2024-25 Record: 26-9 (16-4)

Head Coach: Beth Cunningham (4th season) does not care what conference name is on the trophy, just that her squad competes for the title. The 2025 MVC Coach of the Year brings over the perfect blend of youth, experience, culture, and fresh faces to maintain that standard this season.

Faith Lee, an All-CUSA preseason transfer from Little Rock, is a new addition to the MSU roster after averaging 14.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game last year. The Monroe, LA native will not be handing the keys to the offense immediately though. Kaemyn Bekemeier has been here here entire career, averaging 11.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 40.5% from three-point range at that.

Bekemeier is majoring in Early Childhood Education and hails from a family of athletes—her father played baseball at Evangel, and her mother played basketball at Southwest Baptist—reflecting her passion for mentoring and sports heritage. Her versatility as a scorer and rebounder makes her the team's offensive engine.

As a freshman, Lainie Douglas contributed 7.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting 54.2% from the field and leading the team with 30 blocks. Her defensive presence and improving low-block bullyball game make her a rising star. Zoe Canfield brings a Big 12 pedigree, averaging 1.7 points with a 50% three-point shooting clip in limited minutes. Her outside shooting can open up the floor when the starters need rest.

Already familiar with the program after averaging 2.6 points in 12 games last year, Tyra Robinson's 6-3 frame offers rebounding and interior defense, potentially altering shots and grabbing second-chance boards. Cady Pauley averaged 2.9 points per game in the ACC, with a focus on spot-up shooting. Looking at the transfer shuffle, Maycee James and Victoria Dixon are on the clock to perform or let someone else play. Both need to protect the ball and pick their shots better (re: thoughtful, decisive, purposeful) than what’s on tape so far.

5wins Crystal Ball Call: Missouri State will immediately compete for the conference championship in its first C-USA season. Their conference debut at FIU on January 2 sets the tone. Will the new conference bring too much chaos to match last year's squad? They ranked 53rd nationally in scoring (73.8 PPG) while holding opponents to 63.7 PPG (161st).