2024-25 Record: 26-9 (16-2)

Head Coach: Rick Insell (21st season) has built Middle Tennessee into a consistent Conference USA power with multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and a handful of WNBA draft picks. The Blue Raiders play a fast-paced, aggressive style that has been successful in conference play, but it’s starting to become a crowded room.

Middle Tennessee was the ONLY team to protect home court the entire 2024-25 season, conference foe or otherwise. However, this team will be leaning on seven freshmen and only one senior, a transfer not exactly familiar with the program. Alayna Contreras should fit in well. Unfortunately, All-CUSA honorees Anastasiia Boldyreva (First Team), Jalynn Gregory (Second Team), and Ta'Mia Scott have all left campus.

Contreras steps in as the offensive engine after averaging 17.3 points, 6.5 field goals, 1.9 threes, and 2.9 free throws per game at UMKC last season. Her quick release and 40.2% three-point shooting are Wesley Snipes in White Men Can’t Jump pretty. Emily Monson (Jr., G, 6-1) brings local flavor from Murfreesboro and showed flashes in limited action last year (1.2 PPG in 19 games).

The frontcourt presents Insell's biggest puzzle. Freshman center Nicole Dominguez stands an imposing 6-foot-10 and brings international experience from Spain's U17 FIBA World Cup bronze medal team, where she averaged 6.7 points and 6.0 rebounds. Her presence could significantly upgrade a defense that already allowed just 52.2 points per game last season.

Six-four freshman forward Jenna McClendon complements Dominguez as the team's second-tallest player. The multi-sport athlete averaged 13.0 points and 10.0 rebounds while shooting 53% in high school, contributing to back-to-back state basketball championships. Her rebounding prowess becomes essential given the lack of proven interior depth. Will Middle Tennessee be able to play the tandem together though?

Insell needs answers early to beat Tennessee Tech and Tennessee State for border-related bragging rights. Guard Yu Han Lin rounds out the projected starting five, bringing international speed and playmaking ability. The freshman Chinese Taipei guard averaged 10.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game at the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup, showcasing the versatility to spark fast breaks and provide some pressure-relieving backcourt depth immediately.

5wins Crystal Ball Call: Middle Tennessee will have trouble keeping up in regular-season standings, which speaks to CUSA’s growing status and depth. However, there are a few young players who could catch fire in time for a serious tournament run. Freshmen Nicole Dominguez and Jenna McClendon might even start the season in the starting five just to figure out what might work later on when the CUSA titles are on the line.