Northwestern women’s basketball’s 2024-25 season felt similar to the previous season. Evidently, the team has passion, but sometimes it takes longer to get back to winning days. With head coach Joe McKeown announcing his intentions to retire at the culmination of the 2025-26 season, here is our review of what worked this year and what he can do before his departure.
How do you think Coach Joe McKeown performed this year?
I feel like a lot of things were kept the same for this season. The team kept having trouble with communication, playing consistency and technique. Last season, the team at least played a Big Ten Tournament game. This season, they were out of contention pretty early on. My only wonder is how Coach McKeown’s last and final season will be distinguished from how this one played out?
Thoughts on fourth-year guard Melannie Daley and fourth-year forward Caileigh Walsh’s last year at Northwestern?
I loved watching this duo play for one final year. Not surprisingly, they were the top two scorers for a second consecutive year, Daley tallying 317 points and Walsh 309. Going into the season, I expected them to continue to lead this team, and they did in their own way. Daley had the ability to provide restorative layups to break through scoring droughts, and Walsh was always switching between offense and defense, proving her ability to score and adapt. Their case was one of “right players, wrong time,” and if the program would have gone back to winning days, their efforts would have been more appreciated.
Thoughts on this year’s transfer additions?
They were extremely fundamental and quickly adapted to the team. It was amazing what they each could contribute in their own ways. Graduate forward Taylor Williams ranked third in most-scored points, with 305, and led in rebounds with 244; third-year forward Grace Sullivan had a nice share of blocks and graduate guard Kyla Jones did not shy away from crucial steals.
Who else stood out to you this season?
Second-year guard Casey Harter and her three pointers. She led the team category and ended with a .359 record in three pointers made. In an area where the Wildcats struggled this season, Harter reminded us every now and then of how fundamental it is to have a player that can score you those glorious points behind the line.
What was your favorite uniform?
I know they’re not the usual, but I love their white and pink kits for National Cancer Prevention Month.
What do you hope Coach McKeown does for his last season at Northwestern?
Honestly, there is not much he can do. Considering the team has not won a double-digit number of games for the past three seasons, his best bet will be to leave the groundwork for what the team can be moving forward, such as building the team’s defensive line from the ground up and improving on fast breaks. With the expansion of the Big Ten, competing against the likes of teams such as UCLA and USC – which Northwestern did not do this season – will be tough, but I would love to see a few more conference wins. At some point, the Wildcats had historical runs under Coach McKeown, so I hope his time at Northwestern ends on a good note.
What does the team need to improve on going into next season?
Three-pointers. They are a confidence booster. The Wildcats ended last in three point percentage in the Big Ten standings, making only 99 of the 346 they attempted the entire season. They were the only team to not tally a three digit number of made three pointers. The team also trailed every other Big Ten team in defensive rebounds, a clear indicator of another area they can reinforce. I am a big supporter of this team, as the group shows so much promise, and I really hope things can start to turn around. Preferably, sooner than later.
