MAYVILLE, N.D. — Fresh energy and a renewed focus on culture mark the start of an exciting new era for the Mayville State University women's basketball program as the Comets gear up for the upcoming season under new leadership.
Jenna Bolstad, the Comets' new leader, has spent her first few months building a strong foundation centered on accountability, continuous growth, and authentic connection across the campus and local community.
"The adjustment has been a really exciting time," Bolstad shared. "There's definitely a lot more responsibility that comes with being a head coach, but I've really enjoyed the opportunity to build this program and work to put my stamp on it. The biggest thing for me has been getting to know our players, the college, and the community and stakeholders while building the culture that we want to have here at Mayville State."
Central to that emerging culture is a simple, relentless daily mantra: compete together and get 1% better every single day.
Taking the court with a 16-player roster, the Comets boast a balanced mix of returning talent and promising new faces. The coaching staff has noted that the group's natural chemistry and internal competitiveness have stood out early in workouts, with players actively pushing one another to elevate their play. Every roster member brings a distinct skill set to the floor, and the focus remains on blending those individual strengths into a cohesive, unselfish unit.
That cohesion will be put to the test early. The program's non-conference slate was intentionally constructed to prepare Mayville State for the rigorous physical demands and tactical nuances of the Frontier Conference.
Throughout the fall, the Comets have focused heavily on player development, placing athletes in high-stress decision-making scenarios, establishing a clear defensive identity, and improving communication across all five spots on the floor. As opening night approaches, practice intensity has steadily ramped up to replicate true game speed, ensuring the team builds lasting habits rather than short-term fixes.
The journey formally kicked into high gear on Sunday, September 19th, when the program held its first official full-team practice—bringing an end to off-season conditioning and opening the doors to full-court preparation.
"There's something special about finally getting everyone on the floor together and seeing the work from our preseason conditioning and summer workouts start to come together," Bolstad noted. "We're still a work in progress, but our players have continued to show up, compete, and get better each day. That's what we're looking for — continuing to grow together and build toward the season."
With high standards, a unified roster, and a clear vision for the future, Mayville State Women's Basketball enters the year ready to make its mark.
The full schedule details are found here: https://msucomets.com/sports/womens-basketball/schedule
