BREAKING NEWS: Baylor Women’s Basketball Head Coach Nicki Collen Signs Monumental 10-Year Contract Extension Cementing Long-Term Legacy in Waco…………..

BREAKING NEWS: Baylor Women’s Basketball Head Coach Nicki Collen Signs Monumental 10-Year Contract Extension Cementing Long-Term Legacy in Waco…………..

In a seismic move that signals Baylor University’s unwavering commitment to championship-caliber women’s basketball, Head Coach Nicki Collen has inked a massive 10-year contract extension. This long-term agreement not only cements her role through the 2034-35 season but sends a clear message to the nation—Baylor is building a dynasty, and Nicki Collen is the architect.

A Statement of Intent from Baylor

This isn’t just another coaching extension. This is a power move.

By locking in Collen for a full decade, Baylor is signaling its confidence in her leadership, vision, and ability to keep the program at the forefront of college basketball. The extension comes after three transformational seasons under her leadership, during which the Bears have not only remained competitive but have redefined their identity with resilience, modernized strategy, and elite talent development.

“Coach Collen embodies the heart of Baylor basketball,” said Athletic Director Mack Rhoades. “Her commitment to student-athlete development, excellence on the court, and a culture rooted in faith and integrity make her the leader we want for the next era of Baylor basketball.”

Rebuilding and Rising—The Collen Era So Far

Taking over in 2021 following the departure of Hall of Fame coach Kim Mulkey was no easy task. But Collen didn’t flinch.

In her first three seasons, she posted an impressive 74-28 record, led the Bears to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, and reignited national buzz around the program. The 2023-24 campaign was a turning point: Baylor finished 26-8, made a run to the Sweet 16, and proved that Collen’s brand of basketball—fast, tactical, and tenacious—could go toe-to-toe with the best in the nation.

Perhaps more impressively, her teams have remained consistent despite injuries, roster turnover, and the intensifying competitiveness of the Big 12. Under Collen, the Bears are not just surviving post-Mulkey—they are thriving.

Recruiting Powerhouse & Player Development Machine

Collen has redefined the recruiting strategy at Baylor. She’s tapped into both elite high school pipelines and the transfer portal with clinical precision. The result? A reloaded roster every year with a blend of raw talent, veteran experience, and high-IQ ballers.

In just her second season, she helped guide three players—NaLyssa Smith (No. 2 overall), Queen Egbo (No. 10), and Jordan Lewis (No. 24)—into the 2022 WNBA Draft. It was the first time in program history that Baylor produced two top-10 picks in the same draft. That’s not just development—that’s dominance.

Beyond pro success, her players are thriving in college. Baylor has had multiple All-Big 12 selections and raked in hardware under Collen, including Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year honors.

Leadership That Transcends the Court

Collen’s impact extends beyond X’s and O’s. Known for her intentional focus on character, academics, and emotional intelligence, she’s built a culture that aligns with Baylor’s core mission: “Preparing Champions for Life.”

She brings with her a wealth of coaching pedigree—having led the Atlanta Dream to the WNBA Playoffs and previously served as an assistant at powerhouse collegiate programs like Louisville and Arkansas. That rare blend of professional and collegiate experience has made her a coach players trust, parents admire, and administrators respect.

The Future is Gold and Green

With this extension, Baylor is not just betting on continuity—it’s betting on greatness.

The long-term deal will empower Collen to build a pipeline, a program, and a legacy without distraction. It gives recruits confidence that the leader they commit to will be there throughout their careers. It gives fans something to believe in—and it gives rivals something to worry about.

“I am humbled and energized by the belief this university has placed in me,” Collen said in a statement. “Baylor is home. And together, we are going to write the next great chapter of women’s college basketball history—right here in Waco.”

With the WNBA-level coaching, a steady influx of talent, and a decade of runway, Baylor is poised not just to contend—but to dominate.

Get ready, because the Collen Era isn’t just beginning—it’s about to explode..