Rochester Community and Technical College has seen much success over the last three years. Their triumphs and victories have not come by accident. They have been a direct result of the strong leadership exhibited by head coach, Jason Bonde. After securing their second national title in three years in, Bonde has been named the 2025 NJCAA DIII Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year.
Bonde has served as head coach of the Yellowjackets since 2019. During that time, he has led RCTC to its third NJCAA National Title in program history. His leadership has brought the Yellowjackets to four consecutive national tournaments with a top three finish. The first national title with Bonde at the helm came in 2023 when they defeated Minnesota West. The following year, the Yellowjackets finished the 2024 season as the runner-up to the Lady Jays. Their defeat in 2024 set them up to seek redemption and claim the title once again in 2025.
“Jason has helped guide the Yellowjacket Women’s Basketball team to unprecedented heights. Four straight years with Top Three National Tournament Finishes and Two NJCAA Titles. He and his teams have not only been successful on the court but have been successful in the classroom as well,” said Mike Lester, Rochester’s Athletic Director.
The 2025 season was a strong one for RCTC as they finished the year with a 24-4 record. They were in the top five in the nation across 13 categories, including 4th place in points per game with 77.8, 2nd in 3PT made per game with 7.5 and 4th in FG made per game with 30.4.
They entered the 2025 National Tournament as the No. 1 seed and proved why they belonged there the entire time. Dominating their way to the Championship game, RCTC began the tournament by putting up 64 points on Joliet in the quarter-finals. In their second game, they did not let up. The Yellowjackets defeated Anoka-Ramsey 70-48 in the semi-finals to send them to the title game. Facing the 10th seed, Jefferson, RCTC continued to dominate as they defeated the Cannoneers 73-37 to claim the 2025 National Championship Title. “We are extremely proud of Coach Bonde and his women for their success and their ability to represent RCTC in a positive way. Jason is passionate about the game, his team, RCTC, and the NJCAA. Congratulations to Coach on this much deserved award,” Lester said.
Text courtesy of: https://www.njcaa.org/general/2024-25/releases/20250410jaavn6