It’s the end of an era for Texas State women’s basketball as they say goodbye to their winningest coach in program history, Zenarae Antoine. After 15 successful seasons and 5 postseason appearances, Antoine has decided to part ways with the program. Her departure comes after a disappointing 11-17 record this past season, the team’s worst winning percentage since 2001. However, the university wasted no time in finding a new leader for their team, hiring Chris Kielsmeier, who comes with a successful track record at Cleveland State University. This new chapter for Texas State women’s basketball is filled with hope and excitement as they look to build upon their past successes and reach new heights under Kielsmeier’s guidance.
Antoine’s time at Texas State was nothing short of impressive. She took over the program in 2006 and quickly turned it into a winning one. Under her leadership, the team recorded 237 wins, the most in program history. Antoine also led the Bobcats to 5 postseason appearances, including a Women’s NIT run in 2017. Her hard work and dedication to the program have left a lasting impact, and she will be greatly missed by players, fans, and the university.
However, after a tough season, Antoine felt it was time to step away and give someone else the opportunity to lead the team. In a statement, she shared, “I am grateful for the memories and experiences I have had at Texas State. I am proud of what we have accomplished, and I am confident that the program is in good hands with Coach Kielsmeier.” Antoine’s decision to leave on a positive note is a testament to her character and dedication to the program.
With Antoine’s departure, Texas State needed to find a new head coach, and they found the perfect candidate in Chris Kielsmeier. Kielsmeier spent the last 9 seasons at Cleveland State University, where he led the team to their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 2021. He also recorded the most wins in program history during his tenure, with a record of 135-130. Kielsmeier’s success at Cleveland State caught the attention of many, and it was only a matter of time before he was offered a head coaching position at a bigger program.
Kielsmeier brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Texas State. His coaching style focuses on player development and building a strong team culture. He is known for his ability to get the best out of his players and for his teams’ tough defense. Kielsmeier is excited for the opportunity to lead the Bobcats and take the program to new heights. In a statement, he said, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Texas State family and to have the opportunity to work with such a talented group of student-athletes. I am confident that together, we can continue to build upon the success of this program and achieve great things.”
The hiring of Kielsmeier has generated a lot of buzz and excitement within the Texas State community. Fans are eager to see how he will shape the team and continue the winning culture that Antoine instilled. The players are also looking forward to working with their new coach and learning from his expertise. With Kielsmeier at the helm, the future looks bright for Texas State women’s basketball.
The Bobcats have a strong foundation to build upon with returning players like junior guard Da’Nasia Hood and senior forward Marlene Aniambossou. Hood was the leading scorer for the team last season, averaging 12.5 points per game, while Aniambossou was a defensive anchor, averaging 2.1 blocks per game. Kielsmeier’s emphasis on player development will surely benefit these players and help them reach their full potential.
In addition to the returning players, Kielsmeier has also brought in a talented recruiting class, which includes 6-foot-5 center Kyra White and 5-foot-10 guard Taylor Pounds. White was ranked as the No. 15 post player in the country by ESPN, while Pounds was a top 100 recruit in Texas. These new additions, along with Kielsmeier’s coaching, will undoubtedly make the Bobcats a force to be reckoned with in the Sun Belt Conference.
In conclusion, Texas State women’s basketball is entering a new era with the hiring of Chris Kielsmeier. While
