2011-12 Women's Basketball Team

Inducted: 2018

The 2011-12 Wildcat women’s basketball team had the most successful season in school history, going 32-3 overall and 20-2 in the NSIC to win a second straight Northern Sun Conference regular season title. WSC was a perfect 19-0 at home in Rice Auditorium that season to cap a third straight season going unbeaten at home. The 2011-12 team made school history by winning the NSIC post season tournament title and was awarded the #1 seed and hosted the NCAA Central Regional. The ‘Cats beat Minnesota State, Augustana and Metro State to advance to the Elite Eight in San Antonio. The dream season came to an end in the NCAA National quarterfinals with a heartbreaking 72-67 loss to Bentley (Mass.). Ashley Arlen was named NSIC Player of the Year for a second straight season. She was also selected Daktronics Central Region Player of the Year and was Division II Bulletin Player of the Year while being named WBCA/State Farm All-American for a second straight season. Clare Duwelius was also First Team All-NSIC. Head coach Chris Kielsmeier was selected NSIC Coach of the Year and was named WBCA/Russell Athletic Region 7 Coach of the Year. The 32-3 Wildcats earned a #1 national ranking that season and finished the year ranked fourth in the final USA Today/ESPN Division II WBCA Top 25 Coaches Poll for the highest ever ranking to end a season.