The Missouri State Lady Bears are sitting at 7–3 and heating up fast under Head Coach Beth Cunningham, now in her fourth year at the helm. In our latest conversation, Coach Cunningham breaks down what’s fueling the early momentum, where this young team is growing, and why she believes this group has the pieces to make real noise in Conference USA.

Full interview audio HERE and trust us, you’ll want to hear every minute:

Why This Start Matters

The Lady Bears’ strong opening stretch comes from:

• Smart, intentional recruiting
• Young players stepping into big roles
• A team that competes every single possession

Even the recent OT loss to Kansas is being treated as a turning point — a high-pressure test that will pay off later.

Players to Watch (Quick Hits)

• Katie Polly: No longer just a shooter — she’s become a confident, assertive leader.
• Macy James: Bringing toughness, physicality, and the defensive presence this roster needed.
• Kaman Bekkemeyer: Undersized on paper, unstoppable on the glass. Her motor is unmatched.

Coach Cunningham says this might be the best freshman class she’s ever signed, and they’re already proving it.

Inside the Game Plan

Cunningham pulls back the curtain on:

• Building around freshmen while using the transfer portal strategically
• Managing long CUSA travel and a heavy non-conference schedule
• Preparing for big upcoming matchups vs Arkansas, Gonzaga, and Central Arkansas
• Keeping her team balanced through finals week and the holiday grind

She also opens up about balancing coaching life with being a mom of four — a real, honest look at what it takes behind the scenes.

Bottom Line

This team is:

Young, Tough, Hungry, And built for long-term success… And Coach Cunningham absolutely delivers!