The University of Minnesota’s women’s basketball team, particularly the 2021 recruiting class, is focused on making a significant impact in the upcoming 2026 season. This group, which includes players such as Amaya Battle, Mara Braun, Niamaya Holloway, and Mallory Heyer, aims to guide the Gophers back to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2018.
Initially recruited under former coach Lindsay Whalen, this class faced unexpected challenges, including coaching changes and injuries. Despite these setbacks, the core players have remained committed to their original goals: to win, attract more local talent, and rekindle the enthusiasm that once filled Williams Arena during the team’s glory days in the mid-2000s.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
As they prepare for their final collegiate season, the Gophers are optimistic about their chances. “I think us four staying here, and then getting more Minnesota players to come here, that’s kind of what we imagined,” said Battle, a senior point guard from Hopkins. She highlighted the contributions of teammates such as Sophie Hart and Tori McKinney, who joined the program after 2021.
Battle reflected on her journey, acknowledging her initial naivety regarding the demands of college basketball. “Through this experience, we’ve learned a lot. So, I think this will be a really good year for us,” she noted.
The pursuit of an NCAA tournament berth remains a primary objective for the Gophers. Braun stated, “We have high expectations for this group. We want to make moves in the tournament and go as far as possible.”
Last season, Minnesota started strong, going 16-1 in their non-conference games—an unprecedented achievement. However, injuries, particularly to Braun, who fractured her right foot twice, hindered their performance in the Big Ten Conference, leading to a disappointing finish.
Building Momentum for the Upcoming Season
Despite the struggles, the team regrouped and participated in the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT), where they showcased their resilience by winning the championship. The Gophers concluded the season with a program-record of 25 wins, fueled by a collaborative effort from a variety of team members, including Battle, McKinney, and Grace Grocholski.
As redshirt juniors, both Braun and Holloway are determined to make their final season memorable. Holloway, who missed her freshman year due to a knee injury, expressed her excitement about returning to the court. “I know it’s going to pay off, and I’m just happy to be healthy and back now,” she said.
Plitzuweit, the current head coach, has emphasized the importance of this season for the 2021 class. “They came here as a class together to leave their legacy at the University of Minnesota, and it hasn’t been without challenges,” she explained. “But the greatest successes come after great struggles, and this group is doing something really, really special.”
With their sights set on the NCAA tournament, the Gophers are keenly aware of the stakes involved in their final season together. “We’re putting all the pieces together and doing the best that we can because this is our last season,” Braun said. “And we’re going to want to make the most of it.”
