March 5, 2026
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) proudly announces the 2026 NAIA Scholar-Athletes for winter sports. Each semester, the NAIA Scholar-Athlete list celebrates student-athletes who excel in both academic and athletic arenas. This honor recognizes student-athletes in each of the winter sports who have excelled academically, including basketball. A total of 926 women's basketball athletes had been named to NAIA Scholar Athlete honor.
To qualify as an NAIA Scholar-Athlete, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, appear on the eligibility certificate for their sport, and have attended their institution for at least one full year. This year, the list features an impressive number of student-athletes who have met these rigorous standards.
Dakota State recorded eight athletes on the prestigious national academic award list. They are (name – year – hometown – major):
- Ella Carstensen – sophomore – exercise science & biology – Hudson, Wis.
- Caitlin Dyer – senior – physical education – Morphettville, South Australia
- Hamtyn Heinz – sophomore – physical education/exercise science – Huron, S.D.
- Eliza Oltmanns – sophomore – business marketing – Alexandria, S.D.
- Lillie Ross – sophomore – elementary education – Hill City, S.D.
- Tabor Teel – senior – business marketing – Colton, S.D.
- Bria Wasmund – junior – exercise science/biology – Sibley, Iowa
- Cierra Watkins – junior – elementary education – Sioux Falls, S.D.
