Women’s Basketball Coaches, Players Talk Upcoming Season

With new faces in new places, iconic coaches entering their final seasons, and a wave of electrifying talent ready to take the league by storm, the stage is set for the 2025-26 Big Ten Women's Basketball season. 

At the annual Big Ten Women's Basketball Media Day, coaches and players from all 18 teams shared their insights, expectations, and the stories that will define the year ahead. From championship aspirations to foundational rebuilding, we got the inside scoop on every program.  

Illinois: Youth, Versatility, and Hunger 

Illinois is the youngest team in the Big Ten, but what they lack in experience, they make up for in energy and coachability. Head coach Shauna Green loves the team's hunger and versatility. "We’re long, we’re versatile, we have a big skillset, and we’re the deepest team we’ve had in my three years here," she said. She's adapting her coaching style to help her young players understand the system without overthinking. 

Sophomore Berry Wallace is stepping into a crucial leadership role, using her own freshman experience to guide the newcomers. "Berry knows what it was like to be a freshman," Green said. "I think that’s really helped her be able to lead."  

When asked about her approach this season, Wallace said, "continuing to take what the defense gives me, working on my skillset, and expanding my game." Teammate Gretchen Dolan, returning from injury, feels she grew as a player and leader while watching from the sidelines. "It felt great to be back on the court... We're all so willing to learn. It’s been a lot of fun just gaining chemistry and getting comfortable on the floor." 

Indiana: Winning Mentality 

Despite losing five of their top six scorers, Indiana isn't lowering its expectations. Head coach Teri Moren, who has led the Hoosiers to 10 straight 20-win seasons, knows the formula for consistency. "You gotta have talent. You have to invite players into your organization that have won," she stated. "The locker room is where the good stuff happens." This year, the team has reloaded with eight newcomers, and Moren is confident in their ability to shoot from beyond the arc. 

Players Shay Ciezki and Lenée Beaumont are ready to step up. "We gelled so well over the summer, it feels like we’ve been playing together for years," Ciezki said. Beaumont, returning from injury, has a new perspective. "Any opportunity you get to play the game you love is a great opportunity. I’m ready to attack," she said. The passionate Indiana fanbase remains a huge advantage. "Our kids love playing in [Assembly Hall] because of the crowds, because of the fans," Moren said. 

Iowa: The New Era 

In the post-Caitlin Clark era, Iowa is embracing its youth. Head coach Jan Jensen, now more "comfortable" in her second year at the helm, is excited about the team's young talent, but knows it will take time. "This is the youngest we’ve been since 2012. It takes time with young teams. You can’t skip steps," she said. The focus is on developing depth during the non-conference schedule to be ready for the Big Ten grind. 

Senior Hannah Stuelke is stepping into a larger leadership role, working on being more vocal and leading by example. Coach commented, "Hannah is so versatile... She leads with how hard she plays." She's even studying the game of Draymond Green. "The aggression that he plays with is really key for me,” she said. 

The team's motto for the year is "our next is now," a reminder to live in the moment and embrace their culture. For the players, the transition under Jensen has been smooth, with a focus on learning and growing together. 

Maryland: Reloaded 

After reaching their fourth Sweet 16 in five years, the Maryland Terrapins have reloaded. Head coach Brenda Frese emphasized the importance of a strong staff and understanding her roster's needs in recruiting. Transfers Yarden Garzon (Indiana) and Oluchi Okananwa (Duke) address key gaps. "Those were two areas that we needed – three-point shooting and dynamic energy on both sides of the ball," Frese explained. Garzon left Indiana as the program's all-time three-point field goals leader. Frese praised her high basketball IQ and passing, noting, "She knows how to make other people better." 

Kaylene Smikle, coming off a strong season, is focused on becoming a high-level defender. The players feel the team has a "balanced attack" and significant "depth." For Garzon, the decision to join Maryland was easy. "Frese is obviously one of the best coaches out there. I love how she is with her players and what she’s about," she said. With more scoring pieces and a renewed focus on defense, Frese is excited about the possibilities. "We’re going to be able to do a lot more defensively. Pick up full court again, have a lot of different wrinkles on the defensive end." 

