The DWU Dynasty: 5 Reasons Dakota Wesleyan Women's Basketball Is A Current NAIA Powerhouse
The Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) Women's Basketball program is currently one of the most compelling and successful teams in NAIA athletics, consistently challenging for the top spot in the highly competitive Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). As of this writing in late December 2025, the No. 10 ranked DWU Tigers have just delivered a massive statement victory on the national stage, confirming their status as a legitimate title contender for the current season.
The team, hailing from Mitchell, South Dakota, is built on a foundation of championship pedigree and a disciplined coaching structure. Their recent performance at a major holiday tournament has put the entire NAIA on notice, showcasing a powerful blend of veteran leadership and breakout star talent that makes them a must-watch team heading into the new year and the crucial GPAC schedule.
The DWU Women's Basketball Power Structure: Roster and Coaching Staff
The Tigers' success is a direct result of a stable and experienced coaching staff combined with a deep, talented roster. This structure provides the necessary foundation for sustained excellence in the challenging NAIA landscape.
Coaching and Administration Profile
- Head Coach: Jason Christensen
- Tenure: 15th Season (as of 2024-2025)
- Additional Role: Associate Athletic Director for Fundraising & Facilities
- Hometown: Mitchell, S.D.
- Championship Achievement: Led the Tigers to the 2018 NAIA Division II National Championship.
- Associate Head Coach: Celeste Beck
- Additional Role: Senior Women's Administrator (SWA)
- Role: A crucial part of the team's long-term stability and player development.
- Graduate Assistant: Helen Staley
Key Player Entities (2024-2025 / 2025-2026 Roster)
The DWU Tigers boast a roster full of high-impact players, with several student-athletes taking on key roles in the 2024-2025 season:
- Avery Broughton: A confirmed star, she started all 32 games in the 2024-2025 season and recently delivered a career-high performance in the 2025 Hoops in Hawaii Classic.
- Grace Fryda: A key guard on the roster, listed as #2.
- Jaida Young: Another prominent name on the Tigers' roster.
- Taliyah Hayes: A consistent presence in the rotation.
- Nora Dinger: A forward contributing to the team's depth.
- Morgan Edelman: Providing valuable minutes and scoring.
- Mya Wilson: A key contributor to the team's overall depth.
- Shalayne Nagel: Noted for her rebounding ability (9 REB in a recent game).
- Sloane Keszler: A notable addition to the 2025-2026 roster.
The Shockwave Victory: DWU Dominates the 2025 Hoops in Hawaii Classic
The most significant and current news surrounding the Dakota Wesleyan Women's Basketball team is their phenomenal showing at the 2025 Hoops in Hawaii Classic in Honolulu, HI. Competing against "two top-end NAIA teams," the Tigers proved they belong at the top of the national rankings.
On Friday, December 19, 2025, the No. 10 DWU Tigers delivered an absolute shockwave by dismantling the formidable No. 3 Campbellsville (KY) team with a decisive 83-55 victory.
This massive upset was fueled by a spectacular performance from star player Avery Broughton, who recorded a career-high scoring effort against the third-ranked team in the nation. The victory is a monumental achievement, serving as a huge resume-builder and a clear indicator of the team's potential to make a deep run in the 2026 NAIA National Championship tournament. The Tigers also secured another victory at the classic, defeating the College of Idaho 58-40 at The Shark Tank, further solidifying their position.
The Championship DNA: A Legacy of NAIA Excellence
While the 2025-2026 season looks promising, the current success of the program is rooted in a championship legacy that began just a few years ago. This history provides the team with the "championship DNA" that Head Coach Jason Christensen instills in his players year after year.
The 2018 NAIA National Championship Triumph
The pinnacle of the program's history came in the 2017-2018 season. The DWU Tigers concluded their dominant campaign by winning the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship.
In a thrilling final, Dakota Wesleyan defeated their conference rival, the Concordia (Neb.) Bulldogs, with a final score of 82-59. This victory marked the program’s first-ever national title, cementing the 2018 team as legends in Mitchell, South Dakota, and setting the standard for all future Tigers teams.
Consistent GPAC and NAIA Presence
The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) is widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in NAIA basketball, often featuring multiple nationally ranked teams. The DWU Tigers consistently navigate this brutal schedule, demonstrating their toughness and quality.
- 2024-2025 Season Snapshot: The team finished the 2024-2025 season with an impressive 25-7 overall record, including an 18-4 mark in GPAC play.
- Post-Season Success: The team is a perennial participant in the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship First Round, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level of the sport.
The Path Forward: What to Watch for in 2026
With the major statement made at the 2025 Hoops in Hawaii Classic, the Dakota Wesleyan Women's Basketball team is poised for a deep run. The GPAC tournament and the subsequent NAIA National Championship bracket will be the ultimate proving grounds for Coach Christensen's squad.
The team's success hinges on the continued high-level play of key entities like Avery Broughton and the veteran leadership of players such as Grace Fryda and Jaida Young. Their ability to maintain strong defense and efficient scoring—averaging 72.3 points per game and shooting 44.6% from the field in the 2024-2025 season—will be critical as they face their toughest conference opponents.
The DWU Tigers are not just a strong team; they are a championship-caliber program with a recent victory that proves they can defeat anyone in the nation. The road to the national title will undoubtedly run through the tough GPAC, but with their current momentum, the Tigers are a favorite to be cutting down the nets once again.
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