SIOUX FALLS — In her first year as a starter, Emilee Fox helped guide South Dakota State to another championship.

The 5-foot-8 sophomore was thrusted into the starting lineup this season and played a major role in the Jacks’ fourth consecutive Summit League Championship with Sunday’s 64-51 win over rival North Dakota State at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center on March 8.

“It was super special to be playing here, especially with a full Jackrabbit crowd,” Fox said. “It just took toughness, they’re a really good team so it just takes each other playing together and we got it done.”

Fox poured in seven points with three rebounds and one assist, facilitating a 33-24 second-half scoring difference to pull away from the top-seeded Bison.

“I think we were just more aggressive,” Fox said. “Right away, we kind of got on our heels a little bit but then we started being more assertive and being aggressive and made some plays.”

Fox mentioned post game how important last season’s experience in the championship game helped her as a player. Between the experience and trust from her coaches and teammates, it’s only made her job as starting point guard almost seamless.

Emilee Fox looks to pass the ball during the Jackrabbits' 64-51 win over North Dakota State in the Summit League Championship on March 8, 2026, at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center Sioux Falls.

“I think it was super helpful,” Fox said of playing in last season’s SLT Championship. “Last year, obviously I got to play in the same game. Just feeling that environment so it definitely helped.

“They always remind me that they trust me and things like that so I think it’s super helpful for me knowing they have my back and my teammates have my back.”

She attributes a lot of her success to the high-level players that she’s been around, both current and former teammates, including former standout Jackrabbit point guard Paige Meyer.

“Last year, especially with Paige, she’s a tremendous player and she was huge for our team,” Fox said. “Great leader and now this year these seniors really step up in the biggest moments. Both on and off the court, they’re just big for us.”

While Fox adds another championship to her resume, she noted how important this milestone was for the team and the three seniors, Brooklyn Meyer, Ellie Colbeck and Madison Mathiowetz, who ended their careers as four-time Summit League champs.

Emilee Fox dribbles up the floor during the Jackrabbits' 64-51 win over North Dakota State in the Summit League Championship on March 8, 2026, at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center Sioux Falls.

“I think so, but I think it’s also a big team thing,” Fox said. “Before this game we all told each other, this is for each other and those seniors so I think that’s our biggest motivator.”

Both the best thing about it all is doing it with so much in-state talent on the roster. Alongside Fox, Brandon Valley’s Hilary Behrens added seven points and nine rebounds in Sunday’s championship game, while O’Gorman’s Mahli Abdouch, Tea Area’s Katie Vaecka, Flandreau’s Claire Sheppard, Sioux Falls Jefferson’s Jaidyn Dunn have all had a part in SDSU’s success as they continue into the NCAA women’s basketball tournament.

“I think it’s really special,” Fox said of her South Dakotan teammates. “Especially being at SDSU, it just makes it that much more special.”