MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State Athletics will celebrate the beginning of Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman's25th year with the Mavericks by highlighting 25 outstanding student-athletes who have helped shape the department's history during his tenure. 

The "25 for 25" series will recognize twenty-five (25) of the most accomplished and memorable Maverick student-athletes from the past quarter-century, beginning with Buisman's arrival at Minnesota State in 2002. 

The initial group of nominees included recipients of Minnesota State's annual Male and Female Athlete of the Year awards, as well as winners of the Don Buchanan Male Student-Athlete of the Year and Georgene Brock Female Student-Athlete of the Year awards. The selection process also included at-large nominees whose accomplishments, impact and contributions to Maverick Athletics made them worthy of consideration. 

The final 25 honorees will be revealed throughout 2026 fall semester, in no particular order, as part of an ongoing series designed to celebrate the remarkable history of Minnesota State Athletics during Buisman's tenure. 

In addition to recognizing the athletic accomplishments of each honoree, the series will feature stories that revisit their time as Mavericks and explore the lasting impact they made on their teams, the department and the Minnesota State community. Where possible, the series also will include "Where Are They Now?" updates, providing an opportunity to reconnect with former Mavericks and learn about the paths they have taken since leaving Minnesota State. 

"Some of the most rewarding parts of my time at Minnesota State have been watching exceptional student-athletes grow, compete and make a lasting impact as Mavericks," Buisman said. "This series gives us an opportunity to celebrate 25 individuals whose accomplishments and contributions helped shape Maverick Athletics, while also reconnecting with some great former Mavericks and sharing their stories with our community." 

During his 25 years leading Maverick Athletics, Minnesota State has experienced unprecedented competitive success, including five NCAA national championships and numerous conference championships, NCAA postseason appearances and individual national champions across the department's sports.  

A two-time NACDA Athletic Director of the Year, Buisman's teams at Minnesota State have consistently demonstrated broad-based success and ranked among the nation's elite Division II athletics programs as measured by the Learfield Directors' Cup standings, earning 23 consecutive Top-25 appearances, including five straight Top-10 finishes. 

The "25 for 25" series will be featured throughout the 2026-27 academic year across Minnesota State Athletics' digital and social media platforms. Fans are encouraged to follow along throughout the fall as Minnesota State Athletics celebrates 25 remarkable Mavericks from the past 25 years.