North Dakota State's Jory Collins Named 2026 Kay Yow Award Winner

Collins led the Bison to a record-breaking season, including the program's first regular season conference title.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:59pm

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North Dakota State University women's basketball head coach Jory Collins has been named the recipient of the 2026 Kay Yow National Coach of the Year Award. Collins guided the Bison to a 29-5 overall record, a 15-1 mark in Summit League play, and the program's first regular season conference title. NDSU also set a Summit League record with a 23-game winning streak and ranked No. 1 in the College Insider Mid-Major Top 25 Poll for the first time.

Why it matters

The Kay Yow Award is one of the most prestigious honors in women's college basketball, recognizing not only on-court success but also the embodiment of Yow's winning spirit and strong character. Collins' award is a significant achievement for the NDSU program and highlights the continued growth and competitiveness of the Summit League.

The details

In the 2025-26 season, Collins led the Bison to their third straight 20-win campaign, tying UConn for the most true road wins in the country at 12-0. NDSU also clinched a postseason berth for the fourth consecutive year, advancing to the second round of the Women's Basketball Invitational Tournament.

  • The 2025-26 season was Collins' fifth year as head coach of the NDSU women's basketball team.
  • The Bison won the Summit League regular season title for the first time in program history.
  • NDSU set a Summit League record with a 23-game winning streak during the 2025-26 season.

The players

Jory Collins

The head coach of the North Dakota State University women's basketball team, who has led the Bison to three straight 20-win seasons and the program's first regular season conference title.

North Dakota State University

The public research university located in Fargo, North Dakota, whose women's basketball team won the Summit League regular season title for the first time in 2025-26 under head coach Jory Collins.

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What they’re saying

“Jory Collins embodies the winning spirit and strong character that the Kay Yow Award represents. His leadership has elevated the NDSU women's basketball program to new heights, and this honor is a well-deserved recognition of his accomplishments.”

— Kay Yow Award Committee Chair

What’s next

Collins and the Bison will look to build on their successful 2025-26 campaign and defend their Summit League regular season title in the upcoming 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Jory Collins' Kay Yow Award win highlights the continued growth and competitiveness of the NDSU women's basketball program, as well as the strength of the Summit League conference. The Bison's record-breaking season and first regular season title demonstrate the program's ability to compete at the highest levels of Division I women's basketball.