BYU Women’s Basketball 2025-26 Season Preview and Key Matchups

The BYU Cougars women’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting 2025-26 season under new leadership. Lee Cummard, a former BYU men’s basketball player and long-time women’s assistant coach, has taken the reins.

With a mix of returning talent, promising freshmen, and key transfers, the Cougars hope to bounce back from last season. Let’s dig into the team’s background, key players, and what might be ahead.

New Leadership and Coaching Dynamics

This season marks a new chapter for the Cougars, with Lee Cummard stepping in as head coach. Cummard’s been with the women’s program since 2019, and he brings experience from his roles as a men’s graduate assistant and assistant coach.

He knows the team and the culture inside out, which should help the transition after Amber Whiting’s departure. It’s always a gamble with new leadership, but there’s a sense of optimism.

Lee Cummard’s Coaching Background

Cummard started his BYU journey as a player on the men’s team, and he definitely left his mark there. He moved into coaching as a men’s graduate assistant, then became an assistant coach, before joining the women’s side.

This is his first shot as a collegiate head coach, but his long BYU history gives him a unique perspective. He’s got a lot to prove, but he’s not exactly a stranger to Provo.

Team Performance and Historical Context

Last season, the Cougars finished 13-17 overall, with a 4-14 record in the Big 12. That tied them for 12th in the conference.

They exited in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament and skipped postseason play. BYU hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since joining the Big 12, and their last Sweet 16 run was way back in 2014.

Big 12 Challenges

Now in their third season in the Big 12, the Cougars face a tough environment. The conference is loaded with talent every year.

How the team handles Big 12 play will say a lot about Cummard’s impact. The hope is to finally break the postseason drought and snag a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Key Players to Watch

The roster’s got a blend of veterans, transfers, and new faces. Delaney Gibb stands out—last year’s Big 12 Freshman of the Year and a legit candidate for Player of the Year honors.

Her growth could push the Cougars to another level. If she takes a leap, watch out.

Returning Players

• Delaney Gibb: Put up 17.4 points per game last season. She’s expected to be a national force this year.
• Heather Hamson: Forward who chipped in 2.1 points per game.
• Marya Hudgins: Guard who played solid minutes, averaging 4.6 points per game.
• Hattie Ogden: Forward, contributed 1.3 points per game.
• Arielle Mackey-Williams: Guard coming back after two years sidelined by injury.
• Kambree Barber: Guard with upside, averaged 4.3 points per game.
• Brinley Cannon: Guard/Forward who added 4.5 points per game.

Incoming Transfers and Freshmen

Several new faces could make an immediate difference:

• Lara Rohkohl: Forward from College of Charleston, averaged 10.1 points per game.
• Sydney Benally: Freshman guard, ranked No. 88 by ESPNW.
• Bolanle Yussuf: Freshman forward, scored 24 points per game in prep ball in Japan.
• Olivia Hamlin: Freshman guard, ranked in the top 100 by two services.
• Braeden Gunlock: Freshman forward.
• Mariam Traore: Freshman forward.

Season Outlook and Key Matchups

The Cougars look like they’ll have a winning record before conference play starts. But a three-game stretch in late November and early December will be a real gut check.

They’ll play in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam, taking on Virginia Tech first. After that, it’s either Oregon State or Vanderbilt, followed by a trip to Washington State.

Critical Questions for the Season

Some big questions hang over this team:

• *Did the returning players progress in the offseason?*
• *Can Mackey-Williams contribute after missing two seasons?*
• *How many freshmen will make an impact?*
• *Who will fill the perimeter forward role vacated by Emma Calvert?*

There’s uncertainty, and honestly, that makes things interesting. It’s going to come down to how these questions play out over the next few months.

Conclusion

The BYU Cougars women’s basketball team steps into a season packed with possibility. New head coach Lee Cummard brings some fresh energy to the court.

Delaney Gibb stands out as a key player this year. She’ll get support from a mix of experienced returnees and some intriguing newcomers.