BYU Women's Basketball Looks to Build on WBIT Success

Coach Lee Cummard sees path to NCAA Tournament after deep WBIT run

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:08pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, gold, and crimson, capturing the dynamic energy and movement of a women's basketball game.BYU's WBIT run showcased the team's mental toughness and laid the foundation for a potential NCAA Tournament berth.Wichita Today

In his first season as head coach, Lee Cummard led BYU's women's basketball team to the WBIT championship game, where they fell to a more experienced Columbia squad. Despite the loss, Cummard is optimistic about the Cougars' future, citing the team's mental toughness and the valuable tournament experience gained.

Why it matters

BYU's deep WBIT run marked the first time the program reached the Final Four and championship game of a major postseason tournament. This success lays a strong foundation for the Cougars to make the leap to the NCAA Tournament, which has been an elusive goal for the program.

The details

The Cougars, led by All-Big 12 First Team selection Delaney Gibb and standout freshmen Sydney Benally and Olivia Hamlin, exceeded expectations by finishing 26-12 and 11-10 in Big 12 play. Cummard noted the team's need to improve its physical toughness and offensive efficiency, but believes the experience gained from eight win-or-go-home games will pay dividends moving forward.

  • BYU reached the WBIT championship game on April 1, 2026.
  • The Cougars finished the season with a 26-12 record.

The players

Lee Cummard

BYU's head coach, who led the team to the WBIT championship game in his first season.

Delaney Gibb

BYU guard and All-Big 12 First Team selection.

Sydney Benally

BYU standout freshman.

Olivia Hamlin

BYU standout freshman.

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What they’re saying

“We've done some really good things and set a good foundation or standard that we want to approach things by.”

— Lee Cummard, BYU Head Coach

“We got knocked on our rear end, and we responded in a way that shows kind of who these players are, and what this program's about.”

— Lee Cummard, BYU Head Coach

What’s next

Cummard and the Cougars will look to build on this season's success by adding a few high school recruits, a returned missionary, and potential transfer portal additions to complement their returning core.

The takeaway

BYU's deep WBIT run has established a new standard of success for the program, and with the experience gained this season, the Cougars are poised to make a push for their first NCAA Tournament appearance under Cummard's leadership.