:Emporia State Lady Hornets basketball

The Lady Hornets annually play a nineteen-game conference schedule that is preceded by an out-of-conference schedule that includes one exhibition game between the Kansas Jayhawks or the Kansas State Wildcats, switching every other year. The conference schedule consists of playing every MIAA member at least once, some twice. Emporia State does, however, play the Washburn Ichabods in the rivalry known as the Turnpike Tussle and the Pittsburg State Gorillas twice a year.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=37 |title=Emporia State University Athletics – 2014–15 Women's Basketball Schedule |access-date=June 6, 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=52|title=Emporia State University Athletics – 2012–13 Women's Basketball Schedule |access-date=June 6, 2016}}

Emporia State's women's basketball program was established in 1974, one-hundred and eleven years after the university was founded.[http://esuhornets.com/documents/2014/2/18/13-14ESUWBBMG.pdf 2013 WBB Media Guide] page 60 Since 1974, the Lady Hornets have belonged to three conferences. When the school was a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, they participated in the Great Plains Athletic Conference until 1976, Central States Intercollegiate Conference from 1976 to 1989, back to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference from 1989 to 1991, and when the university was recognized as an NCAA Division II school in 1991, they joined the MIAA.{{cite web |url=http://issuu.com/esudesign/docs/10-11esuwbbmediaguide |title=Conferences |page=60 |access-date=January 24, 2015}}

Linda Caruthers became the program's first head coach, earning a 30–12 record over two seasons from 1974 to 1976. The inaugural game was a 73–52 win against the Washburn Lady Blues, a future-MIAA rival from Topeka, Kansas. ESU would then go on to lose their next game, and first loss of the program, to Fort Hays State – 61–80. For the next five seasons, Debbie Jones took over the helm of the program.

During Jones' first year, the Lady Hornets went 10–10, but then improved to a 15–8 record the following year.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/documents/2011/12/16/09-10ESUWBBMIAAMediaSupp.pdf|title=2009–10 Emporia State Lady Hornet Basketball Media Guide |access-date=June 7, 2016}} For the next three seasons, the Lady Hornets had a combined record of 64–24, leaving Jones with an 89–43 record. While Jones was the head coach, Emporia State won three conference championships.{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19791218&id=ErJfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GucFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4970,4495861|title=Lawrence Journal-World – Google News Archive Search |access-date=June 6, 2016}}

{{CBB yearly record start|type=coach|conference=|postseason=|collapsed=yes|title=Early Years 1974–1981 — Year-by-year record}}

{{CBB yearly record subhead|name=Linda Caruthers|conference=Great Plains Athletic Conference|startyear=1974|endyear=1976}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1974–75|name=Linda Caruthers|overall=13–8|conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1975–76|name=Linda Caruthers|overall=17–4|conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record subtotal|championship=|season=|name=Linda Caruthers|overall=30–12|confrecord=|constanding=|posteason=}}

{{CBB yearly record subhead|name=Debbie Jones|conference=Central States Intercollegiate Conference|startyear=1976|endyear=1981}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1976–77|name=Debbie Jones|overall=10–10|conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1977–78|name=Debbie Jones|overall=15–8|conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=confboth|season=1978–79|name=Debbie Jones|overall=25–7|conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=confboth|season=1979–80|name=Debbie Jones|overall=19–10|conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=confboth|season=1980–81|name=Debbie Jones|overall=20–7|conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record subtotal|championship=|season=|name=Debbie Jones|overall=79–32|confrecord=|constanding=|posteason=}}

{{CBB Yearly Record End|overall=119–55|confrecord=}}

When Jones left after the 1980–81 season, Val Schierling took over as head coach for the Lady Hornets until 1995. In his first season, the Lady Hornets finished 17–10, winning the CSIC regular season championship. For the next three seasons, the Lady Hornets had successful seasons, going 49–35. In the 1985–1986 season, the Lady Hornets went 15–15 and the next season went 11–15, making it the first losing season since the program started.

