Minnesota West’s Katrina Schutz Named NJCAA Division III Women’s Basketball National Player of the Year; Three Lady Jays Earn All-America Honors

Minnesota West’s Katrina Schutz Named NJCAA Division III Women’s Basketball National Player of the Year; Three Lady Jays Earn All-America Honors
Posted: Apr 10, 2026

Worthington, MN — Minnesota West Community & Technical College is celebrating a strong finish to the women's basketball season, led by sophomore forward Katrina Schutz, who continues to collect national recognition for her outstanding play and leadership.

Schutz has been named the 2026 NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball National Player of the Year. Schutz earned the national honor following a championship season in which the Lady Jays won their second national title in three years. The award is given to the top Division III women's basketball player in the country.

Adding to an already impressive postseason, Schutz has also been named a 2026 WBCA Division III All-American, as announced by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). This recognition places her among the elite two-year college women's basketball players in the nation, selected by coaches from across the country.

The association champions leadership, integrity, and the lifelong impact of the game. The WBCA Coaches' All-America program annually honors the top 10 women's basketball players in each membership division—NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA, two-year college, and high school—regardless of position.
 
Her achievement serves as an inspiration for future Bluejay student-athletes and marks a proud moment for the Minnesota West community.

A native of Eden Valley, Minnesota, Schutz joined Minnesota West for the 2024–25 season and showed steady improvement during her sophomore year. She increased her scoring average from 13.5 points per game to 16.6 points per game, while improving her shooting percentage from 45.5 percent to 51.8 percent.

"Katrina returned this season with clear goals for herself and the team," said head coach Rosalie Hayenga-Hostikka. "She was committed to getting back to the national tournament and winning a championship with her teammates."

Schutz ranked among the national leaders in several statistical categories. She finished second in defensive rebounds (233), fifth in total rebounds (299), fourth in free throw percentage (81.5%), and eighth in blocked shots (61). Her consistent play made an impact on both offense and defense throughout the season.

"She became a scoring threat inside and outside the paint and developed into a strong defender," Hayenga-Hostikka said. "She represents what it means to be a student-athlete, and we are proud of what she accomplished at Minnesota West."

In addition to being named National Player of the Year, Schutz earned several postseason awards, including Most Valuable Player of the 2026 NJCAA National Championship, First Team All-American, and MCAC South Division Player of the Year. She was also named NJCAA National Player of the Week twice, MCAC Athlete of the Week twice, and earned a spot on the MCAC All-Region 13 Team.

Minnesota West was also well represented on the NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball All-America Teams, with three players receiving national recognition:

The All-America honors highlight the depth and talent of the Lady Jays roster and the contributions of each player during the championship season.

The success of the 2025–26 Lady Jays reflects the continued growth of Minnesota West women's basketball and the dedication of its student-athletes, coaches, and support staff.