“We don’t take for granted moments like these and what they mean for our community.”
With the Â鶹ĘÓƵ women’s basketball team headed to the Elite Eight, the spotlight on women’s sports excellence in Minnesota was once again on full display.
When the Gusties took on McMurry (Texas) in Brunswick, Maine, they did so as part of the latest in a stretch of impressive women’s sports achievements and spotlights in Minnesota.
It was the Gusties' first appearance in the Elite Eight in school history, featuring 15 Minnesota natives. And it all coincided with Minnesota's top girls high school basketball teams competing in the state tournament.
Also this spring, Meet Minneapolis declared its 10-year strategic goal to make our state’s largest city the No. 1 destination for women’s sports. “Our Gusties are having a terrific season and are looking to make school history in Maine, and we couldn’t be more proud of how they are representing our college and our region, ” said Rachelle Sherden, Assistant Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator of Â鶹ĘÓƵ. “This is an incredible moment for Â鶹ĘÓƵ—an opportunity for us to show the nation how Gusties shine. ”
March and April have showcased special women’s basketball moments across our region for several years. In 2022, Target Center hosted the NCAA Division I women’s basketball Final Four. The past two years, it has hosted the Big Ten tournament. “Minnesota consistently delivers as a leading supporter of women’s athletics, and that passion is exemplified in how our community shows up in the stands for our student athletes of all ages, ” said Wendy Blackshaw, President & CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events. “Watching Â鶹ĘÓƵ thrive this year, you see the commitment and support these student athletes have felt throughout their careers, and we couldn’t be happier to continue to cheer them on and see another Minnesota women’s sports team in the national spotlight. ”
Â鶹ĘÓƵ’s women’s basketball team captivated the campus and took the fanbase on an unforgettable journey—led by Minnesota native and Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Coach of the Year Laurie Kelly. “This is a special team, ” Kelly said. “We don’t take for granted moments like these and what they mean for our community.”
This was the second Sweet 16 appearance for the Gusties, and their third consecutive MIAC playoff championship, making them just the third team in conference history to win three straight. It was the Gusties’ 11th NCAA tournament appearance in school history and, at 28-1, the best record in program history.