After the 1986–87 season, the Lady Hornets had only three winning seasons from 1987 to 1988 and again from 1989 to 1991. From 1991 to 95, Schierling had a combined record of 45–64. After three consecutive losing seasons, Schierling was fired after the 1994–1995 season.{{cite web |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2199&dat=19950310&id=QcUxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dOYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4669,3640868|title=Lawrence Journal-World – Google News Archive Search|access-date=June 6, 2016}} Schierling is the second all-time winningest coach in Emporia State History with a record of 212–182 ({{winpct|212|182}}).{{cite web|url=http://esuhornets.com/hof.aspx?hof=56 |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Hall of Fame |publisher=Esuhornets.com |access-date=January 16, 2016}}

{{CBB yearly record start|type=coach|conference=|postseason=|collapsed=yes|title=Val Schierling 1981–1995 — Year-by-year record}}

{{CBB yearly record subhead|name=Val Schierling|conference=Central States Intercollegiate Conference|startyear=1981|endyear=1995}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=confboth |season=1981–82|name=Val Schierling|overall=17–10|conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1982–83|name=Val Schierling|overall=16–10|conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1983–84|name=Val Schierling|overall=17–12|conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=confboth |season=1984–85|name=Val Schierling|overall=16–3 |conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1985–86|name=Val Schierling|overall=15–15|conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1986–87|name=Val Schierling|overall=11–17|conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1987–88|name=Val Schierling|overall=20–9 |conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1988–89|name=Val Schierling|overall=11–19|conference=|postseason=}}

|- style="{{NCAA color cell|NCAA Division II}}"

| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| NCAA Independent

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1989–90|name=Val Schierling|overall=21–9 |conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1990–91|name=Val Schierling|overall=23–4 |conference=|postseason=}}

|- style="{{NCAA color cell|The MIAA}}"

| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"| {{colored link|white|Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1991–92|name=Val Schierling|overall=14–17|conference=8–8|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1992–93|name=Val Schierling|overall=10–16|conference=6–10|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1993–94|name=Val Schierling|overall=10–16|conference=4–12|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1994–95|name=Val Schierling|overall=11–15|conference=5–11|postseason=}}

{{CBB Yearly Record End|overall=212–189|confrecord=}}

After the firing of Val Schierling, Cindy Stein accepted the position as head coach.{{cite web |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/NCAANewsArchive/1998/19980511/record.html |title=The NCAA News: NCAA Record |publisher=Fs.ncaa.org |date=May 11, 1998 |access-date=January 16, 2016}} While Stein only coached for three years at ESU, she was able to turn the program around. In her first season, she went 12–14, quickly turning it around to 20–10 the following season, its first winning season since 1991.{{cite web |url=http://cjonline.com/stories/042898/spo_stein.shtml|title=CJ Online Sports: Emporia State coach named women's coach at Missouri|access-date=June 6, 2016}} In her third and final season at Emporia State, Stein led the program to its first conference regular season and tournament championships, as well as the program's first trip to the NCAA Women's Division II Basketball Championship. Stein left to become the head coach of the Missouri Tigers, leaving Emporia State with a 65–25 record.

{{CBB yearly record start|type=coach|conference=|postseason=|collapsed=yes|title=Cindy Stein 1995–1998 — Year-by-year record}}

{{CBB yearly record subhead|name=Cindy Stein|conference=Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association |startyear=1995 |endyear=1998}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1995–96|name=Cindy Stein|overall=12–14|conference=6–10|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=1996–97|name=Cindy Stein|overall=20–10|conference=11–7|postseason=NCAA Regional finalist}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=confboth|season=1997–98|name=Cindy Stein|overall=33–1|conference=16–0|postseason=NCAA National Runners–up}}

{{CBB Yearly Record End|overall=65–25|confrecord=33–17}}

{{see also|2009–10 Emporia State Lady Hornets basketball team}}

File:ESU Lady Hornets Champions.png

After being an assistant coach for three years, Schneider was promoted to head coach after Stein left for the University of Missouri.{{cite web |url=http://www.geocities.ws/cmlewis7167wt/Brandon.htm|title=Brandon Schneider}} In Schneider's 12 years at the helm, he became the winningest coach in Emporia State history with a record of 306–72. With that record, Schneider lead the Lady Hornets to six MIAA regular season championships, three MIAA tournaments championships, four Regional championships, as well as Emporia State's first NCAA Division II National Championship in any sport.{{cite news|url=http://www.wibw.com/sports/headlines/89309372.html|title=Emporia State Lady Hornets Win First Ever National Title|agency=Associated Press|access-date=June 10, 2015|archive-date=January 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104123833/http://www.wibw.com/sports/headlines/89309372.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://cjonline.com/news/2010-03-27/esu_delivers_national_title|title=ESU delivers national title|access-date=June 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081426/http://cjonline.com/news/2010-03-27/esu_delivers_national_title|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=dead}} Schneider lead the Lady Hornets to 12 NCAA Tournaments, seven MIAA regular season championships, four MIAA Tournament championships, four NCAA II South Central Regional championships, and two NCAA II Final Four appearances.

