Hayenga-Hostikka named DIII Women's Basketball Coach of the Year
Charlotte, NC: After winning the first national championship in program history, Rosalie Hayenga-Hostikka has been named the 2023-24 NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball Coach of the Year.
In just their ninth season at the helm, the former Lady Jays star and All-American brought home a national title to Worthington. Hayenga has accumulated a 159-89 record across those nine seasons, which includes three consecutive national tournament appearances. After finishing as the national tournament runner-up to conference rival Rochester (MN) last year, Minnesota West returned many key players including 2023 NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball Player of the Year Olivia Hayenga. Olivia is the niece of head coach "Moz."
This year's team featured one of the best offensive and passing teams in the country, leading to a 26-7 record and No. 1 overall seed in the national tournament. The Lady Jays defeated Prince George's (MD) and conference foe Northland (MN) by double figures, en route to a rematch with Rochester for the national crown.
Minnesota West's star players came to play in the national championship, with sophomores Hailey DeVries, Audrey Drapeau, and tournament Most Valuable Player Hayenga scoring 20+ points each, the Lady Jays averaged last seasons title game loss with a 76-60 win.
