Upcoming Season for NDSU Women’s Basketball
The North Dakota State University (NDSU) women’s basketball team is poised to kick off their 2025-26 season with an away game against Northern Iowa on Monday, set to begin at 6:00 p.m. at the McLeod Center.
Game Coverage Details
Fans can catch the action via ESPN+ for subscribers or tune into the play-by-play commentary by Andy Rieckhoff on Bison 1660, starting at 5:30 p.m. Additionally, the radio broadcast will be accessible for free on GoBison.com/allaccess and through the NDSU Athletics mobile application.
Coaches Radio Show
The Bison Basketball Radio Show, featuring head coaches David Richman (men’s) and Jory Collins (women’s), will air live every Monday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Fargo. Fans can participate by asking questions while the hosts discuss the current season and highlight upcoming games. Notable air dates in November include November 10 (men’s only) and November 24.
Television Coaches Show
Airing Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. starting November 26, the Bison Basketball Show will offer highlights and in-depth analysis hosted by Sam Neidermann, alongside both basketball coaches.
Team Overview
The Bison return six starters and seven letterwinners from last year’s squad that made it to the Great 8 Round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT). They have consistently ranked among the top three in the Summit League standings for the past three seasons.
Season Openers Record
Under Coach Jory Collins, NDSU holds a 3-3 record in season openers since the 2019-20 season, having lost the last two. However, they possess a 2-1 record in road openers, with their only loss occurring back in Collins’ debut at Northern Iowa on November 6, 2019.
History Against Northern Iowa
As the two teams prepare for their 11th meeting since 2008, Northern Iowa leads the all-time series 8-2. The Bison last faced the Panthers in 2022, suffering a 79-70 defeat in Cedar Falls.
Summit League Preseason Insights
In the Summit League Preseason Poll, NDSU was predicted to finish second, amassing 498 points and receiving two first-place votes. South Dakota State topped the poll with 558 points and 34 first-place votes, while Oral Roberts secured third with 410 points.
All-League Selections
Avery Koenen and Jocelyn Schiller were named to the All-Summit League Preseason First Team, and Marisa Frost was designated to the Second Team. Koenen averaged 17.0 points and 8.1 rebounds during the previous season, while Schiller, after a solid freshman year, recorded an average of 13.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.
Avery Koenen’s Honors
The standout player Avery Koenen has been included in the preseason watch list for the 2026 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award, making her the first Bison player to achieve this honor.
College Insider Poll
NDSU is receiving votes in the College Insider Mid-Major Top 25 Poll, having obtained 72 votes. The Bison previously made an appearance in this poll with a ranking as high as No. 25.
Consistency in Success
Having achieved back-to-back 20-win seasons under Coach Collins with a last season record of 21-12, the Bison are looking to extend their successful streak.
Challenging Schedule
NDSU’s regular season includes 29 games, featuring 13 contests at Scheels Center, alongside a variety of non-conference matchups against teams that participated in postseason tournaments last season. They are set to commence their 16-game Summit League schedule at Oral Roberts on January 1.
Home Court Performance
Last season, the Bison maintained a strong home record of 13-3 at the Scheels Center and have a combined 37-5 record at home over the last three seasons.
Coaching Leadership
Entering his seventh season, Coach Jory Collins is close to reaching the 100-win milestone with a record of 98-82 at NDSU. His overall coaching career stands at 297 wins, making him one of the most experienced coaches in the Summit League.
Returning Talent
NDSU welcomes back three All-Summit League selections, including Koenen, along with newcomers and transfers strengthening the roster.
Fresh Faces in the Roster
The Bison have added three transfers in Jocelyn Schiller, Lily Niebuhr, and Audrey Martinez-Stewart. Additionally, three freshmen—Sophie Hawkinson, McKenna Johnson, and Karrington Asp—join the squad, with some already noted as promising prospects.
Looking Ahead
NDSU will debut its home season against Gonzaga on Friday, November 7, at 7:00 p.m. at the Scheels Center.