In Schneider's first three seasons, he compiled a record of 86–9 overall, and 48–4 in conference play. In those three seasons, Schneider lead the Lady Hornets to three consecutive regular season and conference tournament championships, and to the NCAA Sweet 16 all three years, the Elite 8 All three years, and the Final Four one year.{{cite web |url=http://www.wbca.org/files/DII_Final_Four_Teams_and_Coaches.pdf |title=NCAA DII Women's Final Four Results: 1982–2014 |publisher=Women's Basketball Coaches Association |access-date=January 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315230020/http://www.wbca.org/files/DII_Final_Four_Teams_and_Coaches.pdf |archive-date=March 15, 2016 |url-status=dead }} The 2001–02 season was Schneider's only season with less than 20 wins, and not making the post season.{{cite web |url=http://www.kuathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=481 |title=University of Kansas Athletics|access-date=June 6, 2016}}

Following his lowest record, Schneider quickly turned the team around. From 2002 to 2006, Schneider lead the Lady Hornets to 20 plus win seasons, and a trip to either the NCAA Sweet 16 or the NCAA Elite Eight. In 2003–04, Schneider led the team to its 5th conference regular season championship since joining the MIAA in 1991, and Schneider's third conference championship.{{cite web |url=http://www.emporia.edu/dotAsset/0527f466-6b7a-4576-af7a-0110bc54c1a3.pdf |title=Emporia State University Spotlight, 2004 |access-date=June 6, 2016}} In both the 2002–03 and 2003–04 seasons, Schneider led the team to the NCAA Regionals. Between 2004 and 2009, the Lady Hornets had a combined record of 125–46 overall, 72–25 in conference play, won two conference championships in 2007 and 2008, and advance to the NCAA Tournament each of those years.

In the 2009–10 season, Schneider's final season, the Lady Hornets finished with a 30–5 record, 16–4 in conference play, and on to win the NCAA Women's Division II Basketball Championship. The Lady Hornets finished second in the conference regular season and tournament, and won the South Central Regional tournament. In the first game of the Elite Eight, Emporia defeated the Michigan Tech Huskies 62–50. In the Final Four, the Lady Hornets struggled to beat Gannon University, but defeated them 97–94. The Championship game was kept close, with the final score 65–53.{{cite web |url=http://themiaa.com/hof.aspx?hof=79&path=&kiosk= |title=Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association |access-date=June 6, 2016}} Schneider left for Stephen F. Austin, leaving Emporia State with a record of 306–72 ({{winpct|306|72}}), becoming the winningest coach in ESU history.{{cite web |url=http://www.emporiagazette.com/sports/esu/article_2ca52683-3e26-5e65-8637-c75066a4cea9.html|title=Bye bye Brandon|access-date=June 6, 2016}}

Schneider coached six NCAA Division II All-Americans and two national players of the year in his twelve years as at Emporia State. Schneider was also the first rookie head coach in the history of the MIAA to win both the regular conference season and tournament titles.{{cite web |url=http://www.sfajacks.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/brandon_schneider_640085.html|title=Brandon Schneider Bio – Stephen F. Austin Official Athletic Site |access-date=June 6, 2016}}

{{CBB yearly record start|type=coach|conference=|postseason=|collapsed=yes|title=Brandon Schneider 1998–2010 — Year-by-year record}}

