Gophers star Mara Braun suffers foot injury that requires surgery

Braun is out indefinitely.

The Golden Gophers women's basketball team suffered a blow Sunday when they lost star player Mara Braun to a foot injury in a loss at Illinois. 

Braun's injury will require surgery and keep her out indefinitely, the team announced Monday. 

"Mara has experienced an incredible sophomore season to this point and when we heard the news that the injury she sustained on Sunday would require surgery, it was a really tough blow," Minnesota head coach Dawn Plitzuweit said in a statement. 

"The development of Mara's game on both ends of the court this season has been such a joy to watch, and while we know that this setback is incredibly frustrating, we also know that she will continue to be a great teammate and leader in our program."

Braun lead the Gophers in scoring at 17.8 points per game, which ranks fourth in the Big Ten. Her 60 made 3-pointer is ninth most in the nation. 

"Mara is an elite player and competitor, and we know that she will attack her rehab with enthusiasm and tenacity, and we cannot wait to get her back on the court as soon as her injury fully heals," Plitzuweit added. "This is also an opportunity for other players to step up and make things happen on both ends of the court for us."

With Braun out the scoring pressure falls on Amaya Battle, Mallory Heyer and true freshman Grace Grocholski. 

Minnesota has lost consecutive Big Ten road games to Wisconsin and Illinois. At 14-6 overall and 4-5 in the conference, the Gophers have another tough test Wednesday at Williams Arena against Penn State (15-5, 6-3). 

Mara Braun against Wisconsin during the 2023-24 season / Photo by Kelly Hagenson, University of Minnesota