The Kansas State women’s basketball team concluded its season Sunday with an 83-75 loss to California in the second round of the WBIT at Bramlage Coliseum. Despite a late rally that saw them close a 20-point deficit to eight in the final five minutes, the Wildcats could not complete the comeback.
A Season of Growth
K-State finished the season with a 19-18 record, playing a school record-tying 37 games. Head coach Jeff Mittie emphasized the growth of the team, particularly noting the development of a squad that began the year as the third-youngest in the Power 4 conferences. “For a really young basketball team, you could really see a lot of growth both individually and collectively as a group,” Mittie said.
Senior Recognition and Freshman Impact
The game provided an opportunity to recognize senior Tess Heal, who received applause from the crowd as she finished her collegiate career. Heal, who previously played at Santa Clara and Stanford, concluded her college career with 1,828 points and stated that K-State was her “favorite” of the three schools she attended.
Looking ahead, the Wildcats have a promising core of freshmen, including Brandie Harrod, who was ranked as the 58th best player in the country by ESPNHoopGurlz. Taryn Sides, the only player on the roster entering the season with prior K-State experience, highlighted the potential of the incoming sophomores, including Jordan Speiser, Ivona Scekic, Aniya Foy, and Gina Garcia.
Looking Forward
Coach Mittie plans to meet with his players later in the week to discuss the season and future plans. He acknowledged the need for players to decompress after a long season and navigate external influences. The team’s growth throughout the year, particularly among the freshman class, offers a foundation for optimism as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was K-State’s final record for the season?
K-State concluded the season with a 19-18 record.
Who is Gina Garcia?
Gina Garcia is a K-State freshman who set a new program record for most assists by a freshman with 191 assists this season.
What did Coach Mittie say about the team’s growth?
Coach Mittie said, “For a really young basketball team, you could really see a lot of growth both individually and collectively as a group.”
What will be the key to K-State’s success in the coming years?