Michigan: The Power of Unselfishness 

Michigan returns a core group of sophomores – Olivia Olson, Syla Swords, and Mila Holloway – who accounted for over 50% of the team's points last season. Head coach Kim Barnes Arico praised their unselfishness and team-first mentality. "Players bought into the team dynamic and were so unselfish... They weren’t fighting for points, they were fighting for wins," she said. Olson and Swords spoke glowingly of each other. "Syla’s the most unselfish player I’ve ever played with," Olson said. Swords added, "Liv's a really special player because every time she steps on the floor, the game changes." 

That unselfishness and fearlessness are core to their identity. Swords, a Canadian player, embraces the challenge of playing on the American stage. "Being a hooper from Canada, you’re not expected to do a lot of things," she said. "When I’m playing against such high-level talent, I’m not going to perform the way I want to every single day, but... I’m getting closer to my end goal of being the best that I can be." 

Barnes Arico also reflected on how motherhood has shaped her coaching philosophy. "I want [the student-athletes] to say that they became a better person," she shared. "I want my players and my children to know that someone believes in them." 

Michigan State: Relentless Growth 

Michigan State head coach Robyn Fralick is focused on incremental growth. "Our goal is how do we incrementally continue to build and how do we make the most out of who we have," she said. The team's mantra is to be an "every possession team" with a "relentless mentality." She praised the work ethic of Grace VanSlooten, saying, "Her work ethic matches her goals. She’s relentless in the pursuit of getting better." 

The team features a mix of new faces, including three transfers and three freshmen, who bring a new wave of enthusiasm. For the players, the experience of the NCAA Tournament— both making it and not — has taught them the importance of details. "With the tournament, it's the small things. The big rebounds, the big steals... getting those details [right] is very important," said guard Theryn Hallock. The combination of Hallock's speed and VanSlooten's drive sets a high standard for the Spartans. 

Minnesota: Rolling with Momentum 

Minnesota is riding the momentum of winning the WBIT last season. With nearly every starter returning, head coach Dawn Plitzuweit is focused on one key takeaway from last year. "We learned so much about how we need to do things better and more consistently," she said. The way to do that? Through the team's pillars of toughness, togetherness, and finding a way to win. 

The players, like Mara Braun and Amaya Battle, are committed to the Gophers’ long-term success. "We committed here because we wanted to turn the program around, and here we are, continuing to do that," Braun said. She is returning from an injury last season. "I'm just so thankful to have the culture we do and the people we do. [Relying on others is] really the only way through [injury]." 

The WBIT victory was a crucial bonding experience. "We came together and said, ‘if we’re here, we’re gonna win it,’" Battle recalled. "We showed a lot of toughness and resilience." The Gophers hope to take that right into 2025-26. 

Nebraska: Player-Led 

Nebraska showed its resilience last season, winning 21 games despite significant injuries. Head coach Amy Williams credits the team's player-led culture. "The way that the young women rallied... was pretty special. The way that they inspired the rest of our team shows... they're player-led, and they play for each other," she said. That culture is driven by players like Callin Hake, who takes pride in being the "quarterback for the defense." Sophomore Britt Prince has also been a catalyst. "She's more competitive than anyone I've ever been around,” coach Williams said. “She has that quiet confidence about her." 

The team's offensive philosophy – and recruitment strategy – centers around shooting. "It’s our emphasis on quality paint touches that help create quality three-point attempts," Williams explained. Prince, reflecting on her first year, found the adjustment to the college pace a challenge but has grown in confidence. When asked about her leadership style, Hake said, "I'm going to love you and serve you to the best of my ability." 

Northwestern: One Last Ride for a Legend 

Northwestern is entering a bittersweet season as legendary head coach Joe McKeown prepares to retire. The winningest coach in program history is feeling the emotions but is focused on the task at hand. "As we’re starting practice, you put everything on the backburner. Your coaching genes take over," he said. He's proud that his players chose to stay and play for him in his final year. "That means a lot," he said. 

The team is motivated to make his last season a special one. "We are playing for him just as much as ourselves now," said Grace Sullivan. "There is that extra little push that we want to give as a group."  

The roster features impactful grad transfers and a unique addition: Sammy White from the Wildcats' three-time national champion lacrosse team. "You [Sammy] walk in there with three national championships, it resonates and you have a big voice, even if you haven't scored a bucket yet," McKeown said. With a blend of veteran leadership and new energy, the Wildcats are all in.  

