Photo by: Bobcat Creative Services
Women's Basketball Hits the Court for First Practice of 2026-27
6/24/2026 6:54:00 PM | Women's Basketball
BOZEMAN, Mont. – The Montana State Women's Basketball team returned to the practice court on Wednesday afternoon, commencing the 2026-27 season with a near-complete roster. Under the direction of Ellen Kreighbaum Women's Head Basketball Coach Tricia Binford, the Bobcats are back and better than ever with their sights set on the season to come.
Practically identical to the team who left the floor in late March, save for a few new faces and some fresh pairs of shoes, Binford's Bobcats brought an energy to the court reminiscent of the height of Big Sky action.
"It was fantastic, I just felt like they were all so excited," Binford said. "Everybody is overly anxious the first practice, but we're going to settle in on that. The energy was great, attitude was great, effort was great. Our team is deep; we have a lot of talent. Everybody kept celebrating each other and there was tremendous energy in the gym today."
High fives were passed around the gym nearly as much as basketballs, a testament to the culture Binford has built within the program during her 22 seasons in Bozeman. In the last two years, the team has combined for 57 wins – the most in back-to-back seasons in Big Sky history.
After coming up short of a conference championship last season, the 10 Bobcats returning to the roster are eager to attend to unfinished business. Looking to be led by the reigning Big Sky MVP, Taylee Chirrick, the MSU squad will set out to improve upon last season's 27 wins.
Embracing a familiar role, last year's starting lineup could be heard with Addison Harris, Isobel Bunyan, Ella Johnson and Jamison Phillip leading the newcomers through drills and dialogue of the first session of the year. Bringing veteran experience back into the picture, Dylan Philip also found herself on the court with refreshed energy after being sidelined with an injury last season.
"We joked about how we have seniors and super seniors," Binford said. "We have tons of experience, but we also have a lot of flash of great newcomers, so it's going to be a tremendous blend. I thought our upperclassmen led tremendously well. It's great to have Dylan [Philip] back, and it's great to see those new kids inserted. We're going to see what we can do this season and just get 1% better every day."
Braeden Gunlock, Ebele Mbagwu and Madison O'Connor donned their blue and gray practice tees for the first time but found their way almost seamlessly into the schemes of the summer session.
While the team awaits the arrival of freshman Emma Dongelmans, the MSU squad will continue to set the tone for the impending arrival of the season throughout the summer and into the fall. As the schedule is finalized, Bobcat faithful can look forward to another exciting year of basketball in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse as Binford looks to guide her team to another undefeated home slate.
Follow the Bobcats
For the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes coverage of the Montana State women's basketball team, follow the Bobcats on X at @MSUBobcatsWBB and on Instagram at @msubobcatswbb. Information on the Montana State athletic program can be found online at msubobcats.com or by following the Bobcats on X at @MSUBobcats, Instagram @MontanaStateBobcats, and on Facebook at Montana State Bobcats.
Practically identical to the team who left the floor in late March, save for a few new faces and some fresh pairs of shoes, Binford's Bobcats brought an energy to the court reminiscent of the height of Big Sky action.
"It was fantastic, I just felt like they were all so excited," Binford said. "Everybody is overly anxious the first practice, but we're going to settle in on that. The energy was great, attitude was great, effort was great. Our team is deep; we have a lot of talent. Everybody kept celebrating each other and there was tremendous energy in the gym today."
High fives were passed around the gym nearly as much as basketballs, a testament to the culture Binford has built within the program during her 22 seasons in Bozeman. In the last two years, the team has combined for 57 wins – the most in back-to-back seasons in Big Sky history.
After coming up short of a conference championship last season, the 10 Bobcats returning to the roster are eager to attend to unfinished business. Looking to be led by the reigning Big Sky MVP, Taylee Chirrick, the MSU squad will set out to improve upon last season's 27 wins.
Embracing a familiar role, last year's starting lineup could be heard with Addison Harris, Isobel Bunyan, Ella Johnson and Jamison Phillip leading the newcomers through drills and dialogue of the first session of the year. Bringing veteran experience back into the picture, Dylan Philip also found herself on the court with refreshed energy after being sidelined with an injury last season.
"We joked about how we have seniors and super seniors," Binford said. "We have tons of experience, but we also have a lot of flash of great newcomers, so it's going to be a tremendous blend. I thought our upperclassmen led tremendously well. It's great to have Dylan [Philip] back, and it's great to see those new kids inserted. We're going to see what we can do this season and just get 1% better every day."
Braeden Gunlock, Ebele Mbagwu and Madison O'Connor donned their blue and gray practice tees for the first time but found their way almost seamlessly into the schemes of the summer session.
While the team awaits the arrival of freshman Emma Dongelmans, the MSU squad will continue to set the tone for the impending arrival of the season throughout the summer and into the fall. As the schedule is finalized, Bobcat faithful can look forward to another exciting year of basketball in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse as Binford looks to guide her team to another undefeated home slate.
Follow the Bobcats
For the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes coverage of the Montana State women's basketball team, follow the Bobcats on X at @MSUBobcatsWBB and on Instagram at @msubobcatswbb. Information on the Montana State athletic program can be found online at msubobcats.com or by following the Bobcats on X at @MSUBobcats, Instagram @MontanaStateBobcats, and on Facebook at Montana State Bobcats.
Players Mentioned
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