GRAND FORKS, N.D. (UND Athletics)- University of North Dakota head women’s basketball coach Mallory Bernhard announced the signing of a sixth future Fighting Hawk. Joining North Dakota for her fifth year of eligibility and after a record-breaking four years at Trine University is Tara Bieniewicz from Chesterfield, Mich. She will join newcomers Amanda Roach from Brighton, Mich., Mikayla Aumer from Mora, Minn., Rakiyah Beal from Detroit, Mich., Nakiyah Hurst from Milwaukee, Wisc., and Darcy Jardine from Cheyenne, Wyo.
Tara Bieniewicz, 6-0, G, Chesterfield, Mich. (Trine University/Dakota High School)
“North Dakota is getting one of the best players we have ever had at Trine University,” shared Trine University women’s basketball head coach Andy Rang. “Tara is an elite shooter, great person and hard working. We are happy and excited to have Tara represent our program at the Division I level. We wish her all the best at North Dakota.”
Bieniewicz led the Trine Thunder to a 28-4 record this past season and their first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament Championship Semifinal. This past season, she tied the record for most three-pointers in a game with eight against Springfield College in the national tournament. She also currently holds the records for most three-pointers in a season with 85 (fourth most in DIII) and most three-pointers in a career with 212. Bieniewicz formed part of the squad that had the fourth-best scoring defense (47.3 PPG) in the nation and notched the lowest three-point field goal percentage defense in program history at 22.1%. She became the second player to be named an All-American (DIII) in Trine history. Outside of her All-American honor, Bieniewicz earned First Team All-Region, which is her third All-Region honor as she earned Second Team in 2021 and Third Team in 2020.
“We in the Dakota Girls Basketball program are extremely proud of Tara! North Dakota is getting not only a great basketball player, but even a better human being,” said Dakota High School head varsity basketball coach Phil McCune. “Tara has gone down as one of the greats to ever play at Dakota High School and kept that going in her four years at Trine University. I have no doubts that Tara is going to do special things at North Dakota this season!”
Bernhard on Bieniewicz: “Tara is a super addition. First and foremost, as a person, which was immediately evident upon getting to know her. But from a basketball standpoint, she fills a need with her three-point shooting. She also comes from an elite program at Trine and was very well-coached both there and in high school. She’s a winner and we love that type of mindset.”
Darcy Jardine, 6-4, C, Cheyenne, Wyo. (Cheyenne East HS/Colorado Premier)
“We are thrilled to see Darcy go to UND! They are getting a young woman who is constantly trying to improve her game and is never satisfied,” said Jardine’s current head coach at Cheyenne East HS, Eric Westling. “Her drive was vital to our success at East, and we can’t wait to watch her continue her success at North Dakota.”
Jardine led Cheyenne East to back-to-back state championships. Cheyenne East went 28-0 this season to become the first girls’ team in Wyoming history to have an undefeated season. Jardine also led the team to becoming two-time regional champions. Individually, Jardine was named to the all-conference team during this past season.
Bernhard on Jardine: “Darcy was a kid that came to our Elite Camp and immediately impressed us with her work ethic. Because she’s played for the top high school program in Wyoming and a good EYBL program, we feel she is ready for this level of competition. Coupled with her work ethic and drive, we feel her best basketball is ahead of her. Best of all, this is where she wanted to be, and you can never disregard that in the recruiting process.”
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