Tiger women prepare for season-opening exhibition

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou women's basketball is set to take the floor for the first time in the 2026-27 season.

The Tigers are heading into year two under head coach Kellie Harper, and the team has its eyes set on taking a big step forward from that last season. But if they are to make that jump, they'll be relying on a strong freshman class to contribute right away.

"We think these players, our freshman, are going to have big roles for us," Harper said. "We want to get our freshman in and give them minutes, but we also want to be extremely competitive."

You can watch the full press conference with coach Harper in the video player above.

With five new freshman expected to have big roles this winter, it will be a big adjustment for a group that hasn't played a collegiate game yet.

"You want people to be able to experience the lights and the sounds and the feel of an actual game," Harper said. "I think we're trying to educate a lot of young players. We're one of the youngest teams in the SEC, so I know we're going to have some learning curves, but there's a lot of excitement with that."

Leading those new players, is a group of four returners to coach Harper's squad. Fifth year Averi Kroenke is one of those leaders, and is set to make her return after suffering a torn ACL and missing all of her senior year.

"I'm so happy that Averi is getting to play." Harper said. " But also, I think sometimes we forget, we just assume she's a veteran. She's not played in a long time, and I can reflect back to when I was injured. When you come back, you know it's exciting, but it takes a minute."

The returner at the hear of this roster, Grace Slaughter, is also expected to be a major contributor. The preseason All-SEC recipient is going to be at the center of this team for another year, but the thing coach Harper is looking for out of her is to see how she plays with all of the new faces around her.

"I don't need to see anything special from Grace in the exhibition game," Harper said. "I think one of the best things we can see is her on the court with some of our young players. I think that's really important."

Up Next - Mizzou will host Lincoln for an exhibition to begin the year at home. Tip off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29.