CU Buffs Embrace New Leadership Ahead of Big 12 Season

Kansas City, MO — The Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball team is poised for a new chapter as they prepare for the upcoming season in the Big 12 Conference. This transition includes a shift in leadership, with players Jade Masogayo and Kennedy Sanders stepping into critical roles during the Big 12 women’s basketball media day on October 21, 2025.

The foundation of a successful basketball program often relies on the unseen hours spent in practice and conditioning. Yet, the challenge of leadership extends beyond the court. At the T-Mobile Center, CU head coach JR Payne highlighted the importance of vocal leadership, particularly as the team transitions with the departure of key players.

“We’ve had such great upperclassmen over the years that have really helped kind of mold the younger ones as they’ve come along,” Payne noted. He emphasized the program’s commitment to developing leadership skills through team-building exercises and public speaking opportunities. “We tell them how important it is to know what you’re talking about… when you choose to be a member of the program, you’re representing all of us at all times,” he added.

With the graduations of standout players like Frida Formann and Kindyll Wetta, who contributed to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 2022 to 2024, the onus now falls on Masogayo and Sanders to guide a new generation of athletes. Both players are aware of the expectations placed upon them, especially in the wake of their predecessors’ strong leadership both on and off the court.

“I would definitely say it comes with experience,” said Masogayo, CU’s leading scorer and second-leading rebounder last season. “I feel like I can credit my coaches. They’ve really been harping on me to be more of a vocal leader and try to get out of my comfort zone and pave the way for this team.”

As the Buffaloes prepare for their second season back in the Big 12, they have also welcomed new talent. This year, the team has added former Kansas State guard Zyanna Walker, further enriching the roster. The dynamic nature of the Big 12, with its 16-team structure, presents new challenges, including an imbalanced schedule that means many road venues will be unfamiliar to the players.

Payne reflected on the learning curve from their previous season, where adjustments were necessary due to the differences in game scheduling. “One of the biggest things we had to adjust to was having the two days in between games,” he said. “We were used to the Friday-Sunday rhythm in the Pac-12, which set a pretty good rhythm. That was really different and took us a little while to get used to.”

With the upcoming season on the horizon, the CU Buffs are determined to maintain their competitive edge, utilizing both their seasoned players and fresh talent. As they embark on this journey, the leadership of Masogayo and Sanders will be crucial in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The team’s commitment to fostering a strong and cohesive unit will be vital as they aim for success in the Big 12 Conference.