Michigan State Women to Open Season November 3

The Spartans begin their 2026 campaign at home against Valparaiso following a pre-season exhibition contest.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a basketball player in Michigan State green and white colors mid-dribble on a court. — The Michigan State women's basketball team opens its 2026 season against Valparaiso on November 3, following an exhibition game against Michigan Tech. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Michigan State women's basketball team is set to launch its season against Valparaiso on November 3, 2026. Prior to the opener, the squad will face Michigan Tech in an exhibition game on October 28, 2026.

Why it matters

The upcoming season marks a critical test for the program as it seeks to maintain its momentum after reaching the NCAA tournament in three consecutive years. Head coach Robyn Fralick enters her fourth year leading the team toward continued postseason success.

Coach Robyn Fralick enters her 4th year at the helm of the program. The team has successfully reached the NCAA tournament in each of the past 3 seasons.

The players

Robyn Fralick

She is the head coach of the Michigan State women's basketball team and is entering her fourth season with the program.

Theryn Hallock

A 5th-year guard who is expected to be a primary leader for the Spartans on the court this season.

Kennedy Blair

A redshirt junior guard who will play a key role in the team's rotation throughout the upcoming campaign.

The details

Led by 5th-year guard Theryn Hallock and redshirt junior guard Kennedy Blair, the team previewed the upcoming season during a media day session held on Tuesday. These veteran players are expected to anchor the roster as the Spartans look to build upon their recent tournament history.

October 28, 2026: Exhibition game against Michigan Tech
November 3, 2026: Season opener against Valparaiso

Season Trajectory

The team aims to extend its streak of three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances into a fourth year. Achieving this goal would solidify the program as a consistent threat in the national postseason landscape.

Fans should monitor the integration of veteran guards Theryn Hallock and Kennedy Blair as they shape the team's offensive efficiency early in the season. These players will be central to determining if the roster can maintain the high performance standards required for another tournament run.

The takeaway

Maintaining a high level of play after three years of tournament appearances requires strong leadership from upperclassmen. Supporters can look for how the team manages its early exhibition game as an indicator of its preparedness for the official season opener.