Gophers Women’s Basketball Secures Top 20 Ranking for Next Season
Big news for Golden Gophers fans! The Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball team has soared into the national spotlight, earning a impressive #17 ranking in The Athletic’s post-transfer portal evaluations for the upcoming season. After a standout year capped by a WBIT Championship and a bolstered roster, this ranking signals the program’s exciting trajectory. Let’s dive into what’s driving this surge, from returning stars to strategic additions, and what it means for the road ahead.
How the Minnesota Golden Gophers Women’s Basketball Earned Their Spot
The journey to a Top 20 ranking didn’t happen overnight. Last season’s 25-11 record was a testament to grit and growth under third-year coach Dawn Plitzuweit. The defining moment? Winning the 2025 WBIT Championship, where the Gophers took down tough opponents with sheer determination, proving they belong among the elite.
Analyst Chantel Jennings of The Athletic placed Minnesota at #17, a nod to their postseason success and roster stability. With 81% of last season’s scoring returning, the team isn’t just holding steady—they’re reloading for a deeper run. It’s a welcome shift for a program that hasn’t seen this level of preseason hype in six years.
Unpacking the WBIT Championship Triumph
Let’s talk about that WBIT title. The Gophers didn’t just win—they dominated, beating four NCAA Tournament-caliber teams by an average of 14.2 points. Freshman standout Tori McKinney dropped 26 points in the championship game against Belmont, earning WBIT MVP honors and turning heads nationwide.
Defense was the name of the game. Minnesota held Belmont to a measly 33.3% field goal percentage in the final and limited Florida to 35% shooting in the semifinals. That kind of lockdown performance is why fans and analysts alike are buzzing about this squad’s potential.
Roster Strength: The Heart of Gophers Women’s Basketball
One word defines this team: depth. With most of their scoring punch returning, the Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball roster is a mix of seasoned talent and hungry newcomers. Coach Plitzuweit has built a group that’s versatile, with players who can adapt to any game situation.
Leading the charge is All-Big Ten guard Mara Braun, who averaged 17.1 points per game last season. Alongside her, Amaya Battle dishes out assists like clockwork (6.3 per game), while Mallory Heyer controls the boards with nearly 9 rebounds a night. It’s a core that’s hard to rattle.
Key Returning Players and Their Impact
Here’s a quick look at the numbers behind the Gophers’ backbone. These players aren’t just stats on a sheet—they’re the engine of this team’s rise.
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mara Braun | 17.1 | 4.2 | 2.8 |
| Amaya Battle | 12.4 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Mallory Heyer | 9.8 | 8.9 | 1.4 |
These stats highlight why Minnesota is a force. Braun’s scoring, Battle’s playmaking, and Heyer’s rebounding create a balanced attack that’s tough to counter. And with Tori McKinney emerging as a clutch performer, the future looks even brighter.
Transfer Portal Wins: Fresh Faces, Big Potential
Coach Plitzuweit didn’t just rely on returning talent—she hit the transfer portal with precision. Two key additions are set to elevate the Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball game plan. First up is Brylee Glenn from Kansas State, a 93-game starter with NCAA Tournament experience under her belt. She’s a veteran presence who knows how to win.
Then there’s Tracey Bershers from UAB, a sharpshooter with a 43.4% three-point clip. Her ability to stretch the floor will give the Gophers new offensive dimensions. Together, these transfers add depth and flexibility—crucial for a long season.
Why Transfers Matter in Today’s Game
If you’ve followed college basketball lately, you know the transfer portal is a game-changer. Teams like Minnesota are using it to plug holes and boost talent overnight. For the Gophers, Glenn and Bershers aren’t just bench players—they’re potential starters who could shift the team’s ceiling in the Big Ten.
What do you think about the transfer portal’s impact? Has it made college hoops more exciting, or does it mess with team chemistry? I’d love to hear your take in the comments.
Coaching Magic: Dawn Plitzuweit’s Winning Formula
Behind every great team is a great coach, and Dawn Plitzuweit is proving she’s the real deal. Her “Gaining Momentum” philosophy isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a blueprint. She’s instilled a defensive identity that’s suffocating, often using unique drills set to 1990s hip-hop to keep practices lively.
Plitzuweit’s also big on positionless basketball, letting players like Battle and Braun flow freely between roles. Add in her data-driven approach to development, and you’ve got a coach who’s modernizing the Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball program with every game.
