First Official Team Meeting for the 2025-26 LSU Women’s Basketball Team

Introduction

Good morning, Tigers!

Welcome to the first official meeting of the 2025-26 LSU Women’s Basketball season. It’s so exciting to be here today as we gather to kick off another journey together. I know we all come from different backgrounds, with unique experiences, but right here, right now, we’re united under one roof with a shared goal: excellence.

This moment is not just the beginning of a new season, it’s the beginning of something bigger. Every practice, every game, every challenge we face will be a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion we bring to the court. This season is about more than basketball. It’s about growth, perseverance, and being part of something much larger than ourselves. It’s about legacy.

Before we dive in, I want each of you to look around the room. You’re not alone in this. You’re not just teammates, but sisters. Sisters who will push each other to be the best versions of ourselves. Sisters who will challenge each other, encourage one another, and celebrate each other’s successes.

So, let’s get to it. Let’s talk about what this season will be.

The Culture We Build Together

At LSU, we are more than just a basketball team—we are a family. And family isn’t just a word; it’s an action. It’s how we show up for each other day in and day out. It’s how we put in the extra work when no one is watching. It’s how we celebrate victories and learn from defeats. It’s how we hold ourselves accountable to one another and to the legacy we’re building as Tigers.

As your coaches and staff, we’re here to guide you, to give you the tools you need to succeed, but ultimately, this team’s success will be defined by the culture we create. That’s something each of us has a role in. Whether it’s in the locker room, during practice, or on game day, the culture of this team starts with YOU.

Each of you brings something special to the table. From raw talent to leadership to work ethic, you are the heart and soul of this program. We expect you to carry that responsibility with pride. We’re not just building a team for one season—we’re building a foundation for the future of LSU Women’s Basketball.

Setting Goals

As we set out on this new season, let’s talk about goals. I know you’ve heard this a thousand times before, but I’ll say it again: success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of hard work, discipline, and determination. And success starts with setting clear, actionable goals.

But not just any goals—SMART goals. You’ve heard of them before: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It’s about defining exactly what you want to achieve and having a clear plan to get there. So, I want you to think about the following:

• Team Goals: Where do we want to be as a team by the end of the season? Is it an SEC championship? A Final Four appearance? A national title? Whatever it is, write it down. Commit to it.
• Personal Goals: Each of you has individual skills and areas of improvement. Whether it’s increasing your shooting percentage, improving your defense, or becoming a stronger leader on the court, set goals for yourself. What’s the next step in your development? Where do you want to be by the end of the season?
• Academic Goals: You’re student-athletes, which means your success off the court is just as important as your success on it. Academics are a key part of your growth, and I know every single one of you can excel in the classroom just as much as you do on the court. Set your sights high here, too. Be the best version of yourself in every area of your life.

Remember, goals should scare you a little. They should push you beyond your comfort zone. But they should also be achievable with effort, focus, and consistency.

Accountability

Now, let’s talk about accountability. Accountability isn’t just about what happens when someone does something wrong; it’s about ensuring that each of us is doing our part to make this team better. It’s about being honest with ourselves and with each other.

You’ve heard the saying, “Iron sharpens iron,” and it’s true. You will push each other to be better every single day. But that also means you will hold each other accountable when things aren’t going the way they should. If someone is slacking, speak up. If someone is struggling, step in and offer help. If someone is having a bad day, support them. We are a team, and every part of this team matters.

Accountability isn’t just a one-time thing. It’s ongoing. And it doesn’t just apply to your actions; it applies to your attitude as well. Are you bringing the right mindset to practice? Are you lifting your teammates up or tearing them down? Are you giving your best every day, even when it’s hard?

Hard Work and Effort

This brings me to the next point: effort. Effort is everything. Talent will take you far, but it’s your effort that will ultimately determine how far you go. There’s no substitute for hard work. When you think you’ve given it all, dig a little deeper. Push yourself just a bit further. That’s when the magic happens.

Effort is also about consistency. It’s about showing up every day with the same intensity and focus. It’s about doing the little things right, day in and day out. The hard work you put in during the offseason, during practice, and in every drill will directly translate to your performance on the court. So, when you lace up your sneakers and step onto that court, remember: this is where your hard work pays off.

Team Chemistry

We all know basketball is a team sport. No one person can do it alone. And that’s where team chemistry comes in. The best teams are those that play for one another, not just for themselves. The best teams have players who communicate, trust each other, and are willing to make the extra pass or take the charge to help their teammate.

Building chemistry takes time, but it starts with respect. Respect each other as players, as individuals, and as people. Get to know one another beyond basketball. Learn about your teammates’ families, hobbies, goals, and struggles. When you know someone’s story, it becomes easier to trust them on the court.

Embrace the Challenges

This season will be full of challenges—on the court and off it. There will be days when things don’t go as planned. There will be moments when you feel like you’ve hit a wall, when the road ahead seems too tough. But let me remind you of one thing: every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

Embrace the obstacles that come your way. Each loss will teach you something. Every tough practice will make you stronger. Every injury will give you a chance to develop your mental toughness. Don’t shy away from the hard moments. Lean into them. It’s in these moments that you will grow the most.

The Road Ahead

The road to success is never easy. It’s long, it’s challenging, and at times, it will test your limits. But let me tell you something: every single step is worth it. Every sprint, every jump shot, every play, every practice will bring us closer to our ultimate goal.

When we look back on this season, I want us to be able to say we gave it everything we had. That we gave 110% in every game, every practice, and every moment. That we played for each other, for our fans, for LSU, and for the legacy we’re leaving behind.

Together, we will face the challenges ahead, and together, we will overcome them. We will achieve greatness because we have the talent, the heart, and the drive to do so.

So, as we get ready to hit the court, I want each of you to remember why you’re here. You’re here because you have a passion for the game, because you want to be part of something bigger than yourself, and because you have the talent and the heart to make this team great.

Let’s make this season one to remember. Let’s make LSU proud. Let’s make each other proud. And most importantly, let’s make ourselves proud.

Welcome to the 2025-26 LSU Women’s Basketball season. Let’s go, Tigers!