Chicago State Cougars Women’s Basketball Season Preview: 2024-25
As Chicago State enters their first season in the NEC, there’s a sense of both excitement and uncertainty. Last season’s record (1-26) may loom large, but it’s important to remember that as independents, they faced a difficult task—building a competitive schedule without the consistency that conference play provides. The difficulty in finding balanced opponents has clouded our view of who the Cougars really are, and subsequently it’s led to a narrowed vision of who the Cougars could be.
Now, with the structured competition of the NEC and a clear path to the NCAA tournament, Chicago State has the chance to reshape their program. The arrival of Coach Corry Irvin, a proven recruiter and leader with success at the highest levels of women’s basketball, signals a new direction for the Cougars. Coach Irvin’s experience at Mississippi State, where she helped land a top-ranked recruiting class and returned the program to the NCAA Tournament, suggests she knows what it takes to turn things around.
The Cougars have retained key players like Josie Hill, a defensive anchor, and Ja’Cia Cunningham, their top returning scorer. But what really stands out is the infusion of young talent and transfers. Freshmen like Aiyanna Culver and Marisa Gant, along with transfers like Asha Walker (Stanislaus State) and Kace Urlacher (IUPUI), provide fresh energy to a team not just eager to make their mark in the NEC. but built to play in the league. As this young core grows under Coach Irvin’s leadership, there’s a sense that the program is laying the groundwork for success. Players recruited to Chicago State now have more to play for than the program has had since leaving the WAC. Chicago State faces the same opportunity the rest of the NEC does- win and you’re in. The conference champion has an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament, and in that regard Chicago State is as worthy as any of the other eight programs in the league.
The numbers for returning players, such as Hill's shot-blocking and Cunningham’s scoring ability, are eye-catching, but until we see how they fare against consistent NEC competition, it’s hard to know what to make of them. One thing is clear: the Cougars now have the stability of a conference home, and with that, their recruiting and overall development should improve.
Chicago State is a team with potential, but much like any program in transition, we’ll learn more about their place in the NEC once conference play begins. For now, there's reason to be cautiously optimistic that the Cougars could surprise some teams this season.
Projected Rotation
C: Josie Hill (Jr.) - Hill is the cornerstone for Chicago State. The junior center led the team in blocks with 2.8 per game and added 9.2 PPG and 7.3 RPG. Playing nearly 30 minutes per game, Hill’s defensive presence and rebounding will remain vital as the Cougars look to be more competitive in the NEC. If Hill can take another step forward offensively, she will be one of the top post players in the conference.
F: Evangelina Parrish (Sr.) - Parrish provides experience and stability at the forward position. Averaging 6.3 PPG and 4.8 RPG in over 26 minutes per game, Parrish’s defense and leadership will be crucial in helping guide this young roster through a season of transition. Her consistency on both ends of the floor will be key in keeping the Cougars competitive.
F: Taylor Norris (Sr.) - Norris was a solid contributor last season, averaging 8 PPG and pulling down 4.9 rebounds per game. She has the same expectations as anyone else at Chicago State for this season. As good as many of the numbers look, it wasn’t enough. Chicago State will need her scoring in crucial moments and to keep pace with the older NEC programs. Her efficiency and ability to stretch the floor will open things up for Hill inside.
G: Ja’Cia Cunningham (Jr.) - Cunningham is the team’s leading returning scorer, having averaged 13.6 PPG in just over 28 minutes per game last season. She’s a dynamic offensive player who can create her own shot and is likely to be the focal point of the Cougars' backcourt attack. Cunningham’s ability to score at all three levels makes her a threat to any defense in the NEC.
G: Hailey Hohenecker (Sr.) - Hohenecker provides valuable senior leadership and experience at the guard position. Though she only played 10 games last season, she averaged 2.1 APG and 3.1 RPG. If she can stay healthy, Hohenecker’s playmaking and perimeter defense will be critical in providing balance to Chicago State’s offense and setting the tone defensively.
G: Asha Walker (So., Transfer from Stanislaus State) - Walker is a scoring threat off the bench, having averaged 6 PPG in limited minutes last season. She’ll provide depth in the backcourt and could see an expanded role as she adjusts to NEC competition.
F: Kace Urlacher (So., Transfer from IUPUI) - Urlacher saw 13 minutes per game at IUPUI in the Horizon League last season and while her stat totals reflect limited minutes, she should see increased production with a larger role at Chicago State this season.
C: Kayla Mount (Fr.) - Mount is a freshman who may not see heavy minutes early on but could play a larger role as the season progresses. With her size and potential, she will be expected to grow into a key frontcourt piece in future seasons, if Chicago State chooses to continue deploying a dedicated center.
Team Preview
The Cougars have struggled in recent years as an independent team, but the move to the NEC provides a fresh start. While they remain an unknown entity in the league, the infusion of new talent—alongside solid returning players like Hill and Cunningham—offers hope for improvement. Chicago State’s young roster has potential, and with Coach Irvin's background in recruiting, expect the program to continue building for the future. And for the first time in years, there really is a tangible prize to build towards.
Chicago State’s non-conference schedule will provide big tests early on, but the Cougars are expected to improve as the season progresses, particularly once they settle into NEC play. The team’s success will hinge on how well they can integrate their newcomers and find consistent scoring options outside of Cunningham and Hill.
The chance to compete in a conference environment, with the potential for an NCAA Tournament bid, could elevate their recruiting and lay the groundwork for a more competitive program in the coming years. For now, Chicago State is a team with potential, but their place in the NEC will become clearer as the season develops.
