FEATURE: A Decade of Dominance

MITCHELL, S.D. – A rich history of tradition in basketball runs deep at Dakota Wesleyan University. But it is the dominance over the past decade that makes the DWU women's basketball team distinguished.

 With a history dating back to 1975, there is no arguing that DWU women's basketball had historical moments throughout the years. From their first winning season in 1978-79, to a program record 32 wins and a national semifinal appearance in 2001-02, to a national title game appearance the following season. But the previous 10 years of basketball are arguably the best decade of basketball in program history.

 It might be safe to say the first team national championship in school history in 2018 would not only be the highlight over the past number of years, but also the top shining moment over the past 44 years of DWU women's basketball.

 But, on top of the postseason accolade, the Tigers have secured a record of 212-120 since 2010, including a record of 138-39 over the past five seasons. Another impressive feat in terms of records is the home record for DWU. Since 2010, the Tigers have a record of 99-38 at the Corn Palace, good for a 72.3% win percentage. In just the last five seasons, DWU has a homecourt record of 58-10.

 The home-court advantage is something that has aided the Tigers in their success in recent years. In a preseason interview, head women's basketball coach Jason Christensen said the Tiger fans that pack the Corn Palace each night makes a significant difference.

 "We have the best fans," Christensen said. "I go around to different conferences and other stadiums in the GPAC, and while they are good atmospheres, they are nothing like what our fans provide. Our crowd bleeds blue, and I can't thank them enough." 

 The success at home has propelled the Tigers into success on the road and into postseason play. DWU made four-straight Great Plains Athletic Conference Championship appearances from the 2015-16 season until the 2018-19 season. 

 It has also helped set multiple records, including tying the record for most wins in a season with 32 during the 2017-18 season and setting the record for most consecutive wins. There have also been 20 team records set or tied during the last 10 seasons, including 15 records during the 2017-18 season.

 The players are the ones executing the plays on the court and the crowd makes it difficult for opposing teams, but the success starts at the top; with the head coach. Christensen took over the helm in the 2010-11 season and has seen eight winning seasons since taking over.

 Christensen is the winningest coach in DWU women's basketball history and surpassed 200 career wins earlier this season. After a 14-17 season, the Tigers were picked to finish eighth in the conference polls in 2015-16. However, Christensen led them to a 27-9 record, tied for second in the conference, made the GPAC postseason championship game and made it to the quarterfinals of the national tournament. The success of the season earned Christensen the USMC/WBCA Region Coach-of-the-Year. A few years later, he was named the NAIA National Coach-of-the-Year after winning the first national championship in program history. When asked how he brought his teams to where they are today, he credits his players first and foremost.

 "I want kids who are going to work hard," Christensen said. "I think you've seen that over the past number of years is that the surrounding communities are full of athletes who are willing to work hard on a daily basis. The success from the early 2000's had a lot of local talent on their rosters, and that's what we try to continue today. Our coaching staff might be the ones who bring the players to DWU, but the athletes are the ones dedicating their time to be the best they can be."

 The coaching philosophy correlates to the players on the team each year. The student-athletes that the coaching staff brings in each year have made a difference on the court and in the classroom. There have been 12 NAIA All-Americans, 38 All-GPAC members, a two-time GPAC Defensive Player-of-the-Year in Rylie Osthus and 11 players who have scored over 1,000 career points since 2010. During the Tigers national championship run, Kynedi Cheeseman was named the Tournament MVP, while Osthus was awarded the Tournament Hustle Award.

 Not only have the accolades come on the court, but the players have been just as impressive off the court. Since 2010, there has been 34 NAIA All-American Scholar-Athletes and five CoSIDA Academic All-District members. The teams have also volunteered their time in the community by speaking at local schools and helping after the flooding that hit the Mitchell community in the past year. 

 "These players understand the importance of off the court work," Christensen commented. "They know that people will remember them for what they do on the court, but it's what they accomplish off the court that will leave a legacy, and they get that."

 If the past decade has reminded fans that DWU women's basketball history is rich and runs deep, then the Tiger faithful is prepared for what the next 10 years have in store.