Minnesota
24-25 record: 25-11 (8-10 Big-10/13th place)
Dawn Plitzuweit is entering her third season leading the Golden Gophers. 2023-24 ended with a record of 20-16 (5-13 Big-10/T-11th place), so Minnesota made some modest progress after her inaugural season. They did not defeat anyone in the conference ranked higher than them other than a home win against Indiana. The Gophers did enter the WBIT tournament and went all the way, defeating Toledo, Missouri State, Gonzaga, Florida, and Belmont in the process.
Minnesota returns all of their five starters from last season: 6-5 Sr. C Sophie Hart, 5-10 Jr. G Grace Grocholski, 5-11 Sr, G Amaya Battle, 6-1 So. G Tori McKinney, and 6-1 Sr. F Mallory Heyer.
Given the roster stability, a couple of seldom-used players entered the transfer portal, and the Gophers brought in three players from the portal:
- 5-10 Gr. G Brylee Glenn (Kansas State)
- 6-2 Gr. F Tracey Bershers (UAB)
- 6-2 Gr. F Finau Tonga (San Jose State)
Minnesota’s starters were solid last season, and we’ve seen time and again how a veteran lineup can make an impact on a team’s season. My hunch is that Minnesota will improve this coming season and find their way into postseason play
