Rochester, MN-
After a holiday layoff, the Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) Women's Basketball season jumps into action again this week with the start of divisional contests. The non-conference portion of the 2022-23 season has proven to be a success for several teams, with seven of the thirteen colleges accumulating records of .500 or better. All seven of those teams are in the MCAC South Division.
Minnesota College Athletic Conference Women's Basketball competes at the NJCAA Division III level and is divided into two divisions, North and South.
MCAC Women's Basketball has some familiar faces roaming the sidelines again this season. Shannon Nelson is in her 12th season at Northland Community & Technical College, and she has racked up a stellar 257-75 coaching record. Rosalie Hayenga (117-78) is in her 8th season at Minnesota West Community & Technical College and is looking for a return trip to the NJCAA DIII Women's Basketball Tournament following her team's 4th place finish in 2022. Carrie Ogdahl returns to Ridgewater College for her 22nd season as the head coach and has compiled a 278-263 record during that time. Andrew Kaiser is in his 4th season with Riverland Community College, Brad Matuszak is in year 5 at Minnesota North College Mesabi Range, and Jodi Holleman (Minnesota State - Fergus Falls) and Jason Bonde (RCTC) each are coaching in their 3rd season. Bonde led his Yellowjackets to a 3rd place finish at the NJCAA DIII Women's Basketball National Championship in 2022.
In addition to the veteran coaches, several first-year coaches have joined the MCAC as well. Krystal Brodeen will look to start up the program again at Central Lakes College following a two year layoff, and Henry Hellmann takes over the reigns at Minnesota North College - Itasca. Josh Koenig has stepped away from the baseball diamond during the winter months and takes over the Minnesota North College - Rainy River program after longtime coach Dieter Humbert retired. Samantha Doucette and Caitlin McKernon work together at Anoka-Ramsey Community College to continue building a strong Golden Rams program, while Abby Notch takes over as the head coach at St. Cloud Technical & Community College and Tanya Kaufmann leads the Cavaliers of Western Technical College.
For a brief preview of the MCAC Women's Basketball teams as they enter divisional action, please read on. Be sure to follow @MCACSports and @NJCAABasketball on Twitter for the latest in MCAC and NJCAA two-year college basketball news, rankings and season information.
For the MCAC Women's Basketball home page, click here or go to: https://mcacsports.org/sports/wbkb/index
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Minnesota College Athletic ConferenceSouth Division Women's Basketball Preview
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Anoka-Ramsey Community College
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Head Coach: Samantha Doucette and Caitlin McKernon, 1st year as the co-head coaches at ARCC Overall Coaching Record at ARCC: 10-2 Assistant Coaching Staff: Joe Doucette and Charles Williams 2021-22 Record: 16-10 overall, 6-8 in the MCAC Current 2022-23 Record: 10-2 Top returning players: Mikayla Kannenwisher, Elk River, MN, Guard Cece Bell, Minneapolis, MN, Forward Sydney Kehr, Coon Rapids, MN, Forward Top incoming/new players: Destiny Casey, Irondale, MN, Guard Kimori Morris, Irondale, MN, Guard Janea Arnoldi, Bloomington, MN, Forward Coach Doucette on her team: "We have alot of new changes for the women's basketball program. New coaches and only three returners. We're excited to see how the new changes will help our program be successful."
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Minnesota State Community and Technical College
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Head Coach: Jodi Holleman, 3rd year as head coach at M State Overall Coaching Record at M State: 27-25 Assistant Coaching Staff: Kayla Feldhake 2021-22 Record: 11-14 overall Current 2022-23 Record: 8-5 Top returning players: Alyssa Romberg, Sleepy Eye, MN Emily Dehler, Pierz, MN, Forward Lindsey Kurz, Climax, MN Top incoming/new players: Itzel Salazar, Long Prairie - Grey Eagle, MN, Guard Hailey Nelson, Sisseton, MN, Guard Keely Foley, Montevideo, MN, Guard Kiera Cox, Bloomington, MN, Guard Brooke Finken, Melrose, MN, Forward Ashley Dreger, Parkers Prairie, MN, Guard Coach Holleman on her team: "We are going to be very young with 10 new freshmen this year and will need them to step up right away in the guard positions. We are excited to have two quality post players returning. We have been hitting the fundamentals hard and hoping to be very competitive."
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Minnesota West Community & Technical College
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Head Coach: Rosalie Hayenga, 8th year as head coach at Minnesota West Overall Coaching Record at MN West: 117-78 Assistant Coaching Staff: Avery Van Roekel 2021-22 Record: 11-2 in the MCAC, 19-14 overall, 2nd in the MCAC South, 4th place at Nationals Current 2022-23 Record: 14-1 Top returning players: Tia Murray, Elkhorn, NE, Forward Dannyn Peterson, Tulare, SD, Forward Madisyn Huisman, Worthington, MN, Guard Top incoming/new players: Olivia Hayenga, Worthington, MN, Guard Brooklyn Schietel-Taylor, Worthington, MN, Guard Audrey Drapeau, Crow Creek, SD, Guard Hattie DeVries, Roseville, MN, Forward Coach Hayenga on her team: "We have 3 starters returning from last year's team that finished 4th in the nation, and with a nice group of incoming freshmen, we hope to be competitive again in the ever tough Southern Division."
