The Baylor Bears women’s basketball program, led by Head Coach Nicki Collen, is in the midst of a transition due to recent coaching staff changes. The departure of assistant coach Sophia Malcolm-Smith has resulted in a reorganization of responsibilities and the incorporation of new members into the team dynamic.
In reaction to these developments, Coach Collen has made targeted staff additions to retain the program’s competitive edge. Tez Dumars has been named assistant coach, bringing with him extensive experience in player development from past stops at Kansas State, Louisiana Tech, North Texas, and West Texas A&M. His experience as a collegiate and professional player is expected to benefit the team’s training methods.
These staffing changes come on the heels of a season that concluded with a second-round exit in the NCAA tournament, following a loss to Ole Miss. The team, which finished the 2024–25 season with a 28–8 record, is now focused on regrouping and preparing for the upcoming season.
These personnel changes follow a season that ended with a second-round ouster from the NCAA tournament after a loss to Ole Miss. The club, which ended the 2024-25 season with a 28-8 record, is now recovering and preparing for the next season.
Coach Collen, who also chairs the NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules Committee, continues to have an impact on the sport outside of the Baylor program. She has been instrumental in suggesting substantial rule changes to improve the game’s flow, such as the addition of a coach’s video review challenge.
As the Baylor Bears women’s basketball team adjusts to these changes, the emphasis remains on creating a cohesive and competitive atmosphere. The addition of new coaching staff members and the execution of strategic adjustments are both steps toward maintaining the program’s tradition of excellence.
The Baylor community and supporters are invited to support the team during this transitional period, as the Bears look to build on their tradition and achieve success in the coming season.