Morgantown, WV — West Virginia women’s basketball standout JJ Quinerly has officially announced she will return to WVU for the 2025–26 season, opting to use her final year of eligibility rather than enter the WNBA Draft. “She’s the heart and soul of our team,” Kellogg said. “Having JJ back gives us a chance to do something really special.”…

Morgantown, WV — West Virginia women’s basketball standout JJ Quinerly has officially announced she will return to WVU for the 2025–26 season, opting to use her final year of eligibility rather than enter the WNBA Draft.

“She’s the heart and soul of our team,” Kellogg said. “Having JJ back gives us a chance to do something really special.”…

 

Morgantown, WV — West Virginia University women’s basketball star JJ Quinerly has officially announced her decision to return to the Mountaineers for the 2025–26 season, choosing to utilize her final year of eligibility instead of declaring for the WNBA Draft.

The announcement was made Monday through Quinerly’s social media accounts, where she expressed her continued commitment to the WVU program and her desire to finish what she started.

“I’m not done yet,” Quinerly wrote. “There’s more to accomplish in Morgantown.”

The decision marks a significant moment for head coach Mark Kellogg and the Mountaineers, who will retain one of the most impactful players in the Big 12 and a driving force behind the team’s recent success. Quinerly’s return is expected to elevate WVU’s national profile and establish the team as a legitimate contender in both the conference and NCAA Tournament next season.

“She’s the heart and soul of our team,” Kellogg said following the announcement. “Having JJ back gives us a chance to do something really special. Her leadership, competitiveness, and work ethic set the tone for everything we do.”

In the 2024–25 season, Quinerly led the Mountaineers in scoring, averaging 20.6 points per game, along with 4.3 rebounds, 3.2 steals, and 3.0 assists. Her elite play on both ends of the floor earned her First Team All-Big 12 honors, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and honorable mention All-American accolades from both the Associated Press and WBCA.

Quinerly’s season included multiple standout performances, such as her 24-point effort in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals against Kansas State, where she hit a go-ahead jumper in the final minute to secure a 73–69 win. Her clutch play and relentless defense have made her one of the most respected and feared guards in college basketball.

Beyond her statistics, Quinerly’s leadership and presence in the locker room have played a vital role in West Virginia’s resurgence. Under Kellogg’s leadership in his second season, the Mountaineers reached the NCAA Tournament and finished the year with a Top 25 national ranking, largely due to Quinerly’s consistency and big-game performances.

Her return will provide a strong veteran presence for a team expected to return several key contributors and welcome in a highly regarded recruiting class. With a combination of experience and emerging talent, WVU enters the offseason with high expectations.

For fans and teammates alike, Quinerly’s decision signals unfinished business. Whether it’s a Big 12 title, a deep NCAA Tournament run, or cementing her legacy in Morgantown, the senior guard is ready to lead once again.

“She’s a game-changer,” said teammate Jordan Harrison. “Having her back is everything for us.”

As one of the most electric guards in the country, Quinerly’s return not only boosts West Virginia’s chances on the court but continues to raise the standard for women’s basketball in the state.

With one more year to leave her mark, JJ Quinerly is poised to make 2025–26 a season to remember.