{{CBB yearly record subhead|name=Brandon Schneider|conference=MIAA|startyear=1998|endyear=2010}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=confboth|season=1998–99|name=Brandon Schneider|overall=30–3|conference=15–1|postseason=NCAA Final Four}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=confboth|season=1999–00|name=Brandon Schneider|overall=28–4|conference=16–2|postseason=NCAA Elite 8}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=confboth|season=2000–01|name=Brandon Schneider|overall=28–2|conference=17–1|postseason=NCAA Sweet 16}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2001–02|name=Brandon Schneider|overall=16–12|conference=8–10|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2002–03|name=Brandon Schneider|overall=23–8|conference=14–4|postseason=NCAA Regional Finalist}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=conference|season=2003–04|name=Brandon Schneider|overall=24–5|conference=15–3|postseason=NCAA Regional Finalist}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2004–05|name=Brandon Schneider|overall=27–6|conference=14–4|postseason=NCAA Sweet 16}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2005–06|name=Brandon Schneider|overall=28–5|conference=13–3|postseason=NCAA Elite 8}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2006–07|name=Brandon Schneider|overall=22–8|conference=14–4|postseason=NCAA First Round}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=conference|season=2007–08|name=Brandon Schneider|overall=23–8|conference=14–4|postseason=NCAA Sweet 16}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=conference|season=2008–09|name=Brandon Schneider|overall=26–6|conference=17–3|postseason=NCAA Regional Finalist}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=national|season=2009–10|name=Brandon Schneider|overall=30–5|conference=16–4|postseason=NCAA Div. II National Champions}}

{{CBB yearly record subtotal|championship=|season=|name=Brandon Schneider|overall=306–72|confrecord=173–43|constanding=|posteason=}}

{{CBB Yearly Record End|overall=306–72|confrecord=173–43}}

===Jory Collins era: 2010–2018===

Jory Collins, who was assistant coach for seven years under Schneider, became head coach in April 2010.{{cite web |title=Winning Career Starts at Emporia |url=http://esubulletin.com/16864/sports/mens-basketball/winning-career-starts-at-emporia/ |date=March 27, 2014 |access-date=January 16, 2016}} In his seven seasons at helm of the Lady Hornets program, Collins has gone on to win five consecutive MIAA Conference tournaments (2013–2017) and has a combined record of 190–50 overall and a 115–37 record in the MIAA. He is the first coach in Emporia State history to advance to seven conference tournament championships and five regional championships in six years. Collins left to join Schneider at the University of Kansas in March 2018.{{cite web|url=http://kuathletics.com/news/2018/3/12/womens-basketball-schneider-announces-staff-changes-hires-collins-from-esu.aspx|title=Schneider announces staff changes, hires Collins from ESU - University of Kansas Athletics |website=University of Kansas Athletics|access-date=March 12, 2018}}

File:Jory Collins.jpg

In his first season, Collins led the team to a 20–9 overall, and 15–7 conference winning season.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/coaches.aspx?rc=17 |title=Collins's records|access-date=October 14, 2014}} He led them to the MIAA Tournament title game, which they lost to the Northwest Missouri Bearcats. Collins led the team to a 23–9 overall, and 14–6 conference winning season in the 2011–12 season. With that, the Lady Hornets advanced to their second consecutive MIAA Tournament title game, in which they lost. They also advanced on to the NCAA Sweet 16 where they lost to the Pittsburg State Gorillas.{{cite news |last=Corbitt |first=Ken |url=http://cjonline.com/sports/2012-03-12/strong-second-half-takes-pitt-state-elite-eight |title=Strong Second Half Takes Pitt State to Elite Eight |date=March 12, 2012 |access-date=June 6, 2016}}

In 2012–13, the Lady Hornets were preseason ranked 19 in the WBCA poll.{{cite web |url=http://www.esuhornets.com/news/2012/10/30/WBB_1030124619.aspx |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Emporia State Lady Hornets Debut at #19 in WBCA Poll |publisher=Esuhornets.com |date=October 30, 2012 |access-date=January 16, 2016}} During the 2012–13 season, Collins lead the Lady Hornets to an overall record of 23–9, and 13–5 conference winning season. The Lady Hornets won their third consecutive MIAA tournament title game, in which they defeated the Central Missouri Jennies 67–51.{{cite press release |url=http://www.esuhornets.com/news/2013/3/10/WBB_0310135257.aspx |title=Lady Hornets Win Fifth MIAA Tournament Championship |date=March 10, 2013|access-date=June 6, 2016}} This was their fifth tournament win, and first since the tournament moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 2003. They again made it to the NCAA Sweet 16, where they lost to the Augustana Vikings 75–74.{{cite web|title=Lady Hornets Loses Heartbreaker in Regional Final |url=http://www.esuhornets.com/news/2013/3/18/WBB_0318133710.aspx|date=March 18, 2013 |access-date=January 16, 2016}}

