Kansas State Women’s Basketball Eyes Another Strong Season After Sweet 16 Run

Coach Mittie and Taryn Sides smile during an interview on a stage. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

Coach Mittie talking during an interview with Big 12 radio. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

Coach Mittie and Taryn Sides sit on stage during an interview. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

Taryn Sides holds a microphone on stage. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas State women’s basketball season tips off Nov. 3 at home against Omaha. Head coach Jeff Mittie and three members of the 2025-26 team — Taryn Sides, Izela Arenas, and Nastja Claessens — represented the Wildcats at Big 12 Media Day following a 28-8 season that ended with a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Despite being picked seventh in the Big 12 preseason poll, Mittie and his squad are confident that their offseason work will prove the media wrong.

Mittie Praises Team’s Work Ethic

From the moment he stepped on stage, Mittie projected confidence in his retooled roster. While his players admitted some nerves under the bright media day lights, the veteran head coach said he was “very pleased” with how quickly the group adapted to the team’s system.

“We thought we’d have to spend more time saying, ‘This is how we do things,’” Mittie said. “But this group picked things up fast and came ready to play.”

Mittie credited the team’s recent success for attracting strong recruits and transfers, saying, “Winning attracts players.” He hopes the Wildcats’ veteran leadership and culture continue to draw top talent in future seasons.

Sides Steps Into Leadership Role

With Kansas State losing eight players to the transfer portal, the WNBA Draft, or retirement, junior guard Taryn Sides finds herself in a leadership position.

As one of only three returning players, Sides brings experience and confidence after breakout performances last season, including a 23-point game against South Carolina Upstate and a 14-point, 50% shooting night from beyond the arc in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

“It’s my job to be a leader for this team,” Sides said. She described the experience as “receiving the torch” from former stars Serena Sundell and Ayoka Lee.

When asked if she leads by example or vocally, Sides quickly responded that she prefers to lead by example — a sentiment Mittie immediately echoed with approval.

Transfers Find “Family” in Manhattan

Mittie’s comment that “winning attracts players” rang true for Kansas State’s newest additions, Arenas and Claessens.

“It just felt like family coming here,” Arenas said, referencing Manhattan’s reputation as one of the friendliest college towns in the country.

Claessens, a former Olympic athlete from Belgium, agreed. She said the program’s family-oriented environment and emphasis on team chemistry drew her to K-State. Mittie praised her basketball IQ and international experience as valuable additions to a team looking to build on last season’s success.

Looking Ahead to the 2025-26 Season

After last year’s postseason run, Mittie has built a challenging schedule to prepare the Wildcats for another tournament push.

“We’re going to challenge ourselves in Cancun,” Mittie said. “We’re going to get some answers early.”

He emphasized the importance of proving the team’s strength in nonconference play to avoid confusion among NCAA selection committee members later in the season.

The Wildcats’ focus, Mittie said, is not on individual accolades but on collective performance. He praised Arenas for her dedication — noting she was “up at 5 a.m. shooting this summer” — but stressed that team chemistry will be key to sustained success.

That chemistry, he said, will develop with time and game experience once the regular season begins.