Sophomore Whitney Jensen lines up for a free throw against Anoka-Ramsey on Nov. 6, 2025. Photo by Malkijah Rashad
As March approaches, DMACC’s women’s basketball team has faced some major setbacks during what started as a historic season, but is still poised to finish strong. Their record is currently 18-6 and 10-6 in their conference.
The Bears began their season with the program’s best start, going 13-0. However, a rough winter stretch in Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) play from December to January handed the Bears a six-game losing streak. Since then, they have bounced back to win four games in a row emphatically by an average of 30.5 points.
What makes that winning streak even more remarkable is that it has been done in the absence of Alivia Carr, the team’s leading scorer, due to a meniscus tear. Head coach Jocelyn Kovarik says the team’s culture and depth have led to that success.
“We have been fortunate to have a solid culture that revolves around knowing the difference between right and wrong and making decisions that positively affect our school, team, and community,” Kovarik said in an email interview. “We routinely have hard-working teams, but this team in particular understands the intensity and competitiveness that is needed to have a well-rounded culture that leads to future success.”
Two instrumental players this season are 5’10” sophomore guard Whitney Jensen and 6’0 sophomore center Breeley Clayburg. Jensen is the team’s leader in blocks with 20 and is quickly approaching becoming the team’s leading scorer due to Carr’s absence. Kovarik describes her as “one of the most athletically gifted young ladies we’ve had.”
“Clayburg has a knack for protecting the paint and is always a threat on the offensive boards,” Kovarik said. “We are an up-tempo team that takes defensive risks. Breeley is the paint-protector who allows us to take those risks.”
Kovarik emphasizes that every woman on this team contributes to its success, saying, “I would name every young lady on this team as someone to keep an eye on. Each continues to step up when we need them most–an absolutely wonderful group of young athletes.”
Students can attend every DMACC sporting event for free, and are highly encouraged to travel to “The Den” at the Boone Campus to show their school spirit and experience the unforgettable atmosphere.
“DMACC seeks to provide the whole ‘college experience’ for our students, and athletics are a part of that experience,” Kovarik said. “Whether athletics are a part of your past experiences or not, the atmosphere is something you must experience! We appreciate all students and their support!”
Comments