5 Shocking Facts About Emporia State Hornets Basketball: New Coaches, NCAA Glory, And The 2025-2026 Season Outlook
The Emporia State Hornets basketball program is currently undergoing a massive transformation, with new leadership and a renewed focus on returning to its storied NCAA Division II success. As of December 2025, the buzz around White Auditorium centers on the fresh direction provided by two new head coaches, signaling a major turning point for both the men's and women's teams in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).
The 2025-2026 season represents a pivotal moment for the Hornets, building on the recent coaching appointments and the established history of the program. Fans are eager to see how the new strategies will translate on the court as the teams navigate one of the toughest conferences in DII athletics, with the Lady Hornets aiming to replicate their national championship glory.
The New Era of Emporia State Basketball: Head Coaches and Key Personnel
The biggest news for the Emporia State Hornets program is the dual change in leadership, bringing in two highly respected coaches to steer both the men's and women's teams.
Men's Basketball Head Coach: Tom Billeter
- Name: Tom Billeter
- Position: Head Men's Basketball Coach (18th in program history)
- Appointment Date: March 28, 2024
- Notable Achievement: Two-time National Coach of the Year
- Key Staff: Associate Head Coach (name not explicitly detailed in snippets)
- Context: Billeter's arrival, announced by Vice President/Director of Athletics David Spafford, marks a significant commitment to elevating the men's program back to national prominence.
Women's Basketball Head Coach: MJ Baker
- Name: Melissa (MJ) Baker
- Position: Head Women's Basketball Coach (Ninth in program history)
- Appointment Date: April 15, 2025
- Key Staff: Assistant Coaches Josh Boland and Taylor Jones
- Context: Baker, who previously served as an assistant, was named the head coach in the current year, bringing fresh energy and a deep understanding of the Lady Hornets' tradition.
Unprecedented NCAA Glory: The Lady Hornets' Championship Legacy
While the men’s program has seen its share of success, the Emporia State Lady Hornets have established one of the most dominant and historically significant programs in NCAA Division II history. This legacy of excellence sets a high bar for the new coaching staff.
The 2010 National Championship Run
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 title cemented Emporia State's place among the elite in the division.
A Program of Firsts and Records
The Lady Hornets hold a unique "Trifecta" distinction in NCAA Division II history. They are the first program in the division to achieve three major milestones:
- Lead the nation in attendance (achieved in 2005).
- Win a national championship (2010).
- Be a national runner-up (1998 season, with a 33-1 record).
Their historical success includes multiple appearances in the Final Four (1998, 1999, 2010, 2015), Elite Eight (1998, 1999, 2000, 2006, 2010, 2015), and Sweet Sixteen, demonstrating a consistent presence on the national stage.
2024-2025 Season Recap and Key Players to Watch
The most recent completed season provides the foundation for the 2025-2026 campaign, highlighting the players who will be crucial to the new coaches' success. Both teams compete fiercely in the MIAA, a conference known for its depth and competitive balance.
Men's Basketball Performance
The Emporia State Men's team finished the 2024-2025 season with an overall record of 11-18, including an 8-11 mark in MIAA conference play. This record shows the team was competitive, but fell short of a deep MIAA Tournament run. The team’s cumulative statistics for the 2024-2025 season show a scoring margin of -1.9, indicating close, hard-fought games.
Key players who are expected to lead the charge under Coach Tom Billeter include experienced roster members like:
- Mason Jones: A senior guard who provides leadership and scoring.
- Jack Weigus: A guard whose role is expected to expand.
- Trey Redd: A guard who adds depth and playmaking ability.
The Hornets have historically made NCAA Tournament appearances, with their most recent being in 2023, and are focused on Billeter leveraging his coaching expertise to return to that level.
Lady Hornets Player Spotlight
Despite the coaching transition, the Lady Hornets have a consistent scoring threat in their lineup. Grad student Kaitlyn Sanders has been identified as the lead scorer for the team, providing a reliable offensive anchor for Coach MJ Baker's first full season. Her performance will be vital as the team aims to improve upon their recent MIAA finishes and challenge for a spot in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
The 2025-2026 Season Outlook and MIAA Challenges
The upcoming 2025-2026 season for Emporia State basketball is defined by a fresh start and high expectations. Both teams will kick off their composite schedules in St. Joseph, Mo., setting the stage for another grueling MIAA season.
Navigating the MIAA Landscape
The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) is one of the premier Division II conferences, featuring perennial powerhouses. The Hornets and Lady Hornets face tough competition from rivals like Washburn University, Pittsburg State University, and the University of Central Oklahoma.
The men's team will be working to improve on their recent conference record and secure a better seed in the 2026 MIAA Tournament. The MIAA Men's Basketball Championship often sees the Hornets in the mix, and Coach Billeter’s mandate is to push for a top-tier finish.
Focus on Player Development
Under the new coaching regimes, a strong emphasis will be placed on player development and recruiting. For the men’s team, the focus is on integrating new assistant coaches and refining the team's defensive and offensive schemes. For the Lady Hornets, Coach Baker and her assistants Josh Boland and Taylor Jones will be tasked with maximizing the talent of players like Kaitlyn Sanders and maintaining the program's winning culture.
The Emporia State Hornets basketball program is a blend of rich history and an exciting future. With two new, highly-qualified head coaches leading the charge, the 2025-2026 season promises to be one of the most watched in recent memory, as the Hornets strive to add new chapters to their storied NCAA Division II legacy.
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