Home Celebrity Buzz Daily 2

5 Reasons Pitt State Women's Basketball Is Dominating The MIAA (And Who To Watch Next Season)

• minute read
Contents

The Pittsburg State University (Pitt State) Women's Basketball program has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), with the most recent seasons marking a historic return to elite status. As of December 22, 2025, the Gorillas are generating significant buzz following a breakthrough period that saw them capture their first MIAA regular season title since the 2016-17 campaign, cementing a new era of dominance under Head Coach Amanda Davied.

This resurgence is not just a flash in the pan; it’s a meticulously built foundation of star-level talent, strategic coaching, and deep roster development that propelled the team to an NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearance. Fans and rivals alike are now watching closely to see how this championship culture translates into sustained success in the competitive MIAA and on the national stage.

The Rise to Dominance: Recent MIAA and NCAA Success

The 2024-2025 season will be remembered as a monumental year for the Pitt State Women's Basketball program. After years of building momentum, the Gorillas finally broke through to claim the MIAA regular season crown, which was the program’s third overall conference title. This achievement was a direct result of strong play on both ends of the court, showcasing a blend of offensive firepower and disciplined defense that few MIAA opponents could match.

The team’s success extended well beyond the conference schedule, earning them a coveted spot in the NCAA Division II National Tournament. Their impressive run culminated in a trip to the Elite Eight, where they faced a tough challenge. This deep tournament push solidified the Gorillas' standing as a national contender and demonstrated the program’s ability to perform under high-stakes pressure.

Key victories throughout the season, including a dominant 86-43 win against St. Mary (Kan.) and an early 75-57 victory over Southern Nazarene, provided crucial momentum and confidence. The team’s overall performance contributed significantly to Pittsburg State taking the lead in the prestigious MIAA Commissioner's Cup standings, a testament to the comprehensive athletic excellence across the university.

The Star Power: All-American Grace Pyle and Karenna Gerber

The foundation of the Gorillas' recent success rests heavily on the shoulders of their phenomenal star players, who have garnered national recognition for their performances. The team boasts multiple All-MIAA selections and a legitimate national award winner, elevating the program’s profile.

Grace Pyle: The All-American Scorer

Senior guard Grace Pyle has cemented her legacy as one of the deadliest scorers in Pitt State history. Her exceptional performance earned her the prestigious NCAA Division II All-America honors from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). Pyle was also named the MIAA Women's Basketball Athlete of the Week multiple times during the season, showcasing her consistent impact.

  • Key Achievement: WBCA NCAA Division II All-American.
  • Conference Honors: First-team All-MIAA selection.
  • Impact: During one undefeated MIAA week, Pyle averaged an astounding 28.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game.

Karenna Gerber: The Dominant Forward

Alongside Pyle, senior forward Karenna Gerber provided a powerful presence in the paint and on the boards. Gerber was also recognized for her stellar play, earning a First-team All-MIAA selection. Her inclusion in the 2024-2025 MIAA Postseason Awards highlights her consistent excellence and importance to the Gorillas' championship strategy. The combination of Pyle's perimeter scoring and Gerber's interior dominance created a balanced and formidable attack that opponents struggled to contain.

The Architect of Success: Coach Amanda Davied's Era

The dramatic turnaround and sustained excellence of the Pitt State Women's Basketball program are directly attributable to Head Coach Amanda Davied. Davied, an alumna of Pittsburg State, has instilled a winning culture since taking the helm.

Entering her eighth year as head coach, Davied has overseen a period of unprecedented success, with the 2024-25 season being hailed as potentially the best ever in program history. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes player development, strategic depth, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the court.

The strength of the program is also evident in the quality of the coaching staff she has assembled. Assistant Coaches Kelby Fritz, Max Olsan, and Hunter Berry provide crucial support, focusing on everything from defensive schemes to individual player skills. This cohesive coaching unit has been instrumental in maximizing the potential of the Gorillas' roster year after year, allowing them to consistently compete for the MIAA title against rivals like Fort Hays State and Emporia State.

Looking Ahead: Roster Depth and the 2025-2026 Outlook

While the departure of senior stars like Grace Pyle and Karenna Gerber will undoubtedly leave large shoes to fill, the Pittsburg State program has demonstrated a strong pipeline of talent. The focus now shifts to the next generation of Gorillas who are ready to step into leadership roles for the 2025-2026 season.

The roster for the upcoming season already features promising players who are expected to become household names. Redshirt-sophomore guard Hannah Miller, for example, is poised to take on a more significant role. Her development, alongside other emerging talents like Marin Adams and Clara Swearingen, will be critical to maintaining the program's high standards.

Coach Davied’s proven track record in recruiting and developing talent ensures that the Gorillas will remain a formidable force in the MIAA. The team's ability to adapt and reload, coupled with the championship experience gained from the Elite Eight run, suggests that Pittsburg State is not done competing for national honors. The 2025-2026 season promises another exciting chapter as the Gorillas look to build upon their MIAA Regular Season Champions title and make another deep run into the NCAA Division II tournament.

The commitment to excellence, from the coaching staff to the players, has transformed Pitt State Women's Basketball into a model program within the MIAA. The legacy of the recent championship team, anchored by All-Americans and a historic conference title, has set a new, higher benchmark for all future Gorillas squads.

5 Reasons Pitt State Women's Basketball Is Dominating the MIAA (And Who to Watch Next Season)
pitt state women's basketball
pitt state women's basketball

Detail Author:

  • Name : Delphine Watsica
  • Username : bednar.effie
  • Email : stoltenberg.rosa@crona.biz
  • Birthdate : 1989-12-05
  • Address : 50520 Courtney Estate Apt. 729 Thompsonberg, SD 85434-1193
  • Phone : +1-573-464-0812
  • Company : DuBuque-Kassulke
  • Job : Radiologic Technologist and Technician
  • Bio : Id velit facilis eum. Velit perspiciatis iusto qui quisquam. Rerum officia nihil aspernatur reprehenderit aut.

Socials

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@borer1998
  • username : borer1998
  • bio : Voluptatibus eligendi enim saepe rerum inventore est vero.
  • followers : 4924
  • following : 666

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/retaborer
  • username : retaborer
  • bio : Modi impedit itaque eligendi possimus. Odio asperiores rerum quia numquam dolores at dolorum. Est amet est et quas.
  • followers : 4477
  • following : 576

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/rborer
  • username : rborer
  • bio : Quaerat voluptatum repellendus fugiat quo debitis eos. Provident laboriosam et voluptas enim.
  • followers : 6183
  • following : 1198

facebook:

Random Posts