BYU women’s basketball held its 2025-2026 media day, introducing the Cougar roster for the new season.

First-year head coach Lee Cummard addressed the media, showing just how much confidence he has in this year’s group.

“We want to play in the NCAA tournament and make a run in the NCAA tournament,” Cummard said.

Cummard was announced as the eighth head coach of the BYU women’s basketball program in late March after spending six years as an assistant.

Cougar Nation, we’re thrilled to announce Lee Cummard as our new head coach! pic.twitter.com/IsbAldELDu

— BYU Women’s Hoops (@byuwbb) March 31, 2025

The BYU women’s basketball program is entering its third year in the Big 12 conference with Cummard projecting to produce their first winning season since the 2021-2022 campaign.

“A lot of turnover has happened between last year and now,” Cummard said. “It’s a new league, some of the teams at the top lost quite a bit… we feel really fortunate with how much production we have coming back.”

The Cougars went 13-17 last season, going just 4-14 in Big 12 conference play.

The progression of Delaney Gibb 

One key returner for BYU this season is Delaney Gibb, sophomore from Alberta, Canada. Gibb, having been around the program for a year, already has a relationship with Cummard.

“We had a good relationship already,” said Gibb. “I was excited because he’s a great guy and held me to a great standard … showed me what my potential can be … a coach that is going to push me to be the best version of myself.”

“I’m a firm believer in if you think it enough it’s gonna come true…”

BYU Women’s Basketball with the goal of returning to the NCAA Tournament😤 pic.twitter.com/du8FeOXMzA

— BYUtv Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) September 18, 2025

Gibb had a strong freshman campaign, winning 10 Freshman of the Week awards and winning Big 12 Freshman of the Year.

During the summer, Gibb had the opportunity to play for the senior Canadian national team, winning a bronze medal in the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.

“She worked really hard this offseason with us and with team Canada,” said Cummard. “She’s going to have a great year.”

Cummard’s coaching philosophy

Arielle Mackey-Williams, a redshirt junior on the team, has missed back-to-back seasons with knee injuries and has had the opportunity to get to know Cummard.

“Coach Cummard is someone I can trust,” said Mackey-Williams, “I know that he has a plan for each of us girls.”

Cummard has established himself early in his head coaching tenure as someone who gets the most out of his players.

Freshman Braeden Gunlock, and four-time Montana All-State honoree, has picked up on the dedication from Cummard.

“Practices are intense,” said Gunlock. “I really like how he is approaching practice … he loves to win and so do we.”

This competitive spirit was evident in Cummard’s BYU playing career, playing 131 consecutive games and averaging a career high 16.8 points per game in the 2008-2009 season.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who loves BYU as much as Lee Cummard,” said Mackey-Williams. “He’s very passionate about this school.”

Lee Cummard discusses culture and the ‘BYU way.’ pic.twitter.com/vMibRTUNwo

— Ben Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) April 1, 2025

Prioritizing relationship-building 

Cummard has established himself early as a head coach who cares about the relationships between himself and his players.

Heather Hamson, a redshirt senior from Lindon, has been impressed with Cummard’s leadership thus far.

“I’m so excited with a.l of the cultural things he’s implemented,” said Hamson. “Practice has been awesome, the vibe of the team this year has been immaculate.”

The theme throughout media day was that even though there has been so much change within the program, Cummard has been up to the challenge and has championed team camaraderie.

Tom Holmoe became BYU’s athletic director in March 2005.

A few weeks later, Lee Cummard arrived on campus as the Cougars’ latest prized basketball recruit.

Fast forward 20 years to today, and the potential final major coaching hire of Tom Holmoe’s tenure at BYU is Lee Cummard. pic.twitter.com/YnCGz3OtMo

— Jackson Payne (@jackson5payne) March 31, 2025

“I just love that Lee lets us play basketball,” said Hamson. “He’ll implement things, here’s an action, but just play basketball … I think it’s awesome he’s letting us have that freedom.”

Cummard has shown promising signs in his first few months as head coach of the BYU women’s basketball program.

Just under six weeks from the first bit of action, the Cougars are feeling confident in their approach to the season.