Dakota State University announced its 2025-26 annual athletics awards, highlighting the remarkable achievements of its athletes. Tabor Teel, from the women's basketball team, was named the DSU Outstanding Female Athlete for the second straight year, culminating in accolades including NAIA First Team All-America and a historic season. Tysen Grinde earned the title of Outstanding Male Athlete for his standout performances in track and field, securing multiple NAIA All-America honors. The Dusty Andersen Memorial Award was presented to Brayden Pankonen for showcasing exceptional character and campus involvement alongside his athletic contributions.

By the Numbers
  • Tabor Teel recorded 606 points and 379 rebounds, setting school records in both categories.
  • Tysen Grinde achieved 6,982 points in the decathlon, ranking as the second-best score in Dakota State history.
State of Play
  • Teel led the Trojans to a 30-6 record, marking the most wins in a single season.
  • Grinde was recognized as a two-time NAIA All-America holder in multiple events, continuing a legacy of success for DSU athletes.
What's Next

The continued success of athletes like Teel and Grinde hints at strong recruiting potential for DSU鈥檚 athletics programs. As they look to the next season, the focus will likely be on maintaining these high performance standards and building upon their recent successes.

Bottom Line

The achievements of Teel, Grinde, and Pankonen underscore the importance of excellence not just in sports but also in academics and community involvement, illustrating the holistic development fostered at Dakota State University.