coach Lori Fish
Jada has been a big part of our program the past two seasons and we are excited to see the growth as a leader on and off the court. She is a player with tremendous work ethic who doesn't shy away from being challenged and is someone her teammates can always count on.
Head Coach Lori Fish

Wayne State College

I am excited for our team chemistry to be displayed on and off of the court. It's rare to play with players who all share the love for the game and also remind you how fun it is. It is special to have a team who values and trusts each other.
Head Coach Brent Pollari
Maya is fierce defender who brings a lot of energy to our team. She has the ability to rip and attack the hoop as well as stretch the floor with her shooting range. Maya is one of our leaders who brings a lot of experience to the court.
Head Coach Brent Pollari

Winona State University

This group has stepped up to the challenge of being one of the hardest working teams around. In addition to Liv, Mattie Schimenz, Hailey Markworth, and Vivica Bretton have all proven this past season they can compete at a high level in the league. They have put a lot of work in this off season to take another next step. This pre-season has been a great balance of fun and high level competition in our gym. I can’t wait to compete every night with this group of people!
Head Coach Ana Wurtz
Olivia has had success in this league since her freshman season but is never satisfied. She is one of the hardest working players I will ever coach as she has set a bar that is exceptional. She is an elite 3-point shooter with a great mid-range game who continues to expand her game at the rim and on the defensive end.
Head Coach Ana Wurtz
#NSICWBB