In 2013–14, the Lady Hornets were preseason ranked 9 in the Women's Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 10 Rankings poll.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2013/10/8/WBB_1008130212.aspx |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Lady Hornet Basketball Ranked #9 in D-II Bulletin Preseason Poll |publisher=Esuhornets.com |date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=January 16, 2016}} During the 2013–14 season, Collins lead the Lady Hornets finished with an overall record of 30–4, and 16–3 conference winning season. For the fourth consecutive season, Collins coached the Lady Hornets to their fourth MIAA tournament title game, in which they won against the Central Missouri Jennies.{{cite web|url=http://boxscorenews.com/emporia-state-wins-miaa-womens-basketball-championship-p73856-68.htm |title=Emporia State wins MIAA Women's Basketball Championship |publisher=Boxscorenews.com |date=March 9, 2014 |access-date=January 16, 2016}} The Lady Hornets went to the NCAA Regionals, in which they lost to the Concordia–St. Paul Golden Bears 70–67.{{cite web|title=ESU Lady Hornets Fall in NCAA Regional|url=http://ksnt.com/2014/03/17/esu-lady-hornets-fall-in-ncaa-regional-final/|date=March 17, 2014 |access-date=January 16, 2016}} At the end of the season in March 2014, Collins was selected as the NCAA Division II Region 7 Russell Athletic/WBCA Coach of the Year.{{cite press release|title=Finalists for the 2014 Russell Athletic/WBCA NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year|url=http://www.wbca.org/pages/RELEASES_2013-14_032414_d2-coy-finalists|date=March 24, 2014|access-date=January 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202012513/http://www.wbca.org/pages/RELEASES_2013-14_032414_d2-coy-finalists|archive-date=February 2, 2016|url-status=dead}}

In 2014–15 season, the Lady Hornets were preseason ranked 7th in the Women's Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 10 Rankings poll.{{cite web |url=http://www.kvoe.com/sports/5994-emporia-state-womens-basketball-team-in-preseason-national-poll |title=Emporia State {{as written|wome|ns [sic]}} basketball team in preseason National poll – KVOE |author=Greg Rahe |access-date=June 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526045330/http://www.kvoe.com/sports/5994-emporia-state-womens-basketball-team-in-preseason-national-poll |archive-date=May 26, 2015}} During the 2014–15 season, Collins lead the Lady Hornets to an overall record of 29–5, and 15–4 conference winning season.{{cite web |url=http://www.wibw.com/sports/headlines/Emporia-State-Lady-Hornets-Lose-In-Final-Four--297611421.html|title=Emporia State Lady Hornets Lose In Final Four |author=MIAA|access-date=June 6, 2016}} For the fifth consecutive season, Collins coached the Lady Hornets to their fifth MIAA tournament title game, in which they won their third-straight against the Fort Hays State Tigers 49–46.{{cite web |url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/article13059287.html |title=Emporia State women, Pitt State men win MIAA tournament titles|access-date=June 6, 2016}} The Lady Hornets went to the NCAA Regionals, in which they again beat Fort Hays State in the Finals to move on to the Elite Eight.{{cite web |url=http://cjonline.com/sports/2015-03-16/emporia-state-women-advance-elite-eight-66-61-win-over-fort-hays-state|title=Emporia State women advance to Elite Eight with 66–61 win over Fort Hays State|access-date=June 6, 2016}} Collins then led the team to the Final Four, where they lost to the California Vulcans.{{cite web |url=http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/state-college-sports/article16347080.html|title=Emporia State women fall in Division II semifinals|access-date=June 6, 2016}} In post-season honors, Collins won the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association "Coach of the Year".{{cite web |url=http://www.esuhornets.com/news/2015/5/22/WBB_0522151453.aspx|title=Emporia State University Athletics – Lady Hornets Coach Jory Collins Named KBCA Coach of the Year|access-date=June 6, 2016}}

