Texas State women's basketball embraces rebuild headed into debut Pac-12 season

SAN MARCOS - Head coach Chris Kielsmeier brings a winning track record, new players and, somewhat surprisingly, blunt honesty to Texas State women's basketball.

>The former Cleveland State coach didn't pretend while talking to reporters that the Bobcats had forged unbreakable bonds over the summer or that the roster clicked the instant they started practicing. Instead, he took a long-term approach as he assessed the state of the program.

>"They do want to have success, no doubt," Kielsmeier said last week. "But the reality of it is that five months ago, none of us knew each other. That's what we've got to overcome with some teams this year that have been together for a long time."

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>Physicality is a staple of Kielsmeier's teams, he said, and the roster reflects that, even if there's still work to be done. He retained 6-foot-1 forward Kyra Anderson and added two 6-foot-6 posts: freshman Addison Carr and Seattle University transfer Lucija Milkovic. All the guards, other than Georgia State transfer Crystal Henderson, are listed taller than 5-foot-6. The extra size should help Texas State compete in the paint.

>Kielsmeier said his teams have finished top 13 in the country in made free throws for the past four years. Toughness is a non-negotiable, and he's challenged his players to embrace it.

>"I'm a firm believer you can't win a championship without being a really, really physical basketball team," Kielsmeier said.

Texas State women's basketball head coach Chris Kielsmeier at his introductory press conference. (Texas State University) The importance of trustSaniya Burks and Crystal Henderson flanked Kielsmeier at the table during media days. The two duked it out at the start of the 2026 season in the Sun Belt; now they're prepping for the Pac-12 as teammates. In some ways, their relationship mirrors what Texas State wants to accomplish. Burks was excited for Henderson's addition - she witnessed her drop 21 points on Texas State in January - but the two ball-handlers could have growing pains as they develop on the court.

>They could prove to complement each other well once things click. Burks is an excellent shooter who can get red-hot from the 3-point line. She struggled from beyond the arc in 2025, shooting 31.5% on her attempts, but she made over five threes in a game on three separate occasions. Kielsmeier said she needs to get to the line more; she averaged 2.93 free-throw attempts per game last year. Henderson finished fourth in the Sun Belt in free-throw attempts last year, averaging 16.7 points per game.

>Kielsmeier, a head coach since 2000, said believe Burks and Henderson can work together, as each player's gravity could benefit the other. While Burks led the team in scoring last year at 14.4 points, she'll need help leading a Bobcats roster with 10 new faces and two other returners. But Kielsmeier called the duo humble playmakers and dynamic scorers who have built elite chemistry behind the scenes.

>"They don't care about scoring. They want to win, and they have proven that with their actions." Kielsmeier said.

Texas State guard Saniya Burks (3) is guarded by Troy guard Ashley Baez (2) during the game at Strahan Arena on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 in San Marcos, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman) Texas State gearing up for Pac-12 debutBurks stayed at Texas State, amid a coaching change, and Henderson transferred in because they believed in Kielsmeier's vision. Texas State went 11-19 last season and joins a new-look Pac-12 that features two NCAA Tournament qualifiers in 2026: Gonzaga and Colorado State.

>The Bobcats are not shying away from the expectations that come with joining a new conference, and Kielsmeier unflinchingly acknowledged last week that some of his players might fear failure. From the coach's perspective, pressure is an opportunity. Kielsmeier made his first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023, during his sixth season at Cleveland State.

>"I try to get them to understand; I've never spent a day of my life coaching, worrying about what everybody else is doing," Kielsmeier said. " You just go to work, and you don't worry about the outside noise."

>Texas State plays an exhibition against UTRGV Thursday, begins its season Nov. 4 against Long Island University and plays its first-ever Pac-12 game Jan. 6.

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