The Denmark Technical College Panthers women’s basketball team is heading back to the national stage after earning a bid in the USCAA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship, which takes place March 3 -6 in Buffalo, New York. The Panthers enter the tournament as the No. 5 seed, marking the second national appearance in school history.
This milestone reflects a season defined by teamwork and growth under the guidance of Javon Gilliard, athletic director and women’s basketball head coach. The Panthers have shown determination and consistency, proving themselves as one of the nation’s top programs in Division I USCAA competition.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what this team has accomplished,” Gilliard said. “They’ve worked hard, supported one another and stayed focused on our goals. Reaching the national tournament is a direct result of their effort.”
Leading the Panthers is standout Saleese Kind, who currently ranks fourth in the nation in USCAA Division I scoring. Her leadership and playmaking have been instrumental to the team’s success.
“This season has been incredible,” Kind said. “We’ve built something special here at Denmark Tech and it feels amazing to see that hard work pay off. We’re excited to compete in the national tournament and to represent Denmark Tech.”
Kind and Ciara Mustapher were selected to compete in the tournament’s Skills Competition with top performers earning a trophy and gift card.
“Our Panthers continue to make us proud both academically and athletically,” Eric Brown, Ph.D., president and CEO of Denmark Technical College added. “Their determination reflects the innovation, elevation and transformation DTC has come to be known for. We’re behind them all the way as they compete for a national title.”
The USCAA Skills Competition takes place on Monday, March 2, at 1 p.m., followed by Denmark Tech’s first-round game against Bryant & Stratton College on Tuesday, March 3, at 4:45 p.m. Both events will be streamed live on the USCAA Sports Network.
The Panthers’ national appearance reflects the growing strength of Denmark Technical College’s athletics program and its commitment to excellence across all areas of student achievement.