University of South Dakota Athletics

Mary Joneson (class of 1981), a native of Dell Rapids, SD, ranks as one of the best post players in South Dakota women's basketball history. She played for the Coyotes from 1977-81 and graduated with a total of 1,028 rebounds - 230 more than any other player in school history. In fact, Joneson finished her career with more rebounds than points with her 928 points, fourth best on the school career charts. 

Joneson left USD with the three best rebounding seasons ever (279, 1979-80, 279, 1977-78, and 267, 1980-81). With her six-foot frame and aggressive style, Joneson added a new dimension to the Coyotes' arsenal. During her freshman season, Joneson set the Coyotes' single game record of 29 rebounds. Two years later in a game with Northwest Missouri State, Joneson had 28 rebounds. The figure was even more amazing when one considers that the Bearkittens, who entered the game as the nation's fifth best rebounding team, could manage only 25 rebounds as a team. Joneson's dominance inside was reflected by the fact that of her 107 games in a Coyote jersey, she was the team's leading rebounder in 60 games.