Ohio State: Ready to Run 

Ohio State is leaning into a new identity this season. While head coach Kevin McGuff says they may not be the most athletic team in the conference this season, he believes their improved skillset and shooting will set them apart. "I think we’ll look more like a skilled team than an athletic team," he commented. The Buckeyes are doubling down on their high-pressure system, a style that attracts players who want to play fast. According to the players, they aim to be the "fastest team in the country." "We’re sprinting, we’re not walking," said sophomore Jaloni Cambridge. "We want to be able to play fast all the time. All we do in practice is run." 

With no true center on the roster, the Buckeyes will rely on grit and relentless defense. The pace of play is a defining characteristic, something Cambridge adjusted to during her Big Ten Freshman of the Year campaign last season. "College basketball is fast, but Ohio State Basketball is even faster," senior Chance Gray added.  

Coach McGuff also highlighted Cambridge's leadership potential, expecting her to evolve and "make everyone around her better." To prepare for the grueling Big Ten schedule, Ohio State has a tough non-conference matchup against UConn, a challenge McGuff welcomes. "We want to challenge ourselves against the best." 

Oregon: A Return to High-Octane Offense 

Oregon and head coach Kelly Graves are looking to get back to their offensive roots. "I’m an offensive coach... and I want to get back to that style of play," Graves declared. The Ducks will rely on young guards to drive a faster pace. One key piece is transfer Mia Jacobs, whom Graves affectionately calls Larry Bird for her all-around game. "She does a little bit of everything, and she does it well," he said. 

The players have embraced this vision. "We’re trying to play a fast style of basketball. Pushing the pace, looking for early shots in transition, trying to create chaos on defense," Jacobs explained.  

The team's unity is a point of pride, with no players transferring out. "That speaks to the family atmosphere that we have," said Sofia Bell. Jacobs added, "Kelly brings in so many good people... If we’re having a bad day, the energy that the coaches bring to help us through these practices is so much more intense than anything I’ve ever been a part of.” 

Penn State: The Lion Mentality 

Penn State is ready to roar. Head coach Carolyn Kieger has defined the team's ethos as the "Lion Mentality," a constant hunt to attack everything at 100% and do it together. But her favorite part of her job is player development. “That’s why I coach, so that young women can fulfill their dreams and become the best versions of themselves. [I want to teach them] how to set your sights on something and work through failure and understand what work ethic looks like.” 

A major source of excitement is the pairing of returning star Gracie Merkle and electrifying sophomore Kiyomi McMiller. "Gracie is one of the most efficient post players in the country," Kieger said. "Kiyomi has the best ball skills that I've seen... and she's an elite passer." She even called McMiller the "prototype for our system," believing she has the potential to be one of the best guards to ever play the game. 

The combination of Merkle’s post presence and McMiller's scoring ability promises a high-octane offense. "It’s going to be a high-scoring game and a lot of fun to watch," Merkle added. 

Purdue: Returning Leadership 

Purdue is another program undergoing a significant transformation with nine newcomers. Head coach Katie Gearlds pointed to Madison Layden-Zay's return as a critical leadership anchor. "She understands what we’re doing. If something happens, everyone gravitates towards her... It’s like having another coach on the floor," Gearlds said. Layden-Zay, who took a year off, realized she couldn't pass up the opportunity to play again and is ready to make the most of it. 

The team's vibe is strong. "We really get along. We want to be around each other. We work really hard, and I think that’s what’s going to make us really dangerous this season," Layden-Zay commented. Young post player Lana McCarthy is building on a strong freshman year, largely crediting her strength coach for her progress. "I love the weight room," McCarthy said. "I feel like I made a lot of progress there, and I think that has shown in my play." 

Coach Gearlds, on the depth of Boilermaker tradition: "Our community does the best job of really grabbing onto these student-athletes... You can see the true passion of being a Purdue fan by walking around the entire city of West Lafayette." 

Rutgers: Discovery and Depth 

With four new coaches and eight new players, Rutgers is in a period of discovery. Head coach Coquese Washington is embracing the challenge of building a team from the ground up, focusing on identifying the unique strengths each player brings to the court. "We’ve started discovering who can do what," Washington explained. "Naturally seeing who leads, naturally seeing what they can do. It’s been about discovering who we are and what we can do." One clear strength she sees is the team's newfound depth, a significant advantage over last season. "We have 13 players on our roster now. To have the depth we have this year is going to be big for us," she noted. 