Entering into the 2015–16 season, the Lady Hornets were chosen as the national favorite in both the D-II Bulletin Preseason National Poll{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2015/10/5/WBB_1005154536.aspx |title=Emporia State University Athletics - Lady Hornets Ranked #1 in D2 Bulletin Preseason Poll |publisher=Emporia State University Athletics |date=October 5, 2015 |access-date=November 11, 2017}} and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association,{{cite web |url=http://www.wbca.org/pages/POLLS_d2_2015-16_110315 |title=The Address for Women's Basketball |publisher=Wbca.org |date=November 3, 2015 |access-date=November 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117031138/http://www.wbca.org/pages/POLLS_d2_2015-16_110315 |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |url-status=dead }} as well as the MIAA polls.{{cite web|author=The Emporia Gazette |url=http://www.emporiagazette.com/sports/article_3222a775-e60a-5559-aff8-3881482482b6.html |title=Lady Hornets picked to win MIAA - Emporia Gazette: Sports |publisher=Emporia Gazette |date=October 23, 2015 |access-date=November 11, 2017}} The first loss of the season came in December against Fort Hays State, where the Tigers defeated Emporia State 71–70.{{cite web|url=http://ksnt.com/2015/12/05/top-ranked-hornets-fall-for-first-time-against-no-5-fort-hays-state/|title=Top-Ranked Hornets fall for first time against No. 5 Fort Hays State|date=December 6, 2015|access-date=November 12, 2017}} The Lady Hornets would then go on to lose four more times by 15 or less points.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=62 |title=Emporia State University Athletics - 2015-16 Women's Basketball Schedule |website=esuhornets.com|access-date=November 12, 2017}} The Lady Hornets ended the regular season 23–5 (17–5 in conference play)finishing in fourth place in the MIAA standings. The Lady Hornets competed in the MIAA Conference Tournament in Kansas City, Kansas, where they won their fourth straight Conference Tournament Championship.{{cite web |url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/article64481167.html|title=Emporia State women win fourth straight MIAA basketball title |access-date=November 12, 2017}} The Lady Hornets ended the postseason in their fifth straight Sweet 16, losing to conference rival Pittsburg State,{{cite web |url=http://www.pittstategorillas.com/news/2016/3/14/womens-basketball-gorillas-punch-their-ticket-to-ncaa-elite-eight-78-74.aspx|title=Gorillas Punch Their Ticket to NCAA Elite Eight, 78-74|website=Pittsburg State University |access-date=November 12, 2017}} and finished with an overall record of 28–6.{{cite web |url=http://www.emporiagazette.com/sports/article_9230c63a-ea60-11e5-a702-f37d3bde0c83.html|title=Emporia State knocked out by Pitt State 78-74 in Sweet 16|first=Corbin|last=McGuire|access-date=November 12, 2017}}

After winning their fourth straight Conference Tournament Championship, the Lady Hornets entered the 2016–17 season ranked fourth in the nation.{{cite web |url=https://wbca.org/recognize/polls/preseason-—-november-1-2016 |title=2016-17 WBCA NCAA Division II Top 25 Coaches' Poll |date=November 1, 2016 |access-date=November 11, 2017}} and the favorite to win in the MIAA.{{cite press release |url=http://themiaa.com/news/2016/10/20/WBB_1020162812.aspx |title=Emporia State Picked First in MIAA Women's Basketball Preseason Poll |date=October 20, 2016 |access-date=November 11, 2017}} As was the case in the previous season, the Lady Hornets' first loss of the season came in December to Fort Hays State where the Tigers defeated the Lady Hornets by three points.{{cite web|url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2016/12/10/womens-basketball-1-lady-hornets-fall-54-51-at-fort-hays-state.aspx|title=#1 Lady Hornets Fall 54-51 at Fort Hays State|website=Emporia State University|access-date=November 12, 2017}} The Lady Hornets would go on to finish out the regular season losing only three more times and winning most games by 10 or more points, finishing the regular season 24–4 overall, 15–4 in conference play tying for second place in the MIAA.{{cite web|url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2017/3/1/womens-basketball-8-lady-hornets-begin-defense-of-miaa-championship-against-ft-hays-state.aspx|title=#8 Lady Hornets Begin Defense of MIAA Championship Against Ft. Hays State |website=Emporia State University|access-date=November 12, 2017}} The Lady Hornets won their fifth straight MIAA Conference Tournament Championship,{{cite web|url=http://cjonline.com/sports/2017-03-05/emporia-state-women-continue-miaa-tournament-reign |title=Emporia State women continue MIAA Tournament reign|access-date=November 12, 2017}} and finished the postseason losing the Sweet 16 to Harding.{{cite web |url=http://cjonline.com/sports/2017-03-13/emporia-state-falls-58-56-harding-regional-final |title=Emporia State falls 58-56 to Harding in regional final |access-date=November 12, 2017}}

