University of Northwestern Athletics

Basketball 1980-'84

Not only did Dena take the ball to the hoop for her team, she also helped take the women’s basketball program into a new era of competitiveness.  Known for her long-range jump shots, the shooting guard led her team in scoring all four seasons averaging 17.0 points per game.  Though she played in the day before 3-pointers and the smaller ball, Dena still ranks fourth all-time in scoring (1564) and her single-game records still stand for points (42), rebounds (18), and 2-point field goals (19).  As an aggressive and enthusiastic team captain, “Denosor” made a record 249 field goals in 1983-'84, leading the 19-10 Eagles to their first winning season in nine years.  Behind their All-American’s hot shooting, Northwestern also won its first NCAA Division II National Championship and Dena was voted Tournament MVP.

Away form the Northwestern hardwood, Dena worked a crisis hotline and took the Gospel overseas on basketball missions trip to Mexico and Europe.  After graduating, Dena took her game out west as a teacher and coach in Santa Monica, California and Washington.  Now back in Minnesota, Dena takes her leadership, infectious smile, and passion for excellence to work and on the road biking for special causes.