For the players, the focus has been on building chemistry quickly. "We try to hang out with each other a lot off the court, just doing different things to bond better," said Kaylah Ivey. The intensity of practice, balanced with a sense of fun, is shaping this new-look team. And for Ivey, a point guard, playing for a coach who was also a point guard, is a unique advantage. "I’m trying to pick her brain on what she wants me to do and how she wants me to run the offense," she said. 

UCLA: The Hunt for More 

Coming off a historic Final Four run, UCLA is not complacent. Head coach Cori Close is focused on the character-building lessons from last season's success. "I think about the spirit of this team, I think about the choices of selflessness... It’s really the character things that are going to stick with them forever that I hold on to," she said. Close attributes much of that success to Kiki Rice's example. "Kiki is selfless and incredibly hard-working in a way that has been contagious in building the character of our program. She's set a new standard."  

Coach Close also praised the growing leadership of Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year Lauren Betts. "Lauren has always been a unicorn from a talent perspective. But what she’s bringing this year is a steadiness of work ethic and leadership," Close said. 

The duo is embracing their roles as leaders. "I’m using my voice a lot more consistently," Betts shared. "When tough things need to be said in order to bring the team together, I’m gonna do it." Despite their success, the team's mindset is focused on the present. "It’s a new day, it’s a new team, it’s a new season," Rice stated. The sting of the Final Four loss serves as motivation for Betts: "It has motivated us going into this next preseason and how much better we want to be.” 

USC: True Versatility 

USC is poised for another big year, even with star JuJu Watkins on the sidelines. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised Watkins's grace and strength, noting, "She’s making an extra effort to pour into her teammates." In her absence, players like Kennedy Smith are stepping into larger leadership roles. Gottlieb described Smith as a "winning player" and "probably the best individual defender I’ve been around." The team's calling card will be its versatility and pace. "We’ll be able to be more versatile and actually be positionless," Gottlieb said. 

The Trojans have also landed the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class, Jazzy Davidson, who Gottlieb calls "really, really elite." The players are ready for the challenge. Smith has learned to "stay level-headed throughout the whole process," while Davidson – a four-time Gatorade Player of the Year in high school – is eager to learn. "I feel really lucky to be surrounded by teammates who have had experience in the college game." With a tough schedule designed to build a premier program, USC is rising to meet high standards. 

Washington: A Foundation of Trust 

Washington's success is built on people. The program kept every eligible returner, a testament to head coach Tina Langley's culture of mutual investment. "Our program is very committed to helping each individual become who they want to be. When student-athletes come to Washington, they know they're a part of that process for each other. They really invest in one another," she said. This culture of trust has allowed the team to evolve, adding a potent offense to its traditionally strong defense. And they’ve expanded; the Huskies picked up strong transfers in Avery Howell (USC) and Yulia Grabovskaia (Michigan). 

Players Elle Ladine and Sayvia Sellers credit the player development staff and the team's strong bond for their growth. "All the girls came for the right reasons. We have a great coaching staff... We all come from good families, good places, good people, and I think we’re staying because we all love each other, genuinely," Ladine said. With a team committed to "habits of excellence," the Huskies are excited to see their growth continue. 

Wisconsin: Building Trust, One Day at a Time 

In her first season at Wisconsin, head coach Robin Pingeton is focused on building a foundation of trust and connectivity. "The people make the place. The connectivity is so important," she stated. The first week of practice – a time critical for strategic development – was a team retreat solely dedicated to building relationships. This people-first approach was a key reason why star guard Ronnie Porter chose to stay. In her first conversation with Coach P, Porter said, "she wanted to know about me as a person and my goals for the future, not just in a basketball uniform." 

"I feel really blessed to be here," said Pingeton. "I just have so much respect for this league. There’s some tremendous coaches and incredible student-athletes and a long history here, so I’m proud to be a part of it.”  

The team will play a fast, flowing, positionless style of basketball. Porter is working on being more aggressive as a scorer, while transfer Destiny Howell brings valuable experience and a three-level scoring ability. Howell described Pingeton's coaching style as intentional and intense. "You want to listen when she talks and be dialed in... She’s a leader, and someone we want to follow. Undeniably." 

Here. We. Go. 

From the powerhouse programs reloading for another title run to the young teams hungry to make their mark, every Big Ten Women's Basketball roster is filled with talent, ambition, and compelling stories. Get ready, because the road to the season is about to begin. 

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