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Ridgewater College
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Head Coach: Carrie Ogdahl, 22nd year as head coach at Ridgewater Overall Coaching Record at Ridgewater: 278-263 Assistant Coaching Staff: Brooke Meyer 2021-22 Record: 3-17 overall Current 2022-23 Record: 1-10 Top returning players: None Top incoming/new players: Gabby Randt, Raymond, MN, Post Mallory Geistfeld, St. James, MN, Wing Erika Lozano, Sleepy Eye, MN, Wing Zola Olson, Montevideo, MN, Guard Coach Ogdahl on her team: "Scrappy, hard working group of girls that will continue to improve daily and be a threat in the MCAC." |
Riverland Community College
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Head Coach: Andrew Kaiser, 4th year as head coach at Riverland Overall Coaching Record at Riverland: 37-33 Assistant Coaching Staff: Brandon Bell 2021-22 Record: 10-4 in the MCAC, 19-5 overall, 3rd place in the MCAC Current 2022-23 Record: 9-1 Top returning players: Camryn McQuery, Waseca, MN, Forward Cayli Miles, Grand Canyon, AZ, Guard Nora Mecoleta, Hondarribia, Spain, Forward Savannah Longhoma, Grand Canyon, AZ, Guard Top incoming/new players: Reana Schmitt, Austin, MN, Forward Laura Granada, Spain, Forward Kenai Holien, Klawock City, AK, Guard Coach Kaiser on his team: "We are expecting to compete at a higher level again this season with a solid group of returners and with a good group of incomers."
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Rochester Community & Technical College
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Head Coach: Jason Bonde, 3rd year as head coach at RCTC Overall Coaching Record at Rochester: 51-7 Assistant Coaching Staff: N/A 2021-22 Record: 13-1 in the MCAC, 24-6 overall, MCAC South Champions Current 2022-23 Record: 9-0 Top returning players: Olivia Christianson, Lyle, MN, Guard Ravyn Miles, St. Paul, MN, Point Guard Kandace Sikkink, Preston, MN, Forward Myia Ruzek, Altura, MN, Guard Lexi Hugeback, Kasson, MN, Forward Top incoming/new players: Jada James, St. Paul, MN, Forward Janae Bennett, St. Paul, MN, Guard Sophie Andring, Dover, MN, Guard Coach Bonde on his team: "We are very fortunate to have a veteran team that has competed at the top of our league and has been to the national tournament. They are back to build on the success they already have accomplished here."
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St. Cloud Technical and Community College
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Head Coach: Abby Notch, 1st year as head coach at SCTCC Overall Coaching Record at St. Cloud Tech: 6-2 Assistant Coaching Staff: Leland Harris 2021-22 Record: 4-10 in the MCAC, 11-11 overall Current 2022-23 Record: 6-2 Top returning players: Demya Riley, St. Paul, MN, Guard Jackie Lindsay, Belgrade, MN, Guard Allison Fritz, Norwood Young-America, MN, Guard Erin Knisley, New London-Spicer, MN, Forward Top incoming/new players: Rylie DeMaine, Sartell, MN, Guard Sarah Harris, St. Cloud, MN, Guard Keshona McGaughy, St. Cloud, MN, Guard
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Western Technical College
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Head Coach: Tanya Kaufmann, 1st year as head coach at WTC Overall Coaching Record at Western Tech: 6-1 Assistant Coaching Staff: Faith Nadelhoffer and Abby Cravillion 2021-22 Record: 6-9 in the MCAC, 10-15 overall Current 2022-23 Record: 6-1 Top returning players: Kaylee Skibba, Rosholt, WI, Guard Becca Rostad, Houston, MN, Guard Emma Geiwitz, Houston, MN, Guard Kayla Pecore, Bowler, WI, Forward Hallie Sherry, Viroqua, WI, Guard Top incoming/new players: Bri Bahr, La Crosse, WI, Guard Sydney Jahr, Holmen, WI, Forward Amellia Gunther, Mauston, WI, Forward Marissa Baker, Holmen, WI, Forward Coach Kaufmann on her team: "We are looking forward to a great season."
