Gophers embracing new challenge after Sweet 16 run

18 hours ago 11

After reaching the Sweet 16 last season, the University of Minnesota women’s basketball team enters the 2026-27 campaign with higher expectations, a deeper roster and a different feel around the program.

Now entering her fourth season as head coach, Dawn Plitzuweit said the Gophers are balancing continuity with an influx of new talent as they work through the early days of preseason practice. Wednesday marked Minnesota’s third official practice of the season.

“We have eight returning players and seven newcomers,” Plitzuweit said. “We’ve added players who I think can help us elevate our game in a new way and do things differently than we’ve done.”

While last year’s team leaned heavily on veteran continuity led by returning starters such as Mara Braun and Grace Grocholski, this season’s roster includes a mix of experienced transfers and talented freshmen.

Read Entire Article