BYU Women’s Basketball Prepared for New Season
The Cougars return seven players and five new additions ahead of their November 3 season opener.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Basketball
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BYU women’s basketball has finalized its preparation for the upcoming season following a media day held on September 16, 2026. The team, which reached the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament last season, aims to secure an NCAA tournament bid.
Why it matters
The program is focused on building momentum after finishing with a 9-9 record in Big 12 play last year. Integrating new talent with returning veterans is central to their strategy for qualifying for the NCAA tournament.
The roster features seven returning players and five new additions, including three freshmen and two sophomores. Top returners Delaynee Gibb and Olivia Hamlin averaged 18.3 and 12.9 points per game respectively last season.
The players
Delaynee Gibb
She is a key returning player for BYU who averaged 18.3 points per game and won the 2026 Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament with Team Canada.
Olivia Hamlin
She is a returning contributor for the Cougars who averaged 12.9 points per game last season.
Kailey Woolston
She returns to the BYU roster after a two-season absence and previously played her freshman season in 2023-2024.
The details
The team held media day on September 16, 2026, to showcase a squad that includes Kailey Woolston, who returns following a two-season absence. Players utilized an intensive offseason practice period to integrate the new roster additions and build team competitiveness.
Timeline
September 16, 2026: The team held media day in Provo.
November 3, 2026: The season opens against Idaho State.
December 19, 2026: Big 12 conference play begins against Arizona.
Season Trajectory
The Cougars are looking to improve upon their quarterfinal exit in the 2026 Big 12 tournament to strengthen their NCAA tournament profile. Achieving a winning record in conference play remains the primary hurdle for the program's postseason ambitions.
The addition of five new players and the return of Kailey Woolston indicates a significant rotation shake-up that will impact the team's offensive efficiency. Fans should monitor how the scoring distribution shifts from the 18.3 points per game average previously held by Delaynee Gibb.
The takeaway
The team is balancing continuity with new talent to elevate its performance in a competitive conference. Achieving a consistent conference record will be essential for the Cougars to reach their goal of an NCAA tournament invitation.
Further reading
Learn more about the program in the Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BYU Daily Universe.
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