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Minnesota College Athletic ConferenceNorth Division Women's Basketball Preview
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Central Lakes College
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Head Coach: Krystal Brodeen, 1st year as head coach at CLC Overall Coaching Record at Central Lakes: 5-6 Assistant Coaching Staff: Mark Lindquist and Tanisha Beetso 2021-22 Record: Did not compete Current 2022-23 Record: 5-6 Top returning players: Megan Lanhart, Braham, MN, Guard Jacey Rydberg, Crosby, MN, Forward Top incoming/new players: Alyssa Torgerson, Burnsville, MN, Center Samantha Quigley, Houck, AZ, Guard Johnalisse Morales, Plant City, FL, Guard Anessa Davis, Barnum, MN, Guard Coach Brodeen on her team: "After a 2-year hiatus, there is a lot to be excited about when it comes to CLC Women's Basketball this season. We have a full roster that's ready to compete at the highest level in the conference. We are rebuilding the WBB culture at CLC as a unit and within the community. Our coaching staff is experienced in the MCAC and happy to be back! Coach Brodeen has both played and coached, Coach Lindquist has coached, and Coach Beetso is a former All-Region 13 player at CLC." Noteworthy Information: Central Lakes upgraded and expanded their campus weight room in August of 2022. The summer of 2022 also marked the return of CLC's Girls Basketball Summer League, along with multiple camps and clinics held into the fall for a total of over 100 local female hoopers.
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Minnesota North College - Itasca
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Head Coach: Henry Hellmann, 1st year as head coach at Itasca Overall Coaching Record at Itasca: 0-15 Assistant Coaching Staff: N/A 2021-22 Record: 2-6 in the MCAC, 2-17 overall, 5th place in the MCAC North Division Current 2022-23 Record: 0-15 Top returning players: Lily Gidley, Superior, WI, Guard Lacey Lindekugel, Grand Rapids, MN, Guard Top incoming/new players: Aaliyah Comer, Rochester, MN, Guard Cass Dahn, Brooklyn Park, MN, Center Coach Hellmann on his team: "We have a great group of student-athletes on this team and I fully expect to have a big turnaround from last season."
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Minnesota North College - Mesabi Range
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Head Coach: Brad Matuszak, 5th year as the head coach at MNC-MR Overall Coaching Record at Mesabi Range: 17-53 Assistant Coaching Staff: Earl Otis 2021-22 Record: 3-5 in the MCAC, 5-13 Overall, 3rd place in the MCAC North Division Current 2022-23 Record: 0-9 Top returning players: Bonnie Taylor, Minneapolis, MN, Guard Sakhia Howard-Reynolds, Minneapolis, MN, Center Top incoming/new players: Anna Fink, Virginia, MN, Guard Elizabeth Hey, Carlton, MN, Guard Kylie Anderson, Deforest, WI, Guard Deetra Davis, Hibbing, MN, Forward Coach Matuszak on his team: "We are looking to build on our first trip to the region tournament in over 6 years. We have a great group of freshmen who will contribute right away. Our sophomores will have to be our leaders."
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Minnesota North College - Rainy River
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Head Coach: Josh Koenig, 1st year as head coach at MNC - RR Overall Coaching Record at Rainy River: 3-10 Assistant Coaching Staff: Amis MacKenzie and Teah Goulet 2021-22 Record: 5-3 in the MCAC, 11-11 Overall, 2nd place in the MCAC North Division Current 2022-23 Record: 3-10 Top returning players: Shamiyah Bradford, Senatobia, MS, Guard Kiarra Edley, Dayton, OH, Forward Top incoming/new players: Madison Lowe, International Falls, MN, Forward Cara Polk, Palacios, TX, Guard Cyra Polk, Palacios, TX, Guard Saniya Wright, Houston, TX, Forward Coach Koenig on his team: "After coaching baseball in the MCAC for the past 13 years, I am excited to take over the women's basketball program as well. I would like to acknowledge and thank Coach Dieter Humbert for his many years of coaching and for building such a successful program in the MCAC. I look forward to working with our team and look to make an immediate impact in the league."
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Northland Community and Technical College
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Head Coach: Shannon Nelson, 12th year as the head coach at NCTC Overall Coaching Record at Northland: 257-75 Assistant Coaching Staff: Beth Tvedt and Alicia Backer 2021-22 Record: 8-0 in the MCAC, 15-11 Overall, MCAC North Division Champions Current 2022-23 Record: 5-8 Top returning players: Kasey Stegman, Drayton, ND, Forward Chloe Kuznia, Grygla, MN, Guard Top incoming/new players: Emma Osborn, Crookston, MN, Guard Lily Bayne, Warren, MN, Guard Shavonda Bender, Roseau, MN, Forward Riley Mooney, Argyle, MN, Forward Coach Nelson on her team: "We have a lot of new faces this year who we're excited to see compete in a Northland uniform. We have a tough non-conference schedule once again and we hope to see some resiliency from our players. We're looking forward to competing in one of the strongest regions in the country."
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About the Minnesota College Athletic Conference
The Minnesota College Athletic Conference is the organizational body for NJCAA-affiliated two-year technical and community college athletic programs in the Minnesota State system. The mission of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference is to advance intercollegiate athletics by providing an engaging and supportive environment for success of our student athletes and competition among member institutions. The MCAC is committed to the guiding principles of encouraging the development and success of student athletes, promoting the integrity, honesty and loyalty to member schools as well as upholding the sustainability of conference athletic programs.