WINONA, Minn. — As snowflakes start to make their annual return, so does basketball season on the bluffs and excitement is building for the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota women's basketball team as they prepare to tip off the 2025–26 campaign.
Now entering their second season under Head Coach Courtney Shelton, the Cardinals are looking to build on last year's success and take another step forward. Coming off a strong 13-12 overall record and an 11-7 mark in MIAC play, Saint Mary's earned a spot in the conference postseason before falling in the quarterfinals setting the stage for what promises to be an even more competitive year.
"As a team, we're focusing on the process and we're also building off the success we had last year, using that momentum and experience to fuel our next step forward this season," said Shelton.
The Cardinals open their new season at home on Monday, November 10, welcoming North Central (MN) for a 6:00 p.m. tip-off inside the brand-new David R. Thies Arena. The home stretch continues on Saturday, November 15, when the Cardinals host No. 15-ranked UW–La Crosse as part of a special Homecoming Doubleheader Day. Fans are encouraged to pack the stands with free admission for the day's games and events across campus.
"I couldn't be more excited about the growth and potential of our group, we have a strong core of returners who not only understand our standard and culture but are ready to take the next step in our overall team development."
The Cardinals nonconference slate continues through November, including a post-Thanksgiving two-day tournament in Platteville on November 29–30, before opening MIAC play at home on Wednesday, December 3, against Carleton at 7:00 p.m.
Before ringing in the new year, Saint Mary's will take the court for a special exhibition game at North Dakota State University in Fargo on Monday, December 29, at 7:00 p.m., offering the team a unique opportunity to compete on a Division I stage.
Once conference play hits full stride, the Cardinals will play every Wednesday and Saturday, highlighted by key home dates including their Pink Game and Alumni Day in late January, and a Senior Day celebration on Saturday, February 14, hosting St. Scholastica at 1:00 p.m.
Saint Mary's will close the regular season on the road at Gustavus Adolphus on Saturday, February 21, before setting their sights on a return to the MIAC postseason tournament.
"Our returners have done a great job exemplifying what our culture is all about, and it's been fun to watch our team connect as we've brought in some talented new freshmen to the roster."
With a strong mix of veteran leadership and exciting new talent, the Cardinals are ready to make this winter one to remember.
