The New Era On The Court: 7 Things To Know About Emporia State Lady Hornets Basketball In 2025-2026
The Emporia State University Lady Hornets women's basketball program is undergoing a significant transformation, marking a fresh start under new leadership for the 2025-2026 season. As of December 21, 2025, the team is building momentum with a solid early-season record, signaling a potential return to the powerhouse status they historically held in the NCAA Division II landscape. This article dives deep into the key figures, the current season's performance, and the rich championship legacy that fuels the team's ambitions.
The energy surrounding the program is palpable, driven by a blend of experienced returners and promising new talent ready to make a mark in the highly competitive Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). Fans are eager to see how the Lady Hornets navigate their challenging schedule and whether this new era will deliver another MIAA Tournament Championship banner to hang in the historic White Auditorium.
The Lady Hornets: Key Personnel and 2025-2026 Roster Spotlight
The current structure of the Emporia State women's basketball program is defined by a dynamic new head coach and a core group of players who are stepping up to lead the team's revitalized efforts.
- Head Coach: MJ Baker
- Announcement Date: April 15, 2025
- Role: The ninth head coach in Lady Hornets history.
- Impact: Coach Baker's arrival marks a pivotal new era, bringing a high-energy philosophy to the program. She is tasked with resetting the program and guiding the team back to the top of the MIAA standings.
- Assistant Coach: John Ishee (Associate Head Coach)
- Key Players (2025-2026 Roster Entities):
- Gracie Gilpin (Guard): A junior from Emporia, Kansas, who transferred from Cowley CC.
- Macy Smith (Guard): A senior leader from Olpe, Kansas.
- Addie Kirmer (Guard): A promising freshman talent.
- Kaitlyn Sanders: A key scorer mentioned in recent box scores, demonstrating her offensive impact.
- Coleman: Led the team with a career-high 16 points in a recent win over Bellevue.
Unpacking the 2025-2026 Season: Current Record and MIAA Outlook
The Lady Hornets have shown strong promise early in the 2025-2026 campaign, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to the new coaching staff's system. The team’s performance in the opening months sets an optimistic tone for their conference play.
Current Season Snapshot (as of December 2025):
- Overall Record: 7-3
- MIAA Conference Record: 1-1
- Current Streak: W3 (Three-game winning streak)
- Home Record: 6-0 (Undefeated at White Auditorium)
The team’s successful start, particularly their undefeated record at home in White Auditorium, is a crucial factor in building confidence. Early season matchups, including the D2 Central Region Showcase, have tested the team against regional rivals like Wayne State and Minnesota State University, Mankato. These non-conference games are vital for preparing the Lady Hornets for the grueling MIAA schedule, where every win is critical for postseason positioning.
In their most recent action, the Lady Hornets secured a crucial 73-65 victory over Bellevue before falling to Angelo State in the final game before the Christmas break. The ability to bounce back and maintain a winning record through the challenging December stretch highlights the depth and competitive spirit of Coach Baker's squad.
A Dynasty Reborn? Emporia State's Storied NCAA Division II History
To truly understand the expectations for the Lady Hornets, one must look back at their incredible history. Emporia State University women's basketball is not just a regional competitor; it is an NCAA Division II powerhouse with a legacy of championships and record-breaking achievements.
NCAA National Championship Glory (2010)
The pinnacle of the program's history came in 2010 when the Lady Hornets, led by then-Head Coach Brandon Schneider, captured the NCAA Women's Division II Basketball Tournament National Championship. This monumental achievement solidified their place among the elite in college basketball. The team finished the season with a spectacular run, overcoming tough opponents to bring the title back to Emporia.
The MIAA Tournament Dominance
Emporia State holds an MIAA record for sustained tournament excellence. They won an unprecedented five consecutive MIAA Tournament Championships, a streak that ran from 2013 to 2018. This period of dominance included a record 16 straight victories in MIAA tournament play, a feat that demonstrates the program's ability to peak when it matters most. The team's consistent presence in the MIAA Championship game is a benchmark for success that the current team aims to restore.
Notable Historical Entities and Achievements:
- 1997-98 Team: The first Emporia State athletic team to play for an NCAA Division II National Championship, finishing the season with a remarkable 33-1 record.
- Brandon Schneider: The legendary coach who led the Lady Hornets to the 2010 National Championship.
- MIAA Tournament: The primary goal for the Lady Hornets each year, a tournament they have dominated historically.
- NCAA Division II: The competitive level where the Lady Hornets consistently rank among the top programs.
- White Auditorium: The storied home court of the Lady Hornets, known for its electric atmosphere during MIAA matchups.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Aspirations
The 7-3 start is encouraging, but the true test for Coach Baker and the Lady Hornets will be maintaining consistency through the heart of the MIAA schedule. The conference is notoriously tough, featuring perennial contenders and rising programs all vying for a spot in the NCAA tournament.
The team's success will hinge on the continued development of young players and the leadership of veterans like Gracie Gilpin and Macy Smith. If the Lady Hornets can maintain their undefeated home record at White Auditorium and translate their early-season momentum into MIAA victories, they will quickly re-establish themselves as a threat to win the conference tournament and make a deep run in the NCAA Division II Tournament, just as the 2010 National Champions did before them.
The new era under MJ Baker is officially underway, and all eyes are on Emporia, Kansas, to see if the Lady Hornets can forge a new dynasty built on their rich history of championship success.
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