The Rising Tide of WVU Women’s Basketball
MORGANTOWN — As summer heats up, the women’s basketball team at West Virginia University is already hard at work, demonstrating their commitment and tenacity under the keen guidance of head coach Mark Kellogg. With the doors to their practice facility wide open, the sound of sneakers squeaking across the court resonates with energy and determination. It’s a scrimmage, and the team is diving headfirst into an intense session that combines offensive plays and defensive strategies in rapid succession.
Mark Kellogg’s Leadership
Entering his third season, Mark Kellogg has established a clear identity for the Mountaineer women’s basketball team. His previous two seasons bore fruit with remarkable records of 25-8, showcasing a distinctive playing style defined by relentless pressure on defense and a fast-paced offense. Kellogg’s leadership has not only raised the profile of women’s basketball in West Virginia but has also contributed to the sport’s surging popularity at the national level.
This season marks a significant shift for the team as they adjust to life without standout player JJ Quinerly. Known for her unmatched speed and quickness, Quinerly has moved on to the WNBA, becoming a pivotal figure in women’s basketball, a sport that’s rapidly gaining attention and admiration. Under Kellogg’s tutelage, Quinerly averaged an impressive 14.6 points in her final games, solidifying her status as a future WNBA talent.
The Legacy of JJ Quinerly
Quinerly’s departure leaves a palpable void on the roster. Her impact was undeniable, paving the way for a spike in interest towards the women’s game, including an exhilarating NCAA playoff showdown against Caitlin Clark’s Iowa team that attracted millions of viewers. That game represented more than just a competitive outing; it marked a watershed moment for women’s basketball at WVU, bringing attention to the program and highlighting the capabilities of its players.
Kellogg reflects on that night as a key turning point, noting how it has had a lasting effect on recruitment efforts. Families and players alike, inspired by the visibility of the game, now look to WVU as fertile ground for cultivating talent.
Building a New Identity
With Quinerly now a key player in the WNBA, the Mountaineers are in the process of redefining their playing style and team dynamics. The emphasis on speed remains firm, but there’s a conscious effort to instill that same intensity in the new roster, especially in players like Jordan Harrison. Harrison, clocking in at a diminutive height, is expected to lead the charge and maintain the fast tempo that has become synonymous with WVU Women’s Basketball.
“It’s just reps, getting them comfortable playing at an uncomfortable speed,” Kellogg explains, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in today’s fast-paced game. The challenge rests not just on the shoulders of one player but the entire team, which aims to maintain the same competitive edge that attracted attention last season.
New Challenges and New Faces
Another notable change for the Mountaineers is the influx of new talent. Kellogg finds himself working with more newcomers than seasoned players, a unique situation that poses both challenges and opportunities. Georgia transfer Loghan Johnson sheds light on what it has been like transitioning from being an opponent of WVU’s pressure defense to an integral part of it. Her firsthand experience against this relentless style makes her excited to refine her defensive prowess within Kellogg’s system.
With the absence of Quinerly, there’s no doubt this will be a year of adjustments. However, Kellogg is not focused on replacing the irreplaceable. Instead, he emphasizes the need to spread out the scoring and defensive responsibilities among the team. Keeping morale high is crucial, and veteran players like Sydney Shaw recognize the importance of adapting to the changes while supporting Quinerly’s journey in the WNBA.
The Road Ahead
The upcoming season holds promise and uncertainty in equal measure. As the football team gears up for camp and the men’s basketball squad begins its preparations, all eyes remain firmly fixed on the women’s team, which is recognized for coming off one of its best seasons. Kellogg remains optimistic, expressing confidence in his team’s depth and potential.
“This is the deepest team we’ve had since we’ve been here. We can go probably ten or eleven deep now, which maybe we haven’t been able to do quite as much in years past,” he states, hinting at a bright future with substantial talent ready to step up.
In Morgantown, the women’s basketball program is on the verge of not just filling a void but evolving into a stronger and more competitive unit. As the season approaches, the excitement among players and fans is palpable, rooted in the belief that bigger and better things lie ahead.
