Three South Dakota State women’s basketball alumnae have recently completed their seasons in professional leagues abroad, showcasing their skills and representing their alma mater on the international stage. Let’s take a closer look at the impressive journeys of Jennie Rintala (Sunnarborg), Myah Selland, and Ena Viso as they continue to excel in their basketball careers post-graduation.
Jennie Rintala, a seasoned professional with 10 years of experience since graduating from South Dakota State in 2012, recently competed with the Diamond Valley Eagles in Australia’s NBL1 South. Rintala’s performance was stellar, averaging a team-high 7.1 rebounds per game along with 10.7 points per game. Throughout her career, Rintala has played with six Australian clubs and two European clubs, showcasing her versatility and adaptability on the court. Her accolades include leading her team to its first-ever Grand Final appearance in 2013 and being named the MVP of the West Adelaide Bearcats, who clinched the NBL1 Central championship in 2022. Rintala’s six-time team MVP and two-time All-Star recognitions in the NBL1 West highlight her consistent excellence in the sport.
Myah Selland, a 2023 SDSU graduate, embarked on a successful journey playing professional basketball in both Spain and Australia over the past year. After a brief stint in training camp with the Minnesota Lynx, Selland signed with the Baxi Ferrol club in Ferrol, Spain, where she played in all 33 games of the 2023-24 season. Selland showcased her scoring prowess, averaging over six points per game with an impressive shooting percentage. Following her time in Spain, Selland joined the Gold Coast Rollers in Australia’s NBL1 North, where she excelled with averages of 15.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Her standout performances earned her the team MVP honors, solidifying her status as a rising star in the professional basketball scene.
Ena Viso, a 2017 South Dakota State graduate, recently completed her first professional season in Njardvik, Iceland, where she made a significant impact on her team. Named a team captain in her debut season, Viso led her squad to the League Finals while averaging impressive stats of 11.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Her contributions were instrumental in the team’s success, showcasing her leadership qualities and all-around skills on the court.
The achievements of Jennie Rintala, Myah Selland, and Ena Viso serve as a testament to the talent and dedication of South Dakota State women’s basketball alumnae in the professional basketball arena. Their success stories inspire aspiring athletes and highlight the strong legacy of the program in producing top-tier talent that excels at the highest levels of the sport. As these alumnae continue to make their mark on the international basketball scene, they carry with them the pride and support of the Jackrabbit community, solidifying their place as shining examples of excellence in the sport.