by Women’s and men’s hockey both needed new coaches after Brad Frost and Bob Motzko departed.
The search didn’t take long; the next week, Athletic Director Mark Coyle introduced Greg ‘Boom’ May to coach the women’s team.
He was an assistant for the Gophers starting in 2023, and now takes the reins as Head Coach.
On the other side, men’s hockey announced their coach the next day. It was Brett Larson from St. Cloud State.
“When you play the Gophers in hockey, you get the A-game from the opponent,” Coyle said. “I want all of our sports to feel that, and I feel like we’re making good progress doing that.”
Moving on over to the wrestling mat, sophomore Max McEnelly won the national championship at 184 pounds, the first time a Gopher has ever won at that weight.
“I’m only a sophomore, I got two more years left,” McEnelly said. “The goal is to definitely to become a three-time NCAA champ.”
The last of the winter sports to round out, women’s basketball ended its March Madness run in Sacramento against UCLA.
It was the program’s first Sweet 16 appearance since 2005.
“I think everyone just did an amazing job of giving 110% of everything they have every single day and every single practice,” said redshirt junior Mara Braun.
“There’s not one person that didn’t make an impact on this team, especially this season. We love it. This is what we came here to do, and I think we showed Minnesota the pride we have.”
Men’s basketball accepted an invitation to the College Crown tournament and will play the Baylor Bears in the first round tonight at 9:30 p.m.
The crown pays out in NIL funds, with $300,000 going to the winner, $100,000 for a semi-final win, and $50,000 for a quarter-final win.
NIL, meaning name, image, and likeness, is the new system where college athletes can be paid.
