South Dakota is known for its rugged beauty and pioneering spirit, both of which reflect in its vibrant collegiate sports scene. The state is home to South Dakota State University (SDSU), the largest and most comprehensive higher-education institution in the region, playing a crucial role in shaping the athletic landscape across the NCAA Division I level.
Home to the Jackrabbits, SDSU participates in numerous sports, showcasing the diverse athletic talents of its students. These sports include basketball, football, and equestrian events, elevating the state and its institutions to national prominence. This week, the spotlight shines brightly on the Summit League, as athletes from neighboring North Dakota State University (NDSU) and SDSU make strides in women’s basketball.
The Summit League has been a platform for fostering athletic excellence, inviting universities to compete with rigor and sportsmanship. In a recent turn of events, North Dakota State freshman Marisa Frost was celebrated for her outstanding performance, earning the Summit League Women’s Basketball Peak Performer of the Week title. This accolade is especially significant, coming during the Big Sky-Summit Challenge, where Frost posted impressive statistics with a team-high 20.0 points per game and exemplary shooting percentages.
Frost’s achievements resonate closely with the ongoing legacy of female athletes in South Dakota’s universities. Brooklyn Meyer, a distinguished player from South Dakota State University, was previously honored as the Summit League Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season. As a junior forward from Larchwood, Iowa, Meyer is redefining expectations and pushing boundaries, having scored 556 points in her sophomore year – a feat that ranks ninth in the program’s history.
SDSU’s commitment to excellence transcends sports. As a public, land-grant university founded in 1881, it offers diverse academic programs and serves over 12,000 students from 47 states and 77 countries. The university’s research expenditures, notably rising by 13.5% in FY2024, highlight its dedication to advancing knowledge and innovation in fields such as agriculture, family wellness, and community development through SDSU Extension.
The competitive spirit that drives the Jackrabbits also fuels South Dakota’s larger goals, including SDSU’s aspiration for R1 university status by 2031. This ambition reflects the state’s broader desire for growth and recognition in both academic and athletic domains.
As key players like Brooklyn Meyer and Marisa Frost continue to perform remarkably, South Dakota’s legacy as an incubator for exceptional talent solidifies. The thriving sporting environment amongst universities not only celebrates personal achievements but also fosters a sense of community pride and State identity.
- Contact South Dakota State University for more information on admissions and athletics.
- Explore the history of Summit League past peak performers.
South Dakota State University
As we celebrate the triumphs of female athletes at South Dakota State University and beyond, it is pivotal to appreciate their dedication and the institution’s commitment to supporting their endeavors. The state’s universities pale no effort in steering their students, athletes, and researchers toward success, embodying the tireless, persevering virtues that’s intrinsic to South Dakota’s spirit.