Carroll’s Isabelle Erickson named inaugural women’s basketball Grit Award recipient

Frontier Conference senior student-athlete Isabelle Erickson of Carroll College has been named the inaugural Grit Award recipient in women’s basketball, an honor sponsored by the Montana Army National Guard and announced April 10, 2026.

The conference release pointed to Erickson’s long path to a starting role. After redshirting her freshman year and spending her first two seasons in a limited role, she continued working into a position in the starting lineup. Her profile also cited the physical challenges she played through during her career, including a torn labrum in her right shoulder and repeated in-game shoulder dislocations. Erickson delayed surgery until after her senior season so she could remain with the team.

A two-year team captain and unanimous selection for the award, Erickson was recognized for the way she competes in the details of the game. The Frontier Conference described her as a player known for diving for loose balls, rebounding, and delivering in pressure moments. The release said those traits reflected the award’s focus on resilience, service, integrity, and personal courage.

Erickson’s recognition also extends beyond basketball. She carries a 3.96 GPA as a biology major with a pre-med emphasis, has prepared for and taken the MCAT, and has earned multiple medical school interviews and acceptances. Off the court, she works in the healthcare field and volunteers in hospitals, schools, and community organizations.

The award announcement was posted by the Frontier Conference, which said Erickson’s career and service record made her a clear example of the standard the new honor is meant to recognize. More information is available through https://frontierconference.com and the Montana Army National Guard.