Overview
- The school finalized a contract amendment for coach Dawn Plitzuweit this month that raises her 2026‑27 salary to $1.1 million, adds $30,000 annual increases and extends her term through the 2031‑32 season.
- The Gophers convened for summer workouts on Wednesday and began on‑court practice after a day of community service while integrating eight returners and seven newcomers.
- Minnesota’s incoming class includes high‑profile freshmen Natalie Kussow and Tori Oehrlein plus transfer forward Tayla Thomas, creating an offseason priority on role definition and team chemistry.
- The program announced a neutral‑site outing in the Cancun Challenge (Nov. 26‑28) and the university’s board approved an athletic director extension and a 10‑year naming rights deal for Williams Arena with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.
- The moves follow a 24‑9 season and the program’s first Sweet 16 trip in 21 years, giving Minnesota sustained stability that could boost recruiting, national exposure and season‑opening expectations next fall.