In a resounding tribute to the academic and athletic excellence that defines South Dakota’s passion for sports, the Summit League has announced the 2025-26 Women’s Basketball Academic All-League Team. This news brings well-deserved attention to South Dakota State University (SDSU) and its standout student-athlete, Madison Mathiowetz, who embodies the spirit of the Jackrabbits both on the court and in the classroom.
Madison Mathiowetz, a senior guard majoring in Human Biology with a pre-chiropractic focus, madison.mathiowetz@sdstate.edu, earned her first selection to this elite team. Her perseverance in maintaining a GPA of 3.62 while demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership on the court is a testament to South Dakota State’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Madison Mathiowetz
This year’s Academic All-League Team is co-led by North Dakota State University, which boasted three honorees: Avery Koenen, Marisa Frost, and Molly Lenz, each with a perfect 4.00 GPA. Their achievements highlight the symbiotic relationship between athletic prowess and academic diligence that the Summit League celebrates.
As part of the rigorous selection process, candidates for this prestigious team are required to have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30, serve at their institution for at least one academic year, and participate in 50 percent of their team’s competitions. This ensures that only the most dedicated and capable student-athletes are chosen.
Koenen, who received her second career academic team honor, alongside her North Dakota State teammates, demonstrates the strong athletic programs that exist within the North Dakota-South Dakota region. Special recognition goes to Marisa Frost, a sophomore majoring in Exercise Science, who balances her academic workload and basketball commitments with poise and dedication.
Under the guidance of sports information directors and facility athletic representatives, the nominations process showcases the collaborative spirit of the Summit League institutions. This year’s team reflects a shared vision of fostering excellence in student-athletes.
South Dakota State University, with its rich tradition of supporting athletic and academic pursuits, continues to be a beacon of opportunity for students like Madison Mathiowetz. The state’s commitment to sports and education is further strengthened by such accomplishments, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive development.
The inclusion of Oral Roberts’ Jalei Oglesby on the Academic All-League Team also points to the broad regional talent within the league. Excelling with a GPA of 4.00 in her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, Oglesby represents the academia-athletics balance sought by the league.
For South Dakota, the 2025-26 season at SDSU is yet another chapter in a storied tradition of nurturing successful student-athletes. The Jackrabbits, empowered by local support and robust athletic programming, are poised to continue their legacy of excellence in the years to come.
As the nation turns its spotlight onto South Dakota’s athletic and academic prowess, it is clear that the state is not just nurturing athletes but future leaders who excel in multiple arenas.