Tournament-bound
Our take
As the WSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams gear up for post-season play, their recent achievements cannot be overstated. With both teams performing exceptionally well, they’ve not only raised the stakes for their programs but also revitalized the spirit of the WSU community. In a time when students are navigating the complexities of academic life, the excitement surrounding tournament-bound teams creates a unifying experience that goes beyond the court. This moment of triumph offers an opportunity for Cougs to rally together, showcasing the strength of community that defines our university.
The success of both teams is particularly significant in the context of the current collegiate sports landscape. As highlighted in the recent Court Rules Texas State Must Reinstate Prof Fired for Israel-Palestine Talk article, universities face increasing scrutiny regarding their governance and values. WSU's basketball teams stand as beacons of school spirit and resilience, reminding us that while there may be challenges ahead, we can find joy and pride in our collective achievements. These athletes are not just players; they are ambassadors of our university, inspiring current students and alumni alike to take pride in their Coug identity.
Moreover, the excitement surrounding the tournament play aligns perfectly with the broader theme of growth and belonging that resonates deeply within our student community. Many of us at WSU strive for a balance between our academic pursuits and extracurricular involvements. Whether it’s through joining clubs, volunteering, or simply cheering on our teams, these experiences are vital in shaping our university life. The energy and camaraderie generated by the basketball teams encourage us to engage more actively with our campus community, fostering connections that might otherwise go unnoticed. The recent Kentucky State University Students, Alumni Sue to Block New State Law article illustrates the importance of student advocacy, reminding us that our voices matter. Similarly, the success of our teams amplifies our collective voice, showcasing what we can achieve together.
As we look forward to the post-season, it’s essential to recognize the hard work and dedication that has brought us to this point. The players and coaches have poured their hearts into this season, and their achievements reflect not just talent but a commitment to excellence. It’s a moment that reminds us all to appreciate the journey, the teamwork, and the small victories along the way. As fans, we have the power to uplift our teams while also celebrating our individual paths.
In the coming weeks, as tournament play approaches, it will be fascinating to see how the Cougs harness this momentum. Will their success on the court translate into further engagement and community-building among students? As we show up to support our teams, let’s also remember to support each other through this busy season. After all, the true essence of being a Coug lies not just in victories but in the bonds we create along the way. Here’s to a thrilling tournament season and the hope that our Coug spirit continues to thrive, both in sports and in our everyday lives.
Tournament-bound
WSU News & Media Relations
Washington State University basketball has achieved unparalleled success in recent years, attracting a rhapsody of roaring fans to Beasley Coliseum and a national spotlight on the Palouse.
Glory came first for the women’s team led by Head Coach Kamie Ethridge. A streak of three NCAA Tournament appearances included last year’s victory in the Pac-12 tournament, a first in program history.
Men’s Basketball Head Coach Kyle Smith and his tenacious squad followed suit this year. Their heroics, including two victories over a top-10 ranked University of Arizona, catapulted the men’s team into their first NCAA Tournament invite in more than a decade.
Sporting a seventh seed in the East Region of this year’s Tournament, WSU’s men’s team is set to play No. 10 seed Drake University in Omaha, Nebraska on Thursday. The WSU women, meanwhile, are a No. 1 seed in the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament and will host No. 8 seed Lamar at 6 p.m. Thursday inside Beasley Coliseum.
Coaches on parallel paths
Ethridge and Smith are in their sixth and fifth years as WSU coaches, respectively. For Smith, seeing Ethridge and her team achieve unprecedented success in recent years has been a joy to behold.
“Kamie is the most humble person I’ve ever been around,” Smith said. “She’s an Olympian, her jersey hangs from rafters at the University of Texas, and what she’s accomplished here as a coach has put the bar pretty high to reach.”
Smith’s drive to find the same kind of success as the women’s program has been matched by his support for the program, Ethridge recalls.
“He’s always been so thoughtful, kind and respectful of us and what we’ve accomplished,” Ethridge said. “To watch what he’s done this year has been one of the most incredible coaching jobs I’ve ever seen, and it’s been amazing to see the fans really get behind both of our teams.”
Last season, Ethridge became the first coach in program history to be named the National Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year by The Athletic, which is the sports section of The New York Times. Ethridge’s 92 victories are the most of any coach in program history in their first six seasons. 2024 marks the fourth straight year of post-season play for the women’s team with their top seeding in the first-ever WBIT.
Earlier this month, Smith became the fourth WSU coach and first since Tony Bennett more than a decade ago to be named John R. Wooden Coach of the Year. His team’s regular season record of 23-8 is the best since the 2007–08 season. At the Pac-12 tournament, the men’s team reached the semifinals and finished the season ranked among the Top 25 college men’s basketball programs in the nation by The Associated Press. This year’s NCAA Tournament selection marks three consecutive years of post-season play, a first for the WSU Men’s Basketball program.
Building success in tandem
Finding success on the court began with a base of support from WSU leaders and supporters.
“There’s always been a willingness to support us with whatever we needed to give us a chance,” Ethridge said.
From the firm foundation, both teams were able to build robust staffs and set out not just around the country, but the world to find outstanding student-athletes.
Gritty, hard-working, and under-recognized players have formed the backbone of both squads in recent years.
This year’s men’s basketball squad is led by Andrej Jakimovski, a veteran stalwart from North Macedonia, Isaac Jones, who reinvented his game along his unconventional route to college basketball success, and newcomer Myles Rice, who recently won Pac-12 Freshman of the Year after battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The WSU women’s basketball team has featured its own array of tenacious talents in recent years, led by Charlisse Leger-Walker. The New Zealander was voted the 2023 Pac-12 Tournament’s most outstanding player by media, averaging 19 points per game en route to WSU winning it all for the first time in program history. This year’s women’s team was hampered late in the season by an injury to Leger-Walker, but saw the emergence of first-year talent Eleonora Villa. Both Leger-Walker and Villa were named to the All-Pac-12 team earlier this month, the former’s record-setting fourth time earning the honor.
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