Six Newcomers Blending In as Mark Kellogg Opens Third Season at WVU…

Six Newcomers Blending In as Mark Kellogg Opens Third Season at WVU

 

Morgantown, W.Va. — As Mark Kellogg enters his third season at the helm of the West Virginia University women’s basketball program, the focus isn’t just on continuity—it’s also about how fast the six newcomers can gel with an already competitive roster.

With the Mountaineers coming off back-to-back postseason appearances under Kellogg, expectations are high. The challenge now is integrating a fresh wave of talent that includes both freshmen and transfers, each bringing unique skills to a team that prides itself on high-tempo play and relentless defense.

“Any time you bring in this many new faces, chemistry becomes the priority,” Kellogg said during media day on Monday. “But I’ve been really encouraged by how quickly this group is buying in. They’re athletic, coachable, and eager to compete.”

Among the newcomers are three Division I transfers, headlined by junior guard Layla Thompson from Oregon State, who adds a strong perimeter game and Power Five experience. Thompson averaged 8.3 points per game last season and is expected to play a key role in the backcourt alongside returning starter JJ Quinerly, who was a First Team All-Big 12 selection in 2024.

Also joining the team are two standout freshmen: 6’2” forward Amaya Jenkins, a four-star recruit from Kentucky, and point guard Chloe Nguyen out of California, known for her speed and court vision. Jenkins, in particular, has drawn early praise for her maturity and rebounding instincts.

“She plays beyond her years,” said senior center Isis Beh, a returning starter. “She’s already making plays that change momentum in practice.”

In addition, junior forward Nia Warren (transfer from Eastern Michigan) and shooting guard Kayla Griggs (JUCO All-American) round out the incoming class. All six have reportedly meshed well with returning veterans during summer workouts and early practices.

Kellogg, who previously built successful programs at Stephen F. Austin and West Texas A&M, emphasized that this year’s group is deeper and more versatile than in years past.

“This is probably the most athletic team I’ve had here,” he said. “We can switch more defensively, we’ve got more length on the perimeter, and we’ve got shooters who can stretch the floor.”

Still, building chemistry takes time, and the coaching staff has designed preseason scrimmages and team-building sessions around accelerating that process. The Mountaineers will get their first true test when they face Louisville in a November non-conference showdown.

While the newcomers are making waves, it’s the returning leadership of Quinerly, Beh, and senior guard Kyah Watson that will likely determine how far this WVU squad can go.

“It’s a new team with the same goals,” Quinerly said. “We want to win the Big 12, make the NCAA Tournament, and go deep. The new players are hungry, and that energy is contagious.”

With a strong recruiting class, a seasoned coaching staff, and a clear vision for the program, Year Three under Kellogg could be his most exciting yet.