If you’ve spent any time in Brookings lately, you know the energy around First Bank & Trust Arena is different this year. It’s loud. It’s intense. And honestly, it’s exactly what Aaron Johnston has spent over two decades building. The Jackrabbits aren't just playing games; they're defending a standard.
The South Dakota State women's basketball schedule for the 2025-26 season has already thrown some massive tests at this roster. We’ve seen them dismantle Creighton on the road and stand toe-to-toe with giants like Texas and Duke. But as the calendar flips deeper into January, the focus shifts. It’s Summit League time. This is where the seedings for Sioux Falls are won, and where rivalries like the one with NDSU or the "Yotes" take center stage.
If you're looking for the path forward, the back half of the schedule is a gauntlet of regional bus trips and high-stakes home stands.
The January Push: Defending Home Court
The Jacks are currently sitting in a great spot, but the schedule doesn't offer many breathers. After a dominant 103-76 win over Oral Roberts, the team is looking at a critical stretch in Brookings.
On Thursday, January 15, Denver comes to town for an 8:00 PM EST tip-off. Then, the big one. Saturday, January 17, features the North Dakota State Bison. If you’ve followed the Summit League at all this year, you know NDSU is the real deal. Avery Koenen has been playing like a woman possessed, racking up double-doubles and Player of the Week awards. That Saturday afternoon game at 3:00 PM EST isn't just another game on the calendar; it's a battle for the top of the conference standings.
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After that home stand, the Jacks hit the road. They’ll head to Grand Forks to face North Dakota on January 21, followed by a trip to Kansas City on January 24. These road trips are where chemistry gets tested. It’s long hours on a bus, late-night shootarounds, and the pressure of hostile gyms.
Key Remaining Matchups and Dates
You'll want to circle these dates on your calendar if you're planning to catch the action live or on the Summit League Network.
- January 28 vs. Omaha: Back home in Brookings. 7:00 PM tip.
- January 31 at South Dakota: The showdown in Vermillion. This is the one everyone talks about. 2:00 PM EST.
- February 12 vs. North Dakota: The return leg of the UND series. 8:00 PM EST.
- February 26 at North Dakota State: A late-season trip to Fargo that could very well decide the regular-season champion.
- February 28 vs. South Dakota: The regular-season finale. Senior Night. Brookings will be rocking for this 7:00 PM start.
Basically, February is going to be a wild ride. The schedule is designed to build momentum right into the Summit League Championship, which kicks off on March 4 in Sioux Falls.
Why This Roster Handles the Pressure
It helps when you have Brooklyn Meyer. Let's be real—she’s the engine. The Larchwood, Iowa native was the Preseason Player of the Year for a reason. She’s currently averaging high double digits and remains one of the most efficient post players in the country.
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But it’s not just the "Brooklyn Meyer Show." Madison Mathiowetz has been a steadying force as a senior guard, providing that veteran leadership you need when games get tight in the fourth quarter. We’ve also seen huge leaps from Maggie Hartwig and Katie Vasecka. Hartwig, specifically, has been a monster on the glass, often giving the Jacks those second-chance opportunities that break an opponent's spirit.
One thing people often overlook is the depth Aaron Johnston has cultivated. You’ve got players like Emilee Fox and Hilary Behrens coming off the bench or sliding into starting roles and not missing a beat. It’s that "next woman up" mentality that makes the SDSU women's basketball schedule look manageable even when the opponents are tough.
Survival of the Fittest: The Road to the Tournament
The Summit League is surprisingly deep this year. North Dakota State is on a massive win streak, and South Dakota, under Carrie Eighmey, is always a threat regardless of what the records say.
The Jacks' non-conference schedule was intentionally brutal. Playing #12 North Carolina and #2 Texas wasn't about padding the win-loss column; it was about exposure. It was about learning how to play against elite length and speed. When SDSU faces a tough defensive press from a conference foe in February, they won't blink. They've already seen the best the ACC and SEC have to offer.
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Honestly, the biggest challenge might just be the target on their backs. When you're the perennial powerhouse, every other team in the league circles your game as their "Super Bowl."
Actionable Tips for Fans
If you're planning to follow the rest of the season, here’s how to stay locked in.
- Secure Tickets Early: With the new First Bank & Trust Arena renovations, the atmosphere is incredible, but sellouts for the NDSU and USD games are almost guaranteed. Check the SDSU athletic site sooner rather than later.
- Watch Online: If you can't make it to Brookings or the away sites, the Summit League Network (via Midco Sports Plus) is the primary hub for all conference games.
- Follow the Standings: Keep a close eye on the NDSU vs. SDSU race. The top seed in the tournament gets the easiest path to the NCAA bid, and right now, it’s a coin flip between the Jacks and the Bison.
- Check Tip Times: Note that several games in January and February have 8:00 PM EST (7:00 PM local) starts, which is a bit later than the traditional afternoon weekend slots.
The road to the Big Dance runs through the Dakotas. Whether you're a lifelong Jackrabbit fan or just a fan of high-level mid-major hoops, the next few weeks are going to be must-watch television.