PULLMAN, Wash. — After a difficult 2025-26 season, Washington State women’s basketball enters a new year with a veteran core, six newcomers and a renewed focus on toughness, balance and growth.
The Cougars finished 9-25 overall and 6-12 in conference play last season. But head coach Kamie Ethridge believes this year’s team has the pieces to take a step forward.
“I feel really good about this team,” Ethridge said. “I think the leadership of our older players has been unbelievably good.”
Senior guard Mackenzie Chatfield is among the returning leaders Ethridge pointed to. The coach said Chatfield has taken a major step in her conditioning, training and confidence during the offseason.
Ethridge also sees a more balanced and physical group than in recent years.
“I think we are a little bit more balanced,” Ethridge said. “I think we are a little more physical than we’ve been in years past. I think we communicate better than we have in the past.”
The Cougars return six players while adding six newcomers. Ethridge said the challenge will be getting the new pieces comfortable quickly while playing a demanding schedule.
“I think the pieces that we have on this team, we have a chance to be really good in January, February,” Ethridge said. “But we’ve got to grow them fast.”
WSU added depth and offensive versatility through the transfer portal, with Ethridge emphasizing the need for more players who can score. The team also expects to have more flexibility in its lineups, including the ability to play smaller with four guards or use two post players.
“We wanted to get people who could put the ball in the basket,” Ethridge said. “I think we have some real good weapons and versatility to play different styles.”
Chatfield said last year’s struggles have helped shape the mindset of the returning players entering this season.
“We as a group want to change,” Chatfield said. “We as a group know that that takes us and that takes the culture that’s built within the locker room.”
Senior guards Eleonora Villa and Chatfield said the team’s leaders are determined to set a higher standard for the newcomers.
“Being back our senior year, it comes with more responsibility,” Villa said. “We all want to take a step forward and help the new freshmen get in the system.”
The Cougars will also begin their first season in the rebuilt Pac-12. Ethridge said the move gives the program a clear home after navigating last year’s transition.
“It feels good that we have a home,” Ethridge said. “We know who we have to play and what we have to do in order to be a postseason team.”
Washington State opens its preseason schedule with an exhibition against Westmont on Oct. 25 at Beasley Coliseum.
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