KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KWCH) – Kansas women’s basketball highlighted returning leadership and promising newcomers at Big 12 Media Day on Wednesday at T-Mobile Center.
Junior guard S’Mya Nichols was unanimously selected to the All Conference preseason team after averaging more than 14 points per game and shooting 46 percent from the field last season.
Nichols embraces leadership role
Head coach Brandon Schneider said Nichols has developed into a team-focused leader entering her third season.
“I think S’Mya, now, she wants to get better and improve, but I think now, it’s so much more about what can the team become,” Schneider said. “‘I’m an established player, I know I’m one of the top guards in the country but, what’s our team going to go and accomplish?’”
Nichols said her leadership approach has evolved to include higher personal standards.
“It took more of me being dominant and assertive but also holding myself to a high standard because, I mean you can’t lead and then expect high expectations from someone else as well,” Nichols said.
Recruiting focus on in-state talent
The Jayhawks feature an even mix of veterans and newcomers this season, including five-star freshman Jalyia Davis from Blue Valley North.
Schneider emphasized the program’s focus on recruiting in-state players like Davis. However, he said having established leaders like Nichols helps create a positive culture that will make a significant difference this season.
Copyright 2025 KWCH. All rights reserved. To report a correction or typo, please email news@kwch.com