Katrina Shutz of Minnesota West is the 2026 NJCAA DIII Women's Basketball Player of the Year
Charlotte, NC – An unstoppable season came to a valiant end as the Lady Jays of Minnesota West took home their second national title in three years. Behind every program's success story is a leader on the court who pilots her team to victory. She is excellence personified, leaving her mark on the institution. Katrina Schutz of Minnesota West has been named the 2026 NJCAA DIII Women's Basketball Player of the Year.
Schutz began her career with the Lady Jays as a freshman in 2024-25. Now a sophomore, she has made great statistical jumps in her performance from last year to now. She has registered 3.1 more points per game this year, going from 13.5 to 16.6. In FG%, she jumped from 45.5 to 51.8.
"Katrina is a player who was determined to return her sophomore year and achieve lofty goals for herself and our program. She was determined to do whatever it took to get back to the national tournament and win a national championship with her team," stated head coach, Rosalie Hayenga-Hostikka.
Schutz made national noise this year, landing in the top five in numerous categories across the NJCAA. She was 2nd in defensive rebounds with 233 while ranking 5th in total rebounds at 299. Her free throw percentage was 4th highest in the nation, registering at 81.5. Schutz finished 8th in the nation in blocks with a total of 61.
"She became a threat every night, both in the post and on the perimeter, and made herself into a terrific defender. She is a true student-athlete, and we are so proud of all she accomplished during her time at Minnesota West," Hayenga-Hostikka stated.
Schutz was named NJCAA National Player of the Week two times this season, as well as earning Most Valuable Player in the 2026 National Championship. The sophomore forward also stood out in her conference, earning MCAC Athlete of the Week honors twice this year. Schutz was a 2026 All-America First Team selection as well as earning a spot on the MCAC Women's Basketball All-Region 13 Team. Her impact on the court led her to be named the MCAC South Division Player of the Year.
Personal
- Position: Forward
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Eden Valley, MN
- High School: Eden Valley-Watkins High School
2025-26 Stats
- 16.6 PPG
- 9.6 Rebounds Per Game
- 61 Blocks
- 233 Defensive Rebounds
