Montana State University's women's basketball program is buzzing with optimism after a breakout 2025 season that delivered its first postseason victories and a Great 8 appearance in the WNIT, setting the stage for an ambitious 2026 campaign.
A Historic 2025 Campaign Sets the Stage
The Cats concluded the year with a 27‑35 record, but the significance of the season extends far beyond the win‑loss column. For the first time in program history, the team advanced past the opening round of a national postseason event, a milestone that has ignited excitement among players, coaches, and fans alike.
Coach Tricia Binford, now in her third year at the helm, believes the experience gained will translate into tangible growth. She emphasizes that the returning core, combined with strategic new additions, positions the team to contend for another Big Sky title and deeper runs in national tournaments.
Key figures set to anchor the roster include Big Sky MVP Taylee Chirrick and First Team All‑Conference selection Addison Harris, both of whom will enter their junior seasons with renewed confidence. Their leadership is expected to accelerate the development of the underclassmen who tasted success in 2025.
The coaching staff has also welcomed new talent that could elevate the squad’s depth and versatility. Binford notes that these newcomers bring complementary skills that align with the team’s evolving identity, promising a more dynamic style of play.
Motivation remains high after the Cats fell short in the Big Sky Championship game, a loss that has fueled a collective determination to return stronger. The blend of seasoned veterans, rising underclassmen, and impactful newcomers creates a compelling narrative for the upcoming season.