Dixie State Hoops Excited For First Division One Season, Renewed Local Rivalries
Oct 27, 2020, 11:40 AM
Photo Courtesy of Dixie State Athletics
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Dixie State Men’s and Women’s basketball teams are preparing for their first season playing in the NCAA’s Division One.
The Dixie State Trailblazers joined recently joined the WAC Conference. They previously played in Division Two and prior to that, JUCO.
In 2020, DSU moved to NCAA Division I Athletics during a global pandemic. Although our athletes’ dreams were postponed, they have risen up before, and they will rise up again. Check out @GENTRImusic's new video ft. DSU and share, share, share https://t.co/URJ1WCm8Tw via @YouTube
— DixieStateUniversity (@DixieState) October 22, 2020
Dixie State Women’s Hoops
The Dixie State Women’s Basketball team were picked by members of the media to finish second to last in the conference but that doesn’t bother head coach JD Gustin or his players.
“It doesn’t matter to us,” Gustin said during the WAC Conference virtual basketball preview. “That matters to you guys, but not us.”
Awesome to see @dixie_wbb with its full schedule out that includes a home game against BYU. Good stuff! #WAChoops https://t.co/uj9aASftuK
— WACHoopsDigest (@WACHoopsDigest) October 27, 2020
During the interview session, Gustin was joined by two players – Keslee Stevenson, London Pavlica.
Both players expressed a lot of excitement about playing new, in-state rival Utah Valley University. Stevenson said she played against some of the women on their team in high school.
The Dixie State Women’s basketball team kicks off the season on November 25 against Life Pacific. On December 1, the BYU Cougars head the St. George for a matchup against the trailblazers. They also play Southern Utah University later in the season.
Dixie State Men’s Hoops
“We are excited,” said Dixie Men’s Basketball coach Jon Judkins when asked about this first season coaching D1.
Excitement seems to be the trend in St. George as the Trailblazers prepare for their first WAC season.
Like the women’s team, the men are also excited about rebuilding in-state rivalries against teams like SUU and USU.
The men open the season against Saint Katherine on November 28. The men’s toughest opponent? One of college basketball’s best teams – Gonzaga.
.@DIXIESTATEBBALL announces its 2020-21 schedule #DixieBlazers #WeAreONE #WACmbb #WAChoops https://t.co/lQ8AdHzsoe
— Dixie State Athletics (@DixieAthletics) October 27, 2020
In a season like no other due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Trailblazers are trying not to let that get in the way of their first D1 season.
