Waco, TX— In a moment that has forever changed the landscape of Big 12 women’s basketball, Baylor Bears Head Coach Nicki Collen has officially broken Mark Campbell’s Big 12 wins record, a monumental feat that not only cements her legacy in Baylor history but also reflects the ever-growing influence of pioneering figures in the sport, particularly Dawn Staley.
The Lady Bears dominated their conference opponent in front of a sold-out Ferrell Center crowd, setting a new record. Collen’s 182nd Big 12 victory broke Campbell’s long-standing record and propelled her to the summit of the conference’s coaching excellence.
Collen, who took over the Baylor program in 2021 following Kim Mulkey’s resignation, has quickly returned the Bears to national prominence. Her strong leadership, innovative offensive tactics, and player-first coaching philosophy have not only led to success but have also restored Baylor’s reputation as a perennial powerhouse in women’s basketball.
Dawn Staley, when sought for remark, applauded Collen’s achievement:
“Records come and go, but passion, vision, and growth remain. Nicki is one of the game’s greatest thinkers, and I’m thrilled to see her cement her place in history.”Keep moving our game forward.”
Collen has guided the Bears to several Big 12 titles, Sweet 16 berths, and a deep NCAA tournament run—all while establishing a strong culture based on faith, empowerment, and responsibility. Under her guidance, Baylor’s recruitment has thrived, acquiring top talent while maintaining outstanding standards on and off the court.
The Waco community, which is known for its enthusiastic support of women’s basketball, marked the event with a spectacular postgame ceremony that included video tributes, flowers, and a standing ovation that left Coach Collen clearly moved. Players wrapped her in a commemorative jacket that proclaimed “Queen of the Big 12.”
As women’s basketball gains attention, investment, and influence, the importance of this moment extends far beyond the scoreboard. It’s a reminder that the seeds planted by coaching legends like Dawn Staley are growing fruit all throughout the country—and Nicki Collen is a proud, courageous representation of that legacy in action.
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