As Emporia State basketball opens the 2025-26 season with mid-to-low rankings in the MIAA pre-season coaches and media polls, second-year head coach Tom Billeter and women’s first-year head coach MJ Baker have set their sights on new goals and expectations for their teams.
Billeter says the makeup of this year’s roster adds “a nice blend” of transfers, freshmen and key players from last season.
“We have been able to balance our classes which leads to a more consistent team, year in and year out,” he said in an email.
Billeter expects every player to take on bigger roles this season. He said a significant goal for the 2025-26 men’s season is to play into the post season. The Hornets fell against the Central Oklahoma Bronchos in round one of the MIAA tournament back in March to finish off the 2024-25 season.
“We are going to be a team with a deep bench and ability to play several players every game,” said Billeter. “We are fortunate to have such depth; all our players will play impactful roles this season. We would like to continue to improve throughout the season. Playing into the post season is a goal for every team every year!”
Too, the newcomers have fit in well with the team. Billeter says the group of athletes, new and old, have a team culture generated both on and off the court.
“We have a very good team culture, they compete every day in practice but it is obvious they enjoy spending time together off the court as well. This is extremely important for all teams as you do spend an incredible amount of time together through practices, travel, weights, etc,” he said.
Looking back on his first season, Billeter the season was more one of learning the ropes of a new league and school, pinning down a routine and being “impressed with how important the Hornet Band and cheer teams, cheer leaders, etc. are.”. In year two of his leadership, he says success for the program looks like community engagement and playing to win.
“I am very pleased with our commitment to both the campus and Emporia Community. The positive feedback from not only campus faculty and administrators but Emporia Community leaders has been very appreciated. Obviously, we want to win games and play for championships, that’s why we work hard each and every day.”
It also means creating a positive environment for players that encourages growth.
“We have a way better feel for how everything works from when and where we practice to playing games at White as well as our travel. Those are important aspects for us as a coaching staff as we want our players to be treated well and have as great a college basketball experience as possible. We want them to grow on and off the floor and become the best they can be.”
For women’s head coach MJ Baker, success beyond wins in her first season looks like “building a culture of excellence and being pillars in the community” She says she has “some tough players who work hard and don’t give up” and is “blessed” to mentor the young women on her team.
Baker says senior guard Gracie Gilpin and senior forward Macey Gandee have stepped up as leaders during her transition into coaching the Lady Hornets.
“Gracie Gilpin and Macey Gandee are two returning seniors who have been great leaders for our team and staff, along with Allison Reese, Kaitlyn Sanders and Katiya Casey who are newcomers who have been game changers coming in.”
Heading into the season, she wants to see at least 15 wins for the Lady Hornets and a spot in the post-season. But that’s not the only goal her sights are set on. They are also set on seeing her team get better with each day.
“Ultimately, our focus has been to keep stacking days by getting 1 percent better and let the rest take care of itself.”
She hopes the legacy and foundation she establishes as the Lady Hornets’ new coach is one that “championship(s) behaviors that lay out the foundation for success on and off the court.”
Both the Hornets and Lady Hornets will travel to St. Joseph, Mo. to play against Wayne State and St. Cloud State Nov. 14-15. The Lady Hornets will start off the weekend in a match up against Wayne State. Tip off is set for 3 p.m. on Nov. 14
