CU Buffs Set New Leadership Standard at Big 12 Media Day

The Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball program marked a pivotal moment in its leadership transition during the Big 12 women’s basketball media day on October 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. Head coach JR Payne introduced players Jade Masogayo and Kennedy Sanders, who will take on key leadership roles on and off the court as the team moves forward in a competitive environment.

Transitioning Leadership Amid Changes

Maintaining a high level of competitiveness requires effort and dedication, often happening behind the scenes. The Colorado Buffaloes have built a strong foundation over the past five years, but transitioning leadership is a nuanced challenge. The vocal leadership typically comes from extroverted veterans, yet the responsibility of representing the program extends beyond vocal presence.

During the media day event, Payne emphasized the importance of preparing players for leadership roles. “We’ve had such great upper classmen over the years that have really helped kind of mold the younger ones as they’ve come along,” he stated. “We do a lot of team-building activities that include public speaking, which is crucial for young athletes today.”

With the departures of key players such as Frida Formann and Kindyll Wetta, who were instrumental in securing three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 2022 to 2024, the Buffaloes are entering a new era. These former players not only excelled on the court but also provided essential leadership off it, guiding younger teammates in challenging situations.

Masogayo, who was the team’s leading scorer and second-leading rebounder last season, acknowledged the importance of experience in leadership. “Playing college basketball for as long as we have, we have a ton of experience. I credit my coaches for encouraging me to be a vocal leader and step out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I tend to lead by example, but it’s time to be more vocal.”

New Season, New Challenges

The media day served as an unofficial kickoff for the Buffaloes’ second season in the Big 12. The team has added former Kansas State guard Zyanna Walker, whose experience in the Big 12 will be invaluable. As the conference has grown to 16 teams, the logistics of travel and game scheduling will present new challenges for the Buffaloes.

Payne reflected on the adjustments needed for the upcoming season, particularly the differences in scheduling compared to the previous Pac-12 experience. “One of the biggest things we had to adjust to was having two days between games. The Friday-Sunday rhythm we were used to was a good routine, but the change took some getting used to,” he explained.

The Buffaloes are determined to maintain their competitive edge, leveraging the experiences of both returning players and new transfers. As they embark on this transition, the focus remains on building a cohesive unit that can uphold the program’s standards and expectations.

With players like Masogayo and Sanders stepping into leadership roles, the future looks promising for the Colorado Buffaloes. The upcoming season will be a test of their ability to adapt and grow, both as individuals and as a team.