Anchored by Faith: Avery Koenen Reflects on a Record Season

Growing up in the small town of Montevideo, Minnesota, junior forward Avery Koenen has been a standout player for the North Dakota State women’s basketball team. She was raised in a basketball-heavy family, with both of her parents playing at the Division II collegiate level. Competing in college athletics had always been a goal for her.

Koenen began playing basketball at a young age and was a multi-sport athlete in high school. She competed in volleyball, basketball and track. She also played for a travel AAU basketball team to get more exposure to the game.

In eighth grade, she started taking basketball more seriously after receiving her first offer from the school her parents played for. After that, she continued to grow and receive more offers around her sophomore year. When the time came to choose, she selected NDSU due to its strong community and coaching staff.

However, coming to NDSU was an adjustment for Koenen at first.

“Growing up in a small school, I wasn’t used to playing at the level that I’m in now. It was a whole new learning process for me with more physicality and new terminology.”

For Koenen, faith has helped change the way she approaches the game and her expectations for herself. She said, “I used to struggle with the mental side of the game, having self-doubt and unnecessary pressure. My goal isn’t to score the most points, it’s to play and honor God, be the best teammate and give my all.”

This winter, Koenen broke the program’s Division I era, single-season rebounding record, placing her seventh in Bison history. She was also named a semifinalist for the 2026 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year award. She credits her coaching staff and teammates for all their constant and positive support.

“It’s one thing to get those awards, but to me, being supported by a great group of athletes and people is what makes it so much better. My teammates are what make this sport so special. It’s almost rare to find, so I really am happy with the people I get to play with,” she said.

Koenen described the women’s basketball team as a close and connected group. When things don’t go their way, they always continue to lift each other up and support one another. The team is close on and off the court, which helps them play so well together.

The coaching here has been strong and dedicated to the program as well. Koenen showed great appreciation for the coaching staff for always holding the team accountable, communicating, and supporting the team throughout their trials. Head coach Jory Collins is in his seventh year of coaching at North Dakota State and continues to be a great leader for the team.

The team has also received huge support from the Bison community this season. “Each year, I’ve noticed the community support for us keeps increasing. It’s cool to see that in women’s sports, especially basketball,” said Koenen.

Koenen described the most difficult part of this season for the team was the mental side of the game. She said, “Staying focused on our goals, not getting ahead of ourselves and being humble is a huge value of ours”. The women’s team continues to stay focused and motivated throughout the season, playing a huge role in their success.

The team holds the most wins in a single season in the NDSU Division I era. “It’s so amazing to experience that with the people we’re surrounded by every day. To be able to do that for our program and community is so special,” said Koenen.

Earlier this year, NDSU defeated South Dakota State for the first time in several years. The win marked a significant accomplishment for the program. This was a huge goal for the team coming into the season.

The NDSU women’s basketball team also went undefeated in away games this season. Koenen described this achievement as meaningful because of the challenges that come with playing in unfamiliar environments. She said staying motivated on the road requires strong focus and trust within the team.

The team continues to show up every day, even when it’s hard.

“Basketball can be super draining, not just physically, but also mentally. It’s constantly repetitive, so the ability to stay focused is important for us.”

Last Saturday, the women’s basketball team earned its Summit League Regular Season Championship title. Going into the rest of the season, the team is taking it one day at a time, staying healthy, prepared and motivated for all that’s ahead.