The BYU women’s basketball program has undergone a dramatic change in the 2025 offseason with the promotion of Lee Cummard as head coach.
One of the major takeaways from the roster thus far is the identity that everyone, collegiate basketball experience or not, can help lead this group.
Cummard has established himself as a coach that brings out the best in his players, encouraging them to communicate and work together to get better.
Arielle Mackey-Williams, a redshirt Junior and fifth-year guard has noticed the change in camaraderie since Cummard has become head coach.
“I’m excited to play with my teammates, to have fun, to compete, to play hard, and obviously to win,” said Arielle Mackey-Williams. “We’re going to be doing a lot of winning this year.”
BYU women’s basketball was selected as the 10th best team in the Big 12 in the preseason poll. This is an improvement from the 2024-2025 season where BYU was ranked as the 12th best team.
The OFFICIAL 2025-26 #Big12WBB Preseason Coaches Poll 📊 pic.twitter.com/tgTrlJORig
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) October 9, 2025
With Delaney Gibb leading the way, the Cougars have the chance to make some noise in the Big 12, arguably one of the toughest leagues to play basketball in.
“For us, what’s super important is our team chemistry, getting to know each other,” said Gibb. “From there building relationships is going to help us in the long run.”
One example of this leadership on the team is senior guard Hattie Ogden, who was recently awarded as a Kay Yow Servant Leader.
The Kay Yow Servant Leader award is only given to individuals in college athletics who put the needs of others before themselves and are nominated by their coach as an individual that exemplifies hope.
a weekend in the mountains🐎🫶 pic.twitter.com/VZI0RCS9tx
— BYU Women's Hoops (@byuwbb) October 1, 2025
“I think this year we are stressing [that] everyone can be a leader,” said Ogden. “Be an example to others.”
One-time Big 12 freshman of the week winner, and sophomore guard, Kambree Barber, agrees that Cummard's coaching style has led to more connectivity between players.
“There isn’t anyone higher than each other,” said Barber. “We are all in.”
This tight-knit group could have the chance to make a run if they can get off to a successful start in BYU’s nonconference play.
“I want to do everything for my teammates that will help our team positively,” said Barber. “I want to help in any way I can.”
a weekend in the mountains🐎🫶 pic.twitter.com/VZI0RCS9tx
— BYU Women's Hoops (@byuwbb) October 1, 2025
The Cougars have their work cut out for them if making the NCAA tournament is the priority. The BYU women’s basketball program hasn’t played in March Madness since the 2021-2022 season, when it posted a 26-4 record and lost in the first round against Villanova.
In BYU program history there have been 16 NCAA tournament appearances in the 49-year history of BYU women’s basketball.
The Cougars are looking to get off to a good start with their first regular-season game against Coastal Carolina on Nov. 5. Big 12 play starts Dec. 20 against the UCF Knights.