The first official practice of the season tipped off for the West Virginia women’s basketball team today, and head coach Mark Kellogg is ready to see his team’s potential unfold. John Fredericks and I had the chance to sit down with Kellogg to discuss the upcoming season. Read more Women’s Basketball Officially Underway: An Interview with Head Coach Mark Kellogg.
Depth Even with a Smaller Roster
The Mountaineers currently carry 11 players, slightly below the 12-13 Coach Kellogg typically prefers.
“That’s just kind of the way it worked out,” Kellogg explained, adding that he might add a few more players soon if he can get past ongoing NCAA and visa hurdles. “I think you’re going to see smaller rosters, though, just because of NIL and the transfer portal. You can’t keep everybody happy with 14 or 15 kids. So, you kind of take your chances and hope you stay healthy.”
When asked if this is a roster that can compete at the highest level, Kellogg didn’t hesitate.
“Yeah, of course. I think every year we have that expectation. Time will tell, of course, but we’re going into the year feeling really, really good. It sounds weird, but I think we do have quite a bit of depth. We only have 11, but the depth is good with those 11.”
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Defensive Identity
Kellogg acknowledges that the Mountaineers are still shaping their identity on the offensive and defensive end.
“We’re still trying to get that defensive identity that we’ve had the last couple years and put that in place. We want to rebound a little bit better. So, we’re keeping close tabs on that, and just how good and efficient can we be on the offensive end shooting the basketball. I think those can all be strengths. We hope they will be. We want them to be once we get there.”
READ RELATED: Big 12 Reality Check: Major Takeaways for WVU
Players to Watch
WVU fans can expect to see a mix of experienced returners and impactful newcomers. Kellogg highlighted senior guard Jordan Harrison, and praised Sydney Shaw’s growth into a confident leader.
He also credited Sydney Woodley’s relentless work ethic.
“Sydney Woodley has worked really hard the entire offseason. That kid is in the gym all the time on her own and is in great shape.”
Among newcomers, several transfers are expected to contribute immediately.
“Gia Cooke is a transfer from Houston, so she’s been in the Big 12 and was a double-digit scorer. Kierra Wheeler (Mimi) comes from Norfolk State where she just put up huge numbers at that level. Carter McCray came from Wisconsin and is a really good rebounder. Loghan Johnson, another Big 12 transfer from Texas Tech has been great. Riley Makalusky is a really good player from Butler. And Maddie Parrish is our only freshman.”
Kellogg sees Wheeler as a versatile threat.
“She’s a very versatile kind of four or five player. She can stretch the floor, she can shoot the three, put it on the floor a little bit. She plays at her own pace… She’s in no way Luka Dončić, but she does play at her pace, kind of how Luka plays at his own pace.”
Beyond Basketball
Outside of basketball, Kellogg ensures that he emphasizes the importance of leadership, character, and resilience in his players.
“Being a really good person, treating people the right way goes a long way. It’s not just about you, you’re dealing with a team. It’s much bigger than yourself. And then how do these kids deal with adversity? It’s easy when you’re winning. How do you respond when you’re not?”
Kellogg added how with the changes in NIL, he influences his players to embrace giving back.
“In this day and age of NIL where everyone wants to get paid for everything, there are lots of opportunities to give back without getting paid… just having a servant heart and leading the right way is really important.”
Looking Ahead
As the season begins, Kellogg’s goals beyond wins and losses remain rooted in relationships and growth.
“Just getting to know them and developing those relationships. If we do it right, their time here should be one of the greatest experiences of their life until they go on to get married or have children or wherever life takes them.”
With official practice underway, the Mountaineers will look to blend their mix of veteran leadership with fresh talent into a team capable of making noise in the Big 12.
