Western Kentucky Lady Toppers

2024-25 Record: 23-9 (13-5)

Head Coach: Greg Collins (8th season) has shaped Western Kentucky into one of the most successful programs in Conference USA, having spent six seasons as an assistant before taking the lead role. In seven seasons on The Hill, Collins has amassed 124 wins (72.6% rate). In his 13 seasons on The Hill, as assistant coach, associate head coach, and now head coach, 3-point shooting has been a focus for Collins. In WKU’s record book, the top seven seasons in total 3-point field goals made have come during Collins’ time (2022-23, 2024-25, 2016-17, 2021-22, 2023-24, 2018-19, and 2014-15).

Everyone has been warned, again, to defend beyond the arc. Even when the shots do not fall, WKU finds a way to finish with those second-chance points more often than most.

Jeniffer Silva, a Brazilian transfer from South Florida (via South Plains College), brings elite rebounding, averaging 9.4 PPG and 5.9 RPG while starting 29 of 31 games at the JUCO level in 2023-24. Her size addresses last year's -3.2 rebounding margin, potentially elevating WKU's paint efficiency (.445 FG% team mark). Salma Khedr averaged 3.0 PPG and 1.5 RPG off the bench as a freshman, shooting 47.8% from the field. Her length disrupts passing lanes (0.5 SPG), ideal for extending leads in second-half surges.

Tia Snelling will help Silva run the show. The New Orleans native (Edna Carr HS) averaged 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in JuCo but needed time to adjust last season. WKU does not quite have the same home cooking, but the S&S Bucket Shop is now open for business. A Montverde Academy alum, Caleigh-Rose West notched 2.3 PPG and 1.5 RPG in 22 games last year, including a perfect 5-for-5 shooting night for 10 points vs. Middle Tennessee. Her mid-range game can stretch defenses when starters rest.

5wins Crystal Ball Call: WKU will be a top contender for both the regular season and tournament championships. Well, if the three-pointers are going in more than 35% of the time.