JOINING FORCES

2019 Miss Basketball Minnesota Kacie Borowicz, of Roseau, and 2019 Miss Basketball North Dakota Megan Zander, of Mandan, are two of seven standout freshmen flourishing on the court at the Betty this season. Meet Fighting Hawks Women’s Basketball studentathletes Kacie Borowicz and Megan Zander … By Leanna Ihry, ’02 Photography by Sam Melquist ///

Alumni Magazine (AM): At what age did you start playing basketball?

Kacie: I started when I was in 1st grade and was asked to play on my older sister’s 3rd grade team. I did well on their team, and the rest is history.

AM: Who has been inspirational to you in your basketball career? Kacie: Now it’s popular for kids to hire a trainer, but growing up in the small town of Roseau I didn’t have access to that. My parents did everything for me. Every Sunday we would go to the gym and my parents would play ball with me. My mom played basketball at Moorhead State and my dad played football here at UND [David Borowicz 1993-96], so athletics has always been important to our family.

AM: How did it feel to be named Miss Basketball Minnesota? Kacie: It was a really big surprise! I am the first one from Northern Minnesota who has ever won the award. There were some amazing players who graduated ahead of me from my area. I feel like the award was for them too!

AM: What would you tell young girls who want to play college ball someday? Kacie: Just always try hard no matter what, even if it’s not what you want to do. And, never forget why you play. Always remember to have fun!

AM: You are the first Miss Basketball Minnesota to play at UND. Why did you choose to play here? Kacie: It’s really close to home, and because my mentors have always been my parents, I want them to come and watch me. I also really connected with the coaches!

AM: At what age did you start playing basketball? Megan: I started when I was a little kid. My mom just kind of put me in it and I liked it!

AM: Who has been inspirational to you in your basketball career? Megan: For sure my uncle. I always worked out with him and he would always lift me up and give me advice. He was always helping me get better.

AM: How did it feel to be named Miss Basketball North Dakota? Megan: It was really fun! Maggie [Manson, West Fargo] and Lilly [Keplin, Bismarck] were contestants too and we have known each other for a long time, so it was fun to all be finalists and now all play together at UND.

AM: What would you tell young girls who want to play college ball someday? Megan: No matter what is happening on the court, keep your chin up. You’re going to have bad days, but just keep working hard and do your best. Give it all you’ve got, cause one day it’s not going to be there anymore.

AM: Why did you choose UND? Megan: When I came here to visit, it just had a good home environment. It feels like such a welcoming place to call home. ///

UND Women’s Basketball is back in full swing with one of the largest incoming freshman classes in recent history. This youthful group is made up of seven true freshman including three from North Dakota and three from Minnesota.

Rewriting the high school record books, this group brings to the table North Dakota's leading scorer Lilly Keplin (Bismarck/Century), Minnesota's toprebounder Olivia Lane (Pequot Lakes, Minn.), Miss Basketball Minnesota Kacie Borowicz (Roseau, Minn.), Miss Basketball North Dakota Megan Zander (Mandan, N.D.) and Miss Basketball finalist Maggie Manson (Fargo/Sheyenne).

With eight battle-tested returners mixing in with this talented freshman class, this North Dakota team looks to get chemistry brewing early in the nonconference season and carry that momentum right into the Summit League. UND had a taste of victory in the Summit League tournament last season upsetting Denver in the first round, and these young women are poised to take another step forward this season. A great mixture of talent, youth, energy, and playing without fear makes this North Dakota hoops team a fun one to watch!

By Val Sussex, ’09, ’11