After an impressive 25-8 season last year, Mark Kellogg led the Mountaineers to a 23-6 record this year. A major part of this success was his ability to replace key players on the roster.
Following the 2023-24 season, West Virginia lost several key contributors. Guard Lauren Fields, who averaged 9.2 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.3 steals, graduated. Sydney Shaw, a transfer guard from Auburn, has stepped up to fill Fields’ role, averaging 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals this season. Shaw is third on the team for points this season.
In addition to Fields, Jayla Hemingway also graduated. Hemingway, who came off the bench, averaged 6.2 points and 2.1 rebounds. Freshman Jordan Thomas has emerged as a key contributor this year, posting 6.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
Another bench contributor last season was forward Tavy Diggs, who averaged 4.6 points and 3 rebounds. Her replacement, JUCO transfer Celia Riviere, has added 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game this season.
During the time of the transfer portal, it has been a clear challenge for some coaches to retain the talent needed to have consistency on their team. Kellogg has found the right replacements at the right spots, leading the Mountaineers to back-to-back 20-plus win seasons.Â
