WINFIELD, Kan.— Southwestern College women's basketball is looking to turn the corner under first-year head coach Josh Burt, who takes over a program eager to establish a new culture and competitive standard in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.

A native of Salina, Burt returns to familiar territory after previous stops in the MIAA and at Nebraska–Kearney. His ties to the conference run deep, and his vision for the Moundbuilders centers on growth, accountability and long-term success.

"It's been great. I feel like this is where I belong," Burt said. "I grew up in KCAC country all my life, going to games and following these programs. It's great to be back and get things going here at Southwestern."

Laying the foundation

Burt inherits a squad that went 4-20 overall and 4-18 in KCAC play last season. The Builders averaged 63.8 points per game while allowing 78.0, shooting 33.4 percent from the field and 31.5 percent from beyond the arc. Though the numbers show room for improvement, Burt is focused on building daily habits that translate into long-term success.

"Right now, it's not all about wins and losses," he said. "It's about getting better every day, changing the culture, and figuring out who we are as a team."

Burt will be joined by two graduate assistants, one from Wisconsin and another from Spain, as he works to implement his system. 

Experienced core returns

The Lady Builders return several key players, led by senior guard Macey Pond, who averaged 11.6 points and 4.7 rebounds last season. A three-level scorer with leadership experience, Pond is expected to shoulder the offensive load in her final year.

"She's going to have to carry the team offensively," Burt said. "She's a great player and a great person. I told her she might think I'm crazy, but I want her taking at least 10 shots a game."

Senior forward Allyson Frank also returns after starting 23 games last year, providing versatility in the post and on the perimeter. Junior guard Kennedy Ford (7.6 points per game) brings athleticism and intensity, while junior Martha De La Rosa adds perimeter shooting depth.

New faces add energy

Burt signed six freshmen after being hired in mid-April, creating a blend of experience and youth on the 12-player roster. Among the newcomers is Aubrey Pond, younger sister of Macey Pond, who reunites with her sibling for one season after sharing the court in high school.

"It'll be fun for them to play together again," Burt said. "Their games are different but complement each other well."

Freshmen Emma Parker of Texas and Breanna Goad of Oklahoma highlight the incoming class. Goad scored 1,000 career points in high school, while Parker provides perimeter shooting.

"Everyone has to be ready," Burt said. "You might not play one night and then play 35 minutes the next. That's where we are as a program right now."

Looking ahead

For Burt, success in his first season won't be measured solely by wins. Instead, he wants the team to set the foundation for the future, one that reflects discipline, competitiveness and belief.

"This year is about establishing who we are," he said. "Winning will come, but it starts with our culture. I want our seniors to look back and say they were part of turning this program around."

Southwestern opens its 2025–26 campaign later this month, aiming to build momentum and identity under new leadership.