Recruiting the Next Wave of Stars
Looking ahead, Plitzuweit’s recruiting is on point. The Gophers have locked in talents like Zoey Bershers (ranked #52 by ESPN) and Makena Christian, Missouri’s Gatorade Player of the Year. These commitments show that Minnesota isn’t just a flash in the pan—they’re building for sustained success.
Health and Depth: The X-Factors for Success
Here’s the catch: rankings assume a healthy roster. Last season, injuries to Mara Braun (foot) and Taylor Woodson (knee) sidelined key players for a combined 32 games. If the Gophers want to maintain their Top 20 status, staying injury-free will be critical.
Luckily, depth helps. With 13 scholarship players—including four former 4-star recruits and three All-Big Ten selections—Minnesota has bodies to spare. This isn’t a team that’ll crumble if one player goes down. Still, keeping Braun and Woodson on the court is a priority.
What Happens if Injuries Strike Again?
Imagine this: midseason, a starter tweaks an ankle. Last year, that might’ve derailed the Gophers. This year, with transfers and a deeper bench, they’ve got options. But injuries test mental toughness as much as physical skill. Can this team weather the storm if history repeats itself?
Big Ten Battle: Where the Gophers Stand
The Big Ten is a gauntlet, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball team knows it. Ranked as the sixth-best team in the conference by early projections, they’re behind powerhouses like #4 UCLA, #8 Maryland, and #12 Ohio State. That’s stiff competition, but it’s also motivation.
Minnesota’s non-conference slate will be a proving ground. Expect home games against mid-major threats, neutral-site tournaments with ranked foes, and maybe a rivalry clash or two. These early tests will show if the Gophers can hang with the Big Ten’s best.
Toughest Matchups on the Horizon
Mark your calendars for conference play. Games against Maryland and Ohio State will be must-watch battles. Can the Gophers’ defense stifle high-powered offenses? And will their rebounding edge (a +7.8 margin in the WBIT) hold up against taller frontcourts? These are the questions that’ll define their season.
Fan Fever: Bringing Williams Arena to Life
If you’ve been to Williams Arena lately, you know the energy is electric. After last season’s postseason magic, attendance is expected to spike. The “Barn” is ready to roar, and fans are eager to see if this Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball squad can make an NCAA Tournament push for the first time since 2019.
Want in on the action? Season ticket renewals open June 1, student section registration starts August 15, and the non-conference schedule drops September 5. Grab your spot early—this team’s worth the hype.
Why This Ranking Matters to Fans
For longtime supporters, this ranking isn’t just a number. It’s validation. I remember watching the Gophers struggle through lean years, wondering if they’d ever climb back up. Now, seeing them at #17 feels like a reward for sticking through the ups and downs. What’s your favorite Gophers memory? Drop it below—I’m curious!
Looking Ahead: NCAA Tournament Dreams
Let’s be real: a Top 20 ranking is awesome, but the ultimate goal is March Madness. The Gophers haven’t danced since 2019, and this might be their best shot in years. With a lethal mix of returning talent, savvy transfers, and Plitzuweit’s coaching, an NCAA Tournament berth feels within reach.
Still, it won’t be easy. Consistency across a grueling Big Ten schedule is a must. And staying healthy? Non-negotiable. If they check those boxes, we could see Minnesota cutting down nets come spring.
What’s Your Prediction for the Season?
I’m tossing the ball to you now. Where do you see the Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball team finishing this year? Top 15? Sweet 16? Or are there hurdles I’m overlooking? Share your thoughts—I’m all ears.
Final Thoughts: A Program on the Rise
The #17 ranking from The Athletic isn’t just a pat on the back for the Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball program—it’s a challenge. It says, “You’ve arrived, now prove you belong.” With stars like Mara Braun, a championship-tested coach in Dawn Plitzuweit, and a fanbase ready to pack Williams Arena, the pieces are there.
But rankings don’t win games. Execution does. As the season tips off, I’m excited to see if this team can turn preseason promise into postseason glory. If you’re as pumped as I am, drop a comment with your thoughts, share this post with fellow Gophers fans, or check out more coverage on our site. Let’s cheer this team on together!
Sources
- “Analyst Ranks Gophers Women’s Basketball as Top 20 Team Heading into Next Season,” SI.com, Link
- “Gophers Topple Belmont in WBIT Tournament Championship Game,” SI.com, Link
- “Minnesota Gophers Beat Florida in WBIT Semifinal,” Star Tribune, Link
- “Gophers Land Transfer Portal Commitment from Veteran Big 12 Guard,” SI.com, Link
- “Gophers Add Former UAB Forward Tracey Bershers,” Star Tribune, Link
- For more on women’s college basketball rankings, visit ESPN, Link