Lady Raiders to Open Season at Home November 2
The Middle Tennessee State University women's basketball team prepares to host Saint Louis University at the Murphy Center.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Basketball
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Middle Tennessee State University women's basketball begins its new season on November 2, 2026, against Saint Louis University. The matchup marks a fresh start for the program at the Murphy Center under new leadership.
Why it matters
The program enters a transition period following the retirement of Rick Insell after 21 seasons, requiring the new staff to integrate seven new roster additions. Coaches are currently focused on evaluating rotations to build a competitive squad for the Conference USA season.
In an exhibition win, 14 players checked into the game for the Lady Raiders. Key addition Mya Kone joins the team after previously recording 21 points and 14 rebounds in a 2024 game, while transfer Xia Whitfield brings a 45.7% three-point shooting clip.
The players
Matt Insell
He is the eighth head coach in the history of the Middle Tennessee State University women's basketball program.
Rick Insell
After a 21-season tenure as head coach, he transitioned into the role of Senior Advisor to the Women's Basketball Program.
Mya Kone
She is a key offseason transfer to the team who previously played at the University of Miami.
Xia Whitfield
She joined the program following a 2025-2026 campaign at Tennessee State University where she averaged 9.3 points per game.
The details
Matt Insell has taken over as the eighth head coach in program history, inheriting a roster that features seven new players. The team aims to maintain the momentum that led them to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2021, 2023, and 2024.
Timeline
The Lady Raiders host Saint Louis University on November 2, 2026.
Rick Insell previously coached the team for 21 seasons.
The team reached the NCAA Tournament in 2021, 2023, and 2024.
Mya Kone missed the 2024-2025 season due to injury.
Xia Whitfield played for Tennessee State University during the 2025-2026 season.
Season Trajectory
The transition to a new head coach follows a successful era marked by multiple recent NCAA Tournament appearances. This season will test whether the program can maintain its standing within the Conference USA while integrating a roster featuring seven new players.
The coaching staff will evaluate 14 active players during the opener to finalize the rotation for upcoming conference play. Fans should monitor whether the new roster additions can replicate the offensive production previously provided by veteran players.
The takeaway
The team enters a rebuilding phase that prioritizes tactical adjustments and player evaluation during the early months of the season. Success will depend on how quickly the new roster adjusts to the coaching staff's expectations by January and February.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MTSU Sidelines.
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