Dordt University women’s basketball team won its first National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national championship March 26, defeating the University of Providence’s Argos 57-53. Dordt, in Sioux Center, Iowa, is one of six educational institutions denominationally related to the Christian Reformed Church.
Players receiving special recognition included sophomore Macy Sievers and graduate student Karly Gustafson, named to the first all-tournament team; and junior Janie Schoonhoven, named to the all-tournament second team. Sievers was tournament MVP, and Schoonhoven earned the “Tournament Hustle Award.”
Coach Bill Harmsen, a member of Rock Rapids (Iowa) Christian Reformed Church, previously coached basketball at Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa, earning three girls state championships from 2012 to 2014 and a boys state title in 2017.
“Winning a national championship is so surreal,” he said of the new accomplishment. “Our women dedicated themselves to the improvement of their skills and mental approach to the game. The season is so long, so to have the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage on the last night of the season is certainly a blessing.”
Harmsen also appreciated the Dordt community’s support throughout the season. “Our community and university have been amazing all season long,” he said. “The support we felt during the regular season, conference tournament, and national tournament is second to none. Dordt is a special place for numerous reasons, the support for our students by the campus and broader community is incredible.”
About the Author
Kyle Hoogendoorn is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. He lives in Rock Valley, Iowa.
