MANKATO, Minn. – Continuing the celebration of Minnesota State Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman's 25th year with the Mavericks, Minnesota State Athletics today announces former Maverick women's basketball standout and New Ulm, Minn., native Joey Batt as the latest selection to Kevin Buisman's 25 for 25.
The 25 for 25 series recognizes 25 of the most accomplished and memorable student-athletes from the past quarter century, beginning with Buisman's arrival at Minnesota State in 2002. The honorees will be announced throughout the next three months.
Click here for the complete list of honorees.
One of the most decorated players in program history, Batt appeared in 136 games during her five seasons with the Maverick women's basketball program, making 109 starts. She earned All-NSIC First Team honors four times and was named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Year on three occasions.
"My time at Minnesota State is something I reflect on often, especially now that I am in the classroom myself," Batt said. I find myself sharing the lessons I learned through playing basketball at such an incredible University and talking about how those experiences helped prepare me for the position I am in today. I am beyond blessed that I had the opportunity to play at Minnesota State, and some of my very best memories from my time there include Kevin being present and supporting us."
Batt helped lead the Mavericks to three NCAA Tournament appearances and played a pivotal role in Minnesota State capturing its second NSIC Championship during the 2023-24 season. That same season proved historic as Batt helped guide the Mavericks to the program's second NCAA Division II National Championship. Following the national title run, she was named to the NCAA Elite Eight All-Tournament Team.
"Joey seemed to only have one speed and that was full speed," Buisman said. "Her compete factor was off the charts and was one of those intangibles that separated her from the others. As a local product from New Ulm, she embraced the spotlight that came with playing close to home and continued to raise the bar and her level of play as her career progressed. What made her so special was she was more than just a great player – she was the heartbeat who brought the energy and the glue that held everything together."
Upon concluding her career, Batt ranked second in program history with 1,937 career points, third in field goals made (684), fourth in field goal attempts (1,574), second in free throws made (431), fifth in assists (421) and sixth in scoring average (14.2 points per game). She also finished her career as Minnesota State's all-time leader in both games played (136) and steals (381).
"During our national championship run, she brought an intensity, toughness and competitive spirit that everyone fed off of," Buisman added. "She was the kind of teammate who made the people around her better and her fingerprints are all over one of the greatest championship stories in the history of Maverick Athletics."
Following her outstanding senior season, Batt earned All-America honors from both the WBCA and D2CCA. She also garnered CSC Academic All-America First Team recognition, capping off one of the most accomplished careers in Maverick women's basketball history.
"Kevin Buisman truly embodies every credential and quality it takes to be an Athletic Director at a university and then some," Batt added. "I have never heard people talk about an Athletic Director the way they talk about Kevin. He puts his passion and love for not only sports, but for Minnesota State University on the front line every single day. He is consistently at every event he possibly can be. Unfortunately, he cannot be two places at once, but somehow he WILL be in two places, maybe even three, four or five, all within the same few hours. His presence and genuine investment in our athletes and programs never go unnoticed."
