The Colorado Mesa University Women’s Basketball Team achieved a historic season in March 2026, marking their program’s first-ever undefeated Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) season. The Mavericks finished conference play with a perfect 20-0 record, according to information from the university.
This impressive run extended to a 34-game winning streak before the team concluded its season with an overall record of 37-2. Their performance secured a spot in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Final Four, a significant accomplishment for the Grand Junction institution.
The team, under Head Coach Taylor Wagner, navigated a season filled with challenges, including player injuries, tough opponents, and the ongoing demand of academic priorities for student-athletes. Key players like redshirt sophomore Mason Rowland returned from knee surgery to contribute to the team's success. Rowland, who is pursuing an accounting degree, had previously earned RMAC Freshman of the Year and Second-Team All-RMAC honors. Senior standout Olivia Thyne, a recent graduate who pursued a degree in fitness and health promotion, made an immediate impact upon joining CMU, receiving RMAC Freshman of the Year honors and going on to become a three-time RMAC Player of the Year. Thyne also earned the 2026 RMAC Woman of the Year award.
From the outset, the Mavericks set ambitious goals, aiming to become one of the top teams in the country. This early alignment helped the team maintain accountability through practices, workouts, and game days. Rowland noted that the team understood its objectives from the start, stating, “we knew what we wanted to accomplish right from the beginning.” This shared vision propelled them further in the postseason tournament than any previous CMU team.
Injuries, such as ACL tears and sprained ankles, are common in basketball, but the team's resilience helped them maintain their drive. Thyne emphasized the importance of team relationships, explaining that the closeness among players was evident in their on-court performance. Thyne’s teammates described her as a player who elevated the play of those around her, whether by taking a critical shot or making the extra pass.
Despite personal accolades, Thyne remained focused on the team's collective goals rather than individual statistics. She shared that she never checked her stats during the season, prioritizing being present with her teammates. Thyne credited her close circle, including friends, husband, and parents, for supporting her and alleviating pressure, allowing her to play freely.
Coach Wagner’s leadership was central to maintaining the team’s humility and drive. The Mavericks started the season strong, winning the Division 2 Conference Commissioners Association (D2 CCA) Tip-Off Classic with a 3-0 record. After their first loss to West Texas A&M University, the team regrouped, leading to their remarkable 34-game winning streak. Even as wins accumulated and records were shattered, Wagner kept practices rigorous. Rowland commented that despite the winning, Coach Wagner “kept making practice harder. He kept pushing us.”
The season saw Coach Wagner achieve his 300th career win. Thyne concluded her collegiate career by breaking 16 CMU records and collecting 36 awards and honors. The university emphasizes a student-first, athlete-second model for its Division II players, like Thyne and Rowland, who compete out of passion for the sport rather than financial incentives.
