Spurred by senior Kristin Vieselmeyer and a blossoming junior class, Concordia University, Nebraska Women’s Basketball returned to an elite level of on-court performance in 2025-26. The Bulldogs rallied around the theme of ‘Press’ on their way to the national tournament and a ranking as high as ninth in the NAIA coaches’ poll. The team’s theme had dual meanings, emphasizing suffocating full-court pressure on game days while simultaneously keeping the focus on the ultimate prize: Christ.
In year 20 guiding the Bulldogs, Head Coach Drew Olson had a blast coaching a mature and kind-hearted group. The statistical balance on the roster was a reflection of a team that celebrated collective success over individual accolades.
“It was definitely how selfless they were,” said Olson regarding what he found most enjoyable about coaching this team. “We never had any issues in terms of rules on the team or anything like that. It was always about the team and people willing to do whatever to make the team better. It was a really special group in that way. There were some great moments – obviously going to Hawaii and spending extra time with them there. We had some great games and celebration stuff afterwards that you’ll always remember. It’s a special group of people. They really care for each other and love each other.”
The 2025-26 journey tipped off inside Friedrich Arena and made a stop in Honolulu before conference play heated up following New Year’s Day. Unfortunately, the ride was halted sooner than hoped as Concordia exited the national tournament with a 78-76 first-round upset loss at the hands of Bethel College (Kan.) in Madison, S.D. The Bulldogs were left to process a season that yielded a 23-8 overall record, a tie for third place in the GPAC regular season standings and seven wins over teams that qualified for the national tournament.
Considering the way Concordia played in the GPAC tournament, it had every reason to believe it could make a run and advance to the national tournament final site in Sioux City, Iowa. The Bulldogs routed Briar Cliff in a 111-70 white-washing in the quarterfinals (featuring seven treys from Raelyn Kelty) before playing wire-to-wire with eventual national runner up Dordt in the semifinals. Earlier in the season, Concordia announced itself as a national contender when it pummeled two NAIA top 20 teams at the Cattle Classic (including eventual final site bound MidAmerica Nazarene) and started 9-0.
“It was a tough loss and a tough way to end the season,” said Olson in breaking down the national tournament. “It’s still kind of hard to grasp because we had such a special team. I felt like we played great the entire season, didn’t really have any bad games until that final one. We were just a little out of sync, didn’t play great and didn’t do some of the little things that we were doing before to win games. It doesn’t take away from what we accomplished this season. It was good to get back to the national tournament and to finish third in the GPAC. I’m really proud of our group – just sad that we’re not still playing.”
With the end of the season came the outpouring of emotion surrounding Vieselmeyer’s final game in Concordia threads. The Holyoke, Colo., native was the third Vieselmeyer sister to come through Concordia. As a senior, Kristin averaged 11.3 points and 5.1 rebounds while earning First Team All-GPAC accolades. Kristin and her entire family have been especially supportive of Concordia Athletics and the University’s mission.
Said Olson, “There’s nothing I can say that will explain what the Vieselmeyer family has meant to us. Kristin is really, really special. We are going to miss her a ton. I’m kind of in denial that it’s happening. I want her to stay here and keep playing. I want (her parents) Erik and Michelle to still be at the games. It’s still kind of hard. I’m still trying to process that. They’re incredible people, and I love all of them.”
As Vieselmeyer served as the “team mom” of the 2025-26 squad, the Bulldogs made their mark thanks in a big way to the growth of the junior class. Two of those juniors, Bree Bunting and Sammy Leu, spearheaded the full-court press with their tenacity in the backcourt. Their efforts paved the way for Concordia to rank top five nationally in both turnovers forced (26.2) and steals (16.4) per game. Incredibly, seven rotation regulars averaged more than one steal per outing.
Four juniors averaged more than 7.5 points per game: Bunting (9.3), Leu (9.0), Kelty (8.5) and JJ Jones (7.7). The class got its feet wet for the 2023-24 team that reached the national tournament final site and then learned valuable lessons during a 2024-25 season of close calls before taking on major roles in 2025-26. Each one proved capable of emerging with big-time performances. Case in point – Kelty’s 23-point outburst in the GPAC quarterfinals.
Of course, the story of the ’25-26 team cannot be told without mentioning freshman point guard Ayla Roth. Following a decorated prep career at Milford High School, Roth averaged 11.0 points per game and drained 51 treys as a rookie. Roth was named to the all-tournament team at the Hoops in Hawaii Classic after she poured in a career-high 25 points in the win over Providence (Mont). Another impact freshman, Sara Harley played in all 31 games.
Roth will be a big part of the program’s future. Said Olson, “You start with Ayla and how awesome she was throughout the year and how big of an impact she made. She’s a special talent, and I’m excited to see her continue to grow and develop and continue to take her game to another level. I thought Sara Harley did a great job throughout the year being a solid wing for us. We’ll see how she can continue to advance.”
Other storylines included the improvement of sophomores such as Makynna Robbins and Abbie Kromarek and an unfortunate injury that sidelined another sophomore in Savi Butterfield. There was also the return to the court of Gabrielle Wagner, who has overcome a series of major knee injuries. The high-energy Wagner collected 47 steals in 31 outings and brought toughness to the locker room. She was honored alongside Vieselmeyer on senior day.
On Jan. 21, the blowout victory over Midland marked career win No. 500 for Olson (now 507-163 through 20 seasons). Olson has won at least 20 games in 16 separate seasons for a program he’s led to a national championship (2019) and to 17 national tournament appearances. Olson’s staff underwent changes this past season as former top assistant Tae’lor Purdy-Korell stepped down. Olson welcomed in Katherine Benes (Concordia Chicago alum) as lead assistant and Vince Ongtangco as graduate assistant.
Concordia will move on without Vieselmeyer (986 career points), but the presence of a wealth of proven veterans will make it a dangerous team in 2026-27 (in addition to the hopeful return to health of impact transfer Payton Burda). Before the 2025-26 academic year ends, the Bulldogs will make the mental flip to next year. For right now, the act of processing the end of a season has not yet concluded.
Said Olson, “Truthfully, I haven’t thought a ton about next season. I’m still kind of processing this past year. I know we’ve got a special group coming back with only losing Kristin. We’re going to have a really good team. I’m excited to talk with them and find out what their goals are and what they’re going to be working on this summer. How can we push them? I think we’ve got something really special for next year.”
Follow the women’s basketball program throughout the offseason by visiting its online homepage HERE. The 2026-27 schedule is likely to be announced during the upcoming summer months.