ATLANTA, Ga. – The University of Sioux Falls women's basketball program has once again been recognized for its excellence in the classroom, earning a spot on the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll for the 2025-26 academic year.

The Cougars finished No. 20, third in the NSIC, among all NCAA Division II women's basketball programs with a team grade-point average of 3.732, marking one of the nation's top academic performances. Sioux Falls was one of just 25 Division II institutions recognized on this year's WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll and one of five Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) programs to earn a place in the rankings.

The WBCA Academic Top 25 recognizes collegiate women's basketball teams with the highest combined grade-point averages for the academic year. To qualify, teams must post a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher while including every student-athlete on the roster for the entire season. Teams are nominated by their head coach, who must be a current WBCA member.

"Our program has always believed that success in the classroom is just as important as success on the court," said head coach Travis Traphagen. "This recognition is a reflection of the commitment our student-athletes make every day to excel academically while balancing the demands of competing at a high level. I'm incredibly proud of the discipline, work ethic and character this team continues to display."

Among the Nation's Best

Sioux Falls' 3.732 team GPA ranked 20th nationally in NCAA Division II and placed the Cougars among an elite group of programs recognized by the WBCA.

The NCAA Division II top five included Mercy (3.853), Florida Southern (3.849), Embry-Riddle (Fla.) (3.841), Northwestern Oklahoma State (3.826), and East Stroudsburg (3.825).

Within the NSIC, Southwest Minnesota State led the conference at No. 6 nationally, while Sioux Falls joined MSU Moorhead (15th), Northern State (21st), and St. Cloud State (23rd) in the national rankings.

Commitment Beyond the Court

The WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll is one of the organization's premier academic recognitions, celebrating programs that demonstrate a sustained commitment to excellence both athletically and academically.

According to the WBCA, 119 collegiate women's basketball programs across NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and two-year colleges earned recognition this season.

"The WBCA is pleased to recognize those women's basketball programs that have committed themselves to excellence on the court and in the classroom," said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. "The 119 ranked teams we honor this year across all five collegiate membership divisions strive to achieve all-around success and we commend their efforts. Congratulations!"

The Cougars continue to build a culture that values academic achievement alongside competitive success under head coach Travis Traphagen and his staff, as the program prepares for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The roster features 15 student-athletes representing four states, led by returning All-NSIC performers Kami Wadsworth and Ayla Brown.

About the WBCA

Founded in 1981, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association is the professional association for coaches of women's and girls' basketball at all levels of competition. The WBCA provides educational resources, leadership development opportunities, and recognizes outstanding achievements by coaches, student-athletes, and programs throughout the sport.