When the Green Bay Phoenix face off against the Minnesota Gophers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, it’s more than just a clash on the court-it's a reunion. Green Bay Coach Kayla Karius once served under Minnesota Head Coach Dawn Plitzuweit at South Dakota, and the lessons learned during that time have clearly stuck with her.
Reflecting on her time as Plitzuweit’s recruiting coordinator and assistant, Karius shared, "It was my first Division One coaching job, and I was learning the ropes. Dawn’s work ethic and her commitment to doing things the right way left a lasting impression. She’s a winner through and through, and it’s no shock that she’s got Minnesota hosting this year."
Karius credits Plitzuweit with instilling a strong team culture. "Dawn builds her programs on unselfishness and hard work," Karius explained.
"Her teams are balanced, they share the ball well, and they play with a blue-collar mentality. That’s evident in Minnesota’s style today."
Fans can expect to see these philosophies in action when Green Bay and Minnesota meet. "Both teams play with physicality and focus on getting the ball inside to wear opponents down," Karius noted.
"Dawn’s teams are tough on defense, setting the tone with physical play and balanced scoring. Their low turnover rate and high assist numbers speak volumes."
The Green Bay squad has already arrived in Minneapolis, and they received a memorable sendoff with a surprise visit from Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
Having previously faced Washington, another Big Ten team, Karius believes that experience will serve Green Bay well. "Washington was strong defensively, but we managed to score on them by moving the ball effectively. That game gave our players confidence."
As they prepare to face Minnesota, Karius acknowledges the challenge ahead. "Minnesota’s defense is the toughest we’ll face all season.
Their size, physicality, and defensive mindset are impressive. This will be a true test for us."
With both teams ready to showcase their best, this matchup promises to be a thrilling display of strategy and skill.