Honestly, walking into Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall these days feels different than it did a decade ago. It’s louder. The air is thicker. There’s this palpable sense that you’re watching something that isn't just a "good run"—it’s a transformation. But if you’ve been following Indiana Hoosiers women's basketball lately, you know the 2025-26 season has been a bit of a rollercoaster, testing the resolve of a fan base that has grown accustomed to the top of the mountain.
We’re sitting here in mid-January 2026, and the vibe is... complicated. After years of Mackenzie Holmes and Grace Berger making everything look relatively seamless, the Hoosiers are finding out just how brutal the "new" Big Ten can be.
The Reality Check of 2026
Let’s be real: the schedule has been a gauntlet. As of January 17, 2026, the Hoosiers are sitting at 11-8 overall. On paper, that doesn't look terrible, right? But then you look at the conference play column. 0-7 in the Big Ten. It's a stat that makes you double-check the screen. This is a program that won the regular-season title just three years ago. But the losses haven't been against "nobody" schools. We're talking about a brutal stretch against ranked opponents like No. 7 Maryland, No. 25 Nebraska, and most recently, a 63-82 loss to Washington on January 14.
The defense, usually a Teri Moren staple, has been uncharacteristically leaky. They’re currently allowing about 66.6 points per game, which puts them toward the bottom of the conference rankings. It's not that they've lost their identity; it’s more like they’re trying to find a new one in a room full of giants.
Why Shay Ciezki and Zania Socka-Nguemen are the Keys
If you want to know why there’s still plenty of hope in Bloomington, you look at the stat sheet for Shay Ciezki. The senior guard has been absolute dynamite, carrying a massive scoring load at 23.2 points per game. She is the engine. When she’s on, Indiana can run with anyone in the country.
Then you have Zania Socka-Nguemen. The sophomore forward is basically a walking double-double, averaging 11.8 points and 8.5 rebounds. She brings that physical, interior presence that the Hoosiers desperately need now that the Holmes era is in the rearview mirror.
- Shay Ciezki: 23.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG
- Lenée Beaumont: 13.3 PPG (The junior is really stepping into a leadership role)
- Zania Socka-Nguemen: 11.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG
It’s a young core in many spots. You’ve got freshmen like Nevaeh Caffey and Maya Makalusky getting real minutes—Caffey is chipping in 7.5 points a night. These aren't just "garbage time" players; they're the future of Indiana Hoosiers women's basketball.
The Teