WBB 2025-2026 season - Printable Version
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RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - stopandpop - 10-07-2025
(10-06-2025, 08:21 PM)Card10Fan Wrote: https://gostanford.com/news/2025/10/6/times-and-tv
TV schedule for the ACC slate and transcripts from Coach Paye, Nunu, and Chloe at ACC media day.
https://asaptext.com/orgs/acctipoff/transcripts/160626.pdf
"Our five freshmen are great and we expect them to make immediate impact" was how Kate described the #3 ranked recruiting class in the country, although no specifics. But Kate also said in a recent FB post (paraphrasing) our season will largely depend on our returnees. I don't know what that means. Perhaps I'm reading too much into this, but the returnees were responsible for a dismal performance in the ACC and one of the poorest win/loss records Stanford has had in decades. Even assuming that some of the returnees have made strides in getting better, most (with the exception of Nunu and Chloe) are probably close to their 'ceiling' in terms of potential.
If Kate truly believes her often-repeated statement: "We want to compete for national championships", it can't be done without Swain, Somfai and Eschmeyer heavily in the mix.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - PalmTree - 10-07-2025
(10-07-2025, 04:26 PM)stopandpop Wrote:(10-06-2025, 08:21 PM)Card10Fan Wrote: https://gostanford.com/news/2025/10/6/times-and-tv
TV schedule for the ACC slate and transcripts from Coach Paye, Nunu, and Chloe at ACC media day.
https://asaptext.com/orgs/acctipoff/transcripts/160626.pdf
"Our five freshmen are great and we expect them to make immediate impact" was how Kate described the #3 ranked recruiting class in the country, although no specifics. But Kate also said in a recent FB post (paraphrasing) our season will largely depend on our returnees. I don't know what that means. Perhaps I'm reading too much into this, but the returnees were responsible for a dismal performance in the ACC and one of the poorest win/loss records Stanford has had in decades...
Whoa, whoa, whoa - you may want to consider rephrasing that last part there. Without getting into actual stats, I seem to recall many of us bemoaning some less-than-stellar play from the seniors and outgoing transfers at various points during the season too. As a team, we just didn't match up well with the overall levels of Q&A, experience and frankly, killer instinct of top-flite ACC teams in general. On top of that, there were some head-scratching coaching strategies/decisions throughout as well.
I also hope the frosh will be productive and help turn things around, but until the season starts and we get some solid, more competetive games/wins, I'm taking a full-on Missouri mode approach to this season, for both the players and the coaches.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - TheFarm07 - 10-07-2025
(10-07-2025, 04:26 PM)stopandpop Wrote:(10-06-2025, 08:21 PM)Card10Fan Wrote: https://gostanford.com/news/2025/10/6/times-and-tv
TV schedule for the ACC slate and transcripts from Coach Paye, Nunu, and Chloe at ACC media day.
https://asaptext.com/orgs/acctipoff/transcripts/160626.pdf
"Our five freshmen are great and we expect them to make immediate impact" was how Kate described the #3 ranked recruiting class in the country, although no specifics. But Kate also said in a recent FB post (paraphrasing) our season will largely depend on our returnees. I don't know what that means. Perhaps I'm reading too much into this, but the returnees were responsible for a dismal performance in the ACC and one of the poorest win/loss records Stanford has had in decades. Even assuming that some of the returnees have made strides in getting better, most (with the exception of Nunu and Chloe) are probably close to their 'ceiling' in terms of potential.
If Kate truly believes her often-repeated statement: "We want to compete for national championships", it can't be done without Swain, Somfai and Eschmeyer heavily in the mix.
I'm not a scout but I feel like our freshmen and particularly, Swain and Somfai have higher ceilings than any returnee except perhaps Agara. We need to tap into their potential quickly if we want to leave last year's disaster in the far distant past.
I don't believe in rewarding seniority for its own sake. If the newcomers can show they can play at a higher level than the upperclassmen, then they deserve the opportunity to play more often and for longer periods of time.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - Card10Fan - 10-07-2025
Will there be an open practice/scrimmage coming up? Haven't seen anything but maybe missed it.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - OCcardinal - 10-08-2025
(10-07-2025, 04:26 PM)stopandpop Wrote: Perhaps I'm reading too much into this, but the returnees were responsible for a dismal performance in the ACC and one of the poorest win/loss records Stanford has had in decades. Even assuming that some of the returnees have made strides in getting better, most (with the exception of Nunu and Chloe) are probably close to their 'ceiling' in terms of potential.I don't know that you can put the blame for last season's results on the returning players. Here is the roster sorted by minutes:
Player (MIN) *=returning player
Chloe Clardy* (896) Chloe, a sophomore last season, didn't get her first start until January 5th, but looked really great toward the end of the year. She averaged 14.7 pts and shot 55.4% the last 11 conference games. No question she's our starting 2 guard.
Elena Bosgana (847) graduated
Brooke Demetre (846) graduated
Nunu Agara* (734) easily the best player last season, but missed some key games due to injury and was limited by injury in several games she did play. I'm nearly certain Stanford makes the NCAA's if not for Agara's injury. But perhaps the best thing about this year's roster is that it is so much deeper that 1 or 2 injuries can't doom us like last season.
Tess Heal (646) The only player to transfer out last season without graduating. Had some good box scores in some games, but her brief 8 game run as a starter did not go well (including a really bad loss to SMU). I'm not surprised she transferred with Ijiwoye getting starting nods over her last season, Clardy thriving, Swain coming in, and Lepolo returning from injury.
Courtney Ogden* (584) Ogden has not produced in her 1st 2 seasons as you'd expect from a #10-ranked recruit. But some of that has been due to injuries. Ogden only started 1 game last season, but she did go on a tear the last 4 conference games (including the wins over Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech), scoring an average 16.5 pts per game and shooting at 56.3%. When I hear of "returners" playing an important role this season, I think of Ogden after Agara and Clardy. I believe she still has a lot to contribute to Stanford's success.
Mary Ashley Stevenson* (537) Had an okay sophomore season last year. Now a bit on the shorter side among our bigs at only 6'-2". Could be better with experience, but may lose some minutes to the underclassmen this season.
Shay Ijiwoye* (491) As a freshman last season Ijowoye really stepped up in taking the starting PG role after it was clear Lepolo couldn't play and Heal didn't pan out. With Lepolo apparently healthy this season and 5-star point guard Hailee Swain on the Farm now, I don't expect Ijiwoye to continue to start. But I love her speed and tenacity, so I think she will get some important minutes this season, especially against some of the ACC teams with faster guards.
Jzaniya Harriel (376) Graduated (and transferred out)
Kennedy Umeh* (157) The 6'-4" forward had limited minutes as a frosh last season. I've heard some good things about her continued development. Hope we can see more from her this season.
Talana Lepolo* (90) had been an established starter for Stanford at PG, but was limited at the end of the 2023-24 season due to an injury that ruined her 2024-25 season as well. A healthy Lepolo will provide a lot of stability to the team, even if we expect Hailee Swain to eventually take over.
Stavi Papadaki (48) a walk on, not expected to have much of an impact either way [edit: she is a scholarship player who has played very limited minutes, thanks for the corrections below]
Harper Peterson (32) A 6'-4" player who can hit 3's and would have helped to stretch defenses, but she suffered a season-ending injury early in her freshman season last year. I like the depth she adds. With Peterson back from injury (I hope), 6'-4" Lara Somfai, 6'5" Alex Eschmeyer, and expected improvement from 6'-4" Kennedy Umeh, Stanford has some really elite size this season.
Lauren Green (17) another walk on [edit: she is also a scholarship player who has played very limited minutes, thanks for the corrections below]
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - BobK - 10-08-2025
I think we are reading too much into coach speak. Kate and staff are certainly aware of the Frosh. The staff recruited them got then to stay committed after Tara retired.
A note Papadaki came on a scholarship and Green while added after a tryout has been in scholarship the entire time
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - TheFarm07 - 10-08-2025
(10-08-2025, 04:01 PM)OCcardinal Wrote:(10-07-2025, 04:26 PM)stopandpop Wrote: Perhaps I'm reading too much into this, but the returnees were responsible for a dismal performance in the ACC and one of the poorest win/loss records Stanford has had in decades. Even assuming that some of the returnees have made strides in getting better, most (with the exception of Nunu and Chloe) are probably close to their 'ceiling' in terms of potential.I don't know that you can put the blame for last season's results on the returning players. Here is the roster sorted by minutes:
Player (MIN) *=returning player
Chloe Clardy* (896) Chloe, a sophomore last season, didn't get her first start until January 5th, but looked really great toward the end of the year. She averaged 14.7 pts and shot 55.4% the last 11 conference games. No question she's our starting 2 guard.
Elena Bosgana (847) graduated
Brooke Demetre (846) graduated
Nunu Agara* (734) easily the best player last season, but missed some key games due to injury and was limited by injury in several games she did play. I'm nearly certain Stanford makes the NCAA's if not for Agara's injury. But perhaps the best thing about this year's roster is that it is so much deeper that 1 or 2 injuries can't doom us like last season.
Tess Heal (646) The only player to transfer out last season without graduating. Had some good box scores in some games, but her brief 8 game run as a starter did not go well (including a really bad loss to SMU). I'm not surprised she transferred with Ijiwoye getting starting nods over her last season, Clardy thriving, Swain coming in, and Lepolo returning from injury.
Courtney Ogden* (584) Ogden has not produced in her 1st 2 seasons as you'd expect from a #10-ranked recruit. But some of that has been due to injuries. Ogden only started 1 game last season, but she did go on a tear the last 4 conference games (including the wins over Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech), scoring an average 16.5 pts per game and shooting at 56.3%. When I hear of "returners" playing an important role this season, I think of Ogden after Agara and Clardy. I believe she still has a lot to contribute to Stanford's success.
Mary Ashley Stevenson* (537) Had an okay sophomore season last year. Now a bit on the shorter side among our bigs at only 6'-2". Could be better with experience, but may lose some minutes to the underclassmen this season.
Shay Ijiwoye* (491) As a freshman last season Ijowoye really stepped up in taking the starting PG role after it was clear Lepolo couldn't play and Heal didn't pan out. With Lepolo apparently healthy this season and 5-star point guard Hailee Swain on the Farm now, I don't expect Ijiwoye to continue to start. But I love her speed and tenacity, so I think she will get some important minutes this season, especially against some of the ACC teams with faster guards.
Jzaniya Harriel (376) Graduated (and transferred out)
Kennedy Umeh* (157) The 6'-4" forward had limited minutes as a frosh last season. I've heard some good things about her continued development. Hope we can see more from her this season.
Talana Lepolo* (90) had been an established starter for Stanford at PG, but was limited at the end of the 2023-24 season due to an injury that ruined her 2024-25 season as well. A healthy Lepolo will provide a lot of stability to the team, even if we expect Hailee Swain to eventually take over.
Stavi Papadaki (48) a walk on, not expected to have much of an impact either way
Harper Peterson (32) A 6'-4" player who can hit 3's and would have helped to stretch defenses, but she suffered a season-ending injury early in her freshman season last year. I like the depth she adds. With Peterson back from injury (I hope), 6'-4" Lara Somfai, 6'5" Alex Eschmeyer, and expected improvement from 6'-4" Kennedy Umeh, Stanford has some really elite size this season.
Lauren Green (17) another walk on
I agree, with a lofty high recruiting rank coming out of high school, I was expecting bigger things from her.
But I am hopeful that Ogden can make a jump, esp. if Agara and the highly touted freshmen are taking focus off of her, both off the court in terms of expectations and on the court where the defensive focus may not be as much on her.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - CompSci87 - 10-08-2025
Great rundown, OCcardinal!
One quibble: Papadaki was a late signing her freshman year, but was never a walk-on.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - BosCard - 10-08-2025
(10-08-2025, 04:29 PM)BobK Wrote: I think we are reading too much into coach speak. Kate and staff are certainly aware of the Frosh. The staff recruited them got then to stay committed after Tara retired.
A note Papadaki came on a scholarship and Green while added after a tryout has been in scholarship the entire time
There is an ESPNW article on impact freshman and Kate is quoted as saying "There is no doubt that our freshman are really good, you'll see an immediate impact from Swain, Somfai and Eschmeyer". I am very encouraged that Eschmeyer is included in that group. And Shane Laflin had Eschmeyer as the #9 impact freshman in the country with Swain and Somfai tied for #10.
Would love to see Eschmeyer, Somfai and Agara on the floor together as all can shoot the 3. Have them all move back and forth from the post to the three point line with the goal of isolating the shortest/weakest defender in the post for an easy layup. And have Swain and Clardy dribbling around looking for passes or driving lanes.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - old spanish trail - 10-08-2025
(10-08-2025, 05:41 PM)BosCard Wrote:(10-08-2025, 04:29 PM)BobK Wrote: I think we are reading too much into coach speak. Kate and staff are certainly aware of the Frosh. The staff recruited them got then to stay committed after Tara retired.
A note Papadaki came on a scholarship and Green while added after a tryout has been in scholarship the entire time
There is an ESPNW article on impact freshman and Kate is quoted as saying "There is no doubt that our freshman are really good, you'll see an immediate impact from Swain, Somfai and Eschmeyer". I am very encouraged that Eschmeyer is included in that group. And Shane Laflin had Eschmeyer as the #9 impact freshman in the country with Swain and Somfai tied for #10.
Would love to see Eschmeyer, Somfai and Agara on the floor together as all can shoot the 3. Have them all move back and forth from the post to the three point line with the goal of isolating the shortest/weakest defender in the post for an easy layup. And have Swain and Clardy dribbling around looking for passes or driving lanes.
I expect you will see that. And, I expect Eschmeyer to be a star. She doesn't jump as high as Brink, or block shots as well, and is not as fast, but she is more versatile offensively as a frosh. And, she does defend and rebound, already positions well, and will block shots down the road I would think.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - jonnyss - 10-08-2025
(10-08-2025, 07:28 PM)old spanish trail Wrote:[/url](10-08-2025, 05:41 PM)BosCard Wrote:(10-08-2025, 04:29 PM)BobK Wrote: I think we are reading too much into coach speak. Kate and staff are certainly aware of the Frosh. The staff recruited them got then to stay committed after Tara retired.
