Aaron Johnston - 26 Years of Winning at South Dakota State

Aaron Johnston has spent the last 26 seasons building South Dakota State University into one of the premier mid-major programs in women’s college basketball. Under his leadership, the Jackrabbits have dominated the Summit League, consistently winning conference championships and earning NCAA Tournament berths. Most recently, SDSU has reached the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons, continuing a standard of excellence that has made the Jackrabbits the benchmark for success in the conference.One of the most remarkable aspects of Johnston’s career is that he successfully guided the program through its transition from Division II to Division I without missing a beat. While many programs struggle through that process, the Jackrabbits quickly established themselves as contenders at the Division I level. Johnston has also intentionally challenged his teams with demanding Power Four non-conference schedules, believing those early-season tests prepare his players to compete in March and elevate the program into the national conversation year after year.As South Dakota State enters a new chapter following the departure of star Brooklyn Meyer, plenty of attention will be on how the Jackrabbits respond. Even with key pieces to replace, Johnston’s track record suggests the expectations won't change. With a culture built on player development, consistency, and championship habits, South Dakota State is poised to remain one of the nation's top mid-major programs and a team capable of making noise in the NCAA Tournament every season.Available wherever you get your podcasts. Follow and subscribe ⁨@Notevend2⁩ Enjoy the episode!