Kielsmeier relies on size and physicality as Texas State faces Pac-12

Chris Kielsmeier entered his first season at Texas State with a strategy centered on physicality and interior size. The former Cleveland State coach retained forward Kyra Anderson and added two 6-foot-6 players to the front line. Freshman Addison Carr and transfer Lucija Milkovic from Seattle University join Anderson in the post. Kielsmeier stated that his teams have ranked in the top 13 nationally for made free throws over the last four years, a metric he views as essential for competing in the paint.

The coaching staff emphasized that the new roster structure requires time to develop cohesion. Kielsmeier told reporters last week that the players did not know one another five months ago. He acknowledged that overcoming this lack of initial chemistry is a challenge against opponents who have played together for extended periods. He noted that while the players desire success, they must bridge the gap between individual talent and team unity.

Guard play presents a specific dynamic for the Bobcats. Saniya Burks and Crystal Henderson, a transfer from Georgia State, will share ball-handling duties. Burks was the team's top scorer last season with 14.4 points per game, though her three-point shooting percentage dropped to 31.5%. She averaged 2.93 free-throw attempts per game. Henderson, who finished fourth in the Sun Belt in free-throw attempts, averaged 16.7 points per game last year. Kielsmeier described both as humble playmakers who prioritize winning over individual scoring.

Texas State joins a restructured Pac-12 that includes two NCAA Tournament qualifiers from the 2026 season: Gonzaga and Colorado State. The Bobcats finished last season with an 11-19 record. Kielsmeier, a head coach since 2000, told players to ignore outside noise and focus on daily work. He referenced his 2023 NCAA Tournament appearance at Cleveland State to illustrate that experience helps manage pressure.

The team will test its readiness in an exhibition game against UTRGV this Thursday. The regular season begins on Nov. 4 against Long Island University. The Bobcats will play their first official Pac-12 contest on Jan. 6.