A note Papadaki came on a scholarship and Green while added after a tryout has been in scholarship the entire time
There is an ESPNW article on impact freshman and Kate is quoted as saying "There is no doubt that our freshman are really good, you'll see an immediate impact from Swain, Somfai and Eschmeyer". I am very encouraged that Eschmeyer is included in that group. And Shane Laflin had Eschmeyer as the #9 impact freshman in the country with Swain and Somfai tied for #10.
Would love to see Eschmeyer, Somfai and Agara on the floor together as all can shoot the 3. Have them all move back and forth from the post to the three point line with the goal of isolating the shortest/weakest defender in the post for an easy layup. And have Swain and Clardy dribbling around looking for passes or driving lanes.
I expect you will see that. And, I expect Eschmeyer to be a star. She doesn't jump as high as Brink, or block shots as well, and is not as fast, but she is more versatile offensively as a frosh. And, she does defend and rebound, already positions well, and will block shots down the road I would think.
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-cRz1801wI]eschmeyer highlights
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - TheFarm07 - 10-14-2025
Preseason AP poll came out and we're not on it, though we did receive 3 votes
The top four consists of the four national semifinalists from last spring. Defending champ UConn is #1 while runner-up South Carolina is right behind them, UCLA is #3 with Sienna Betts joining big sister Lauren in Westwood and Texas rounds out the top four with their superb backcourt of Rori Harmon and Madison Booker returning. USC clocks in at #18 without JuJu Watkins but welcomes the top recruit Jasmine Davidson
Four ACC teams are in the poll: Duke at #7, #9 North Carolina State, 11th-ranked North Carolina and Louisville in the 20th spot
Hopefully this will be one of the few polls where we won't be ranked and the last one in a while where we won't be in the preseason Top 25
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - BobK - 10-14-2025
ACC pre season Stanford picked 6th
https://gostanford.com/news/2025/10/14/three-receive-preseason-all-acc-honors-stanford-picked-6th
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - BobK - 10-15-2025
https://gostanford.com/news/2025/10/15/womens-basketball-hosts-cardinal-and-white-scrimmage-october-25
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - bl82 - 10-17-2025
Wow. Karlie coming back as a coach!
https://x.com/stanfordwbb/status/1979231181968117950?s=61&t=79M9ZzfWMAZonINJ7VK5yA
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - crackpot - 10-17-2025
(10-17-2025, 11:00 AM)bl82 Wrote: Wow. Karlie coming back as a coach!
https://x.com/stanfordwbb/status/1979231181968117950?s=61&t=79M9ZzfWMAZonINJ7VK5yA
This is SUCH GOOD NEWS!
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - martyup - 10-17-2025
(10-17-2025, 01:36 PM)crackpot Wrote:(10-17-2025, 11:00 AM)bl82 Wrote: Wow. Karlie coming back as a coach!
https://x.com/stanfordwbb/status/1979231181968117950?s=61&t=79M9ZzfWMAZonINJ7VK5yA
This is SUCH GOOD NEWS!
This should really help recruiting. Awesome news!
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - mbdude - 10-17-2025
(10-17-2025, 03:08 PM)martyup Wrote:(10-17-2025, 01:36 PM)crackpot Wrote:(10-17-2025, 11:00 AM)bl82 Wrote: Wow. Karlie coming back as a coach!
https://x.com/stanfordwbb/status/1979231181968117950?s=61&t=79M9ZzfWMAZonINJ7VK5yA
This is SUCH GOOD NEWS!
This should really help recruiting. Awesome news!
I don't understand how this will really help recruiting any more than some other coach.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - PVTree - 10-18-2025
Is she retiring as a player or is her injury so severe she wont be able to play in the WNBA next season?
She's one of my all time favorite players. I rarely ask to take a photo with a player, with her, I did.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - PalmTree - 10-18-2025
(10-17-2025, 05:25 PM)mbdude Wrote:(10-17-2025, 03:08 PM)martyup Wrote:(10-17-2025, 01:36 PM)crackpot Wrote:(10-17-2025, 11:00 AM)bl82 Wrote: Wow. Karlie coming back as a coach!
https://x.com/stanfordwbb/status/1979231181968117950?s=61&t=79M9ZzfWMAZonINJ7VK5yA
This is SUCH GOOD NEWS!
This should really help recruiting. Awesome news!
I don't understand how this will really help recruiting any more than some other coach.
I was thinking the same. No disrespect to her great career but she last played here 8 years ago which is like the Pre-Cambrian to most young players today + she's hired as an intern which I think means recruiting "duties" would be limited to stuff like reviewing film and helping with on-sites.