The 2017–18 season brought some challenges to the Lady Hornets basketball team. Two of the team's seniors were out with knee and ankle injuries that occurred prior to the season.{{cite news |last=Weast |first=Don |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2017/10/27/womens-basketball-lady-hornet-basketball-to-open-exhibition-season-at-kansas.aspx |title=Lady Hornet Basketball to Open Exhibition Season at Kansas |date=October 27, 2017 |access-date=March 12, 2018}} Collins led the Lady Hornets to an overall record of 17–11, and 11–8 conference record, ending a five-consecutive MIAA Tournament championship streak and marking the first time the Lady Hornets did not make the NCAA postseason since 2011.{{cite news |last=Weast |first=Don |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2018/3/1/womens-basketball-lady-hornets-16-game-miaa-tournament-winning-streak-comes-to-an-end.aspx |title=Lady Hornets 16 Game MIAA Tournament Winning Streak Comes to an End |date=October 27, 2017 |access-date=March 12, 2018}}

{{CBB yearly record start|type=coach|conference=|postseason=|collapsed=yes|title=Jory Collins 2010–2018 — Year-by-year record}}

{{CBB yearly record subhead|name=Jory Collins|conference=Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association|startyear=2010 |endyear=2018}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2010–11|name=Jory Collins|overall=20–9|conference=18–7|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2011–12|name=Jory Collins|overall=23–9|conference=14–8|postseason=NCAA Sweet 16}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=conference tournament|season=2012–13|name=Jory Collins|overall=23–9|conference=14–5 |postseason=NCAA Sweet 16}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=conference tournament|season=2013–14|name=Jory Collins|overall=30–4|conference=19–3 |confstanding=T–2nd|postseason=NCAA Regionals}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=conference tournament|season=2014–15 |name=Jory Collins|overall=29–5|conference=15–4 |confstanding=T–2nd |postseason=NCAA Final Four}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=conference tournament|season=2015–16 |name=Jory Collins|overall=28–6|conference=17–5 |confstanding=4th |postseason=NCAA Sweet 16}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=conference tournament|season=2016–17 |name=Jory Collins|overall=29–5 |conference=15–4 |confstanding=3rd |postseason=NCAA Sweet 16}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2017–18|name=Jory Collins |overall=17–11 |conference=11–8 |confstanding=T–6th|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record subtotal|name=Jory Collins|overall=199–58|confrecord=123–44}}

{{CBB yearly record end|overall=199–58}}

On April 6, 2018, Toby Wynn was announced as the seventh head basketball coach.{{cite press release |author=ESU Athletics |url=http://esuhornets.com/news/2018/4/6/womens-basketball-emporia-state-names-toby-wynn-sseventh-lady-hornet-head-coach.aspx |title=Emporia State Names Toby Wynn Seventh Lady Hornet Head Coach|website=Emporia State University|access-date=April 6, 2018}} Wynn previously served 13 years as the head women's basketball coach at Seward County Community College where he led the program to a record of {{winpct|349|84|record=y}}.{{cite news|url=http://www.emporiagazette.com/sports/article_6099af24-39e1-11e8-9bac-bf1cf3cc3c58.html|title=Wynn tabbed as next head coach for Lady Hornets|author=The Emporia Gazette|access-date=April 6, 2018}} In March 2023, Wynn stepped down as head coach.{{cite news |url=https://www.wibw.com/2023/03/02/lady-hornets-coach-steps-down-following-first-round-tournament-loss/ |title=Lady Hornets coach steps down following first-round tournament loss |date=March 2, 2023 |access-date=May 29, 2023}}

{{CBB yearly record start|type=coach|conference=|postseason=|collapsed=yes|title=Toby Wynn 2018–2023 — Year-by-year record}}

{{CBB yearly record subhead|name=Toby Wynn|conference=Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association|startyear=2018|endyear=2023}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2018–19|name=Emporia State |overall=22–9|conference=13–6|postseason=NCAA Central Regional}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2019–20|name=Emporia State |overall=24–7|conference=15–4|postseason=NCAA Central Regional}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2020–21|name=Emporia State|overall=18–7|conference=17–5|postseason=NCAA Central Regional}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2021–22|name=Emporia State|overall=15–14|conference=10–12|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2022–23|name=Emporia State|overall=14–15|conference=9–13|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record subtotal|name=Emporia State|overall=93–52|confrecord=64–40}}

{{CBB yearly record end|overall=93–52}}

On April 28, 2023, Kansas State Wildcats women's basketball associate head coach, Brian Ostermann, was named the next head coach.{{cite news |url=https://www.wibw.com/2023/05/02/emporia-state-introduces-brian-ostermann/ |title=Emporia State Introduces Brian Ostermann |date=May 2, 2023 |access-date=May 29, 2023}}

{{CBB yearly record start|type=coach|conference=|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record subhead|name=Brian Ostermann|conference=Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association|startyear=2023|endyear=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2023–24|name=Emporia State|overall=14-16|conference=10-12|confstanding=T-8th|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record entry|championship=|season=2024–25|name=Emporia State|overall=10-19|conference=5-14|confstanding=10th|postseason=}}

{{CBB yearly record subtotal|name=Brian Ostermann|overall=24-35|confrecord=15-26}}

{{CBB yearly record end|overall=24-35}}

{{main|William L. White Auditorium}}

Since 1974, home basketball games have been played at William L. White Auditorium, a 5,000-seat arena named after William Lindsay White, son of William Allen White.{{cite web |url=http://wlwarena.emporia-kansas.gov/index.php/history |title=History |access-date=October 13, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009171518/http://wlwarena.emporia-kansas.gov/index.php/history |archive-date=October 9, 2014}} The auditorium is also home to the men's basketball team and the Lady Hornets volleyball team since the program started in 1973.{{cite web|url=http://esuhornets.com/documents/2013/10/4/2013ESUVBmg.pdf|title=Emporia State University Athletics - 2013 ESU Volleyball Media Guide|website=esuhornets.com|access-date=March 12, 2018}} In 2008, White Auditorium received an upgrade with a new scoreboard, video board, and a new paint scheme on the basketball court.

Emporia State's official school colors are black and gold.{{cite web |url=https://www.emporia.edu/marketing/styleguide/color.html |title=Emporia State Colors: Marketing & Media Relations |publisher=Emporia State University |access-date=November 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141928/https://www.emporia.edu/marketing/styleguide/color.html |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |url-status=dead }} They have been the colors since the school was founded in 1863, and until recently, the gold was Old gold.{{cite web |url=http://esuhornets.com/documents/2013/9/19/2013ESUFBMediaGuide.pdf |title=2013 ESU Football Media Guide |date=September 19, 2013 |access-date=November 14, 2015}}

{{main|Corky the Hornet}}

File:Corky the Hornet.jpg game.]]

Corky the Hornet is Emporia State University's mascot.{{cite web |url=http://www.emporia.edu/studentlife/handbook/esu/mascot.html |title=Corky the Hornet|access-date=October 13, 2014}} In 1923 when the Emporia State was named to the Kansas State Teachers College, the athletic teams were called the "Yaps". Many people, including former men's basketball coach Vic Trusler, did not like the name.{{cite web |url=http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=40032 |title=The Legend of Corky the Hornet |date=September 18, 2010 |access-date=June 6, 2016}} Trusler suggested to a writer at the Emporia Gazette that the new name should be the "Yellow Jackets". But due to the lack of newspaper space, the name changed to "Hornets".

In 1933, the Teachers College had a student contest where students and staff could design a mascot for the college. Sophomore Paul Edwards, who graduated in 1937, designed Corky. Although hundreds of drawings were submitted, Edwards' Corky, a "human-like" hornet was selected. Corky was published in The Bulletin, the student newspaper for Emporia State University.

{{clear right}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website}}

{{Emporia State Lady Hornets basketball navbox}}

{{Emporia State University}}