THIEF RIVER FALLS – With a 75-43 win over Mesabi Range College on Dec. 15, 2018, Pioneer women’s basketball head coach Shannon Nelson achieved a career milestone no other coach in Pioneer history has realized – 200 career wins. “It feels great and a little surreal. 200 wins means I’ve been here for a while. I can’t believe I am already in my ninth season of coaching,” Nelson exclaimed. She credits the outstanding players and coaches that she has had the pleasure of working with for her achievement. “Success doesn’t happen in a bubble–to be a successful coach you have to surround yourself with the right people, from coaches to players.”

In honor of Nelson’s 200th win, the Pioneer women’s basketball team was chosen as the first MCAC U.S. Marine Corps Team of the Week for 2019. The MCAC U.S. Marine Corps Team-of-the-Week is an award sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps and presented to teams who exhibit service to community, outstanding performances and strong leadership in an MCAC athletic program.

When Nelson first came to Northland in 2007 to take a position as an admissions rep and academic advisor she never envisioned the turn her career would take. “In the fall of 2010 I was asked to fill a gap in the Women’s Basketball coaching line-up for one season,” recalls Nelson, “The reason I came back that second season and continue to come back each year is because of the relationships I’m able to develop with the players.”

The Marshall native was a standout basketball player at the University of Minnesota leading the Gophers to four straight NCAA tournament appearances including three appearances in the Sweet Sixteen, and one in the Final Four. So, why does this three-time Defensive Player of the Year remain dedicated to the Pioneers? Nelson explains, “When you coach at a DI or DII program it is more of a business, and the student-athletes are employees. Your job is on the line with each win or loss, and I think relationships become secondary.” Nelson and staff pride themselves on creating a culture where young adults are helped to navigate their first journey away from home. “We tell recruits and their parents that we are there for the ladies on and off the basketball court–from helping with roommate or class issues to jump starting their cars in the dead of winter. Over the years, these young ladies have embraced our culture and what it means to be a part of the Pioneer women’s basketball program.”

Creating a dynasty

The Pioneer women’s basketball team has gained a reputation for seeking out talent from area high schools and fielding a competitive roster. “We learned early on that there is good basketball in northwest Minnesota and we’ve been able to put together successful teams from this area. I think it makes the people in the area proud that we are able to compete on a national level with local athletes,” Nelson explains. This strategy has served the Pioneers well. Home games are a hot ticket in town as local fans show up to cheer on these familiar athletes.

In eight seasons Nelson has earned an impressive 192-45 overall record and the Pioneers continue to be ranked towards the top of the NJCAA Division III Women’s Basketball poll. This level of success has helped create a higher standard of play for all of the teams in the MCAC Northern Division. “The road to a National Tournament has become exceedingly difficult. There are great teams in the Northern Division–several who have a legitimate shot at a Regional Championship,” Nelson illustrates, “I think sometimes people take for granted that we’ve been able to make it to a National Tournament eight out of the past nine years. If it looks easy, it doesn’t mean that it is. We need to continue to push to be better every day, and recruit great area student-athletes.”

At the end of the day, Nelson simply strives to help develop young women to be strong and successful adults and hope that their Pioneer pride will carry through every aspect of their lives. “We want to prepare them for life after basketball and college. Our alumni come back for games and events and continue to support Northland and the Pioneers. I think that speaks to the experience these athletes had while they were here. As a coach, I can’t think of a better testament to what it means to be a part of the Pioneer women’s basketball program.”

The Pioneers are currently 8-2 on the season and sit No. 3 on the NJCAA Division III poll.