MORGANTOWN — The West Virginia University (WVU) women’s basketball team is ready to kick off the 2025-26 season, with Sydney Shaw at the forefront of their ambitions. The Mountaineers will host Purdue Fort Wayne on November 6, 2025, at 19:00 in the Hope Coliseum. Shaw, who transferred from Auburn, is set to reveal a more complete version of her game this season.
Shaw’s reputation as a prolific scorer has followed her since her high school days, where she was ranked as the No. 50 overall prospect in the nation by ESPN in 2022. Analysts highlighted her as an “athletic lead-guard with a scoring punch in the backcourt” and noted her ability to read defenses and distribute the ball. Yet, her defensive capabilities were often overlooked, something that WVU head coach Mark Kellogg aimed to address when she joined the team.
Shaw’s Transformation Under Kellogg
“We knew she could already shoot and score,” Kellogg explained. “Where we had to put the work in was whether or not she could defend and play in our style of defense. Would she be willing to work really hard on that part of her game?” Over the past year, Shaw has dedicated herself to improving her defensive skills, a crucial aspect of Kellogg’s coaching philosophy.
Entering her senior season, Shaw reflects on her development. “It’s night and day from last year,” she said. “There’s some uncertainty going into any season, but I know basically what I can bring. I feel a lot more confident.” Her progress is evident; Shaw recorded 57 steals last season, surpassing her total from her first two years at Auburn combined. She averaged 11.4 points per game and led the Mountaineers with 67 three-pointers.
The upcoming season is particularly significant for Shaw and the Mountaineers. With the graduation of star guard J.J. Quinerly, Shaw is expected to take on a more prominent role alongside senior point guard Jordan Harrison and sophomore center Jordan Thomas. “With J.J. gone, that’s more touches for me,” Shaw acknowledged. “If I wasn’t capable, I don’t think I’d be put in a position to do that.”
Mountaineers Target NCAA Tournament Success
The Mountaineers enter the new season ranked just outside the top 25 in the AP preseason poll, with a predicted fifth-place finish in the Big 12 Conference. Their goal is to secure a third consecutive NCAA tournament appearance, and the team is looking to blend their offensive and defensive strategies effectively.
Kellogg emphasized the importance of building team chemistry, focusing on rebounding and full-court pressure defense. “It’s so much about us right now that we haven’t thought a whole lot about other teams,” he said. “That’s no disrespect to the other teams. It’s just that we still have so much that we have to get in.”
Purdue Fort Wayne, last season’s 27-9 team that reached the NIT quarterfinals, poses a challenge, especially with a new roster following the graduation of its starting five. As Shaw and her teammates prepare to take the court, the focus remains on maximizing their potential and striving for success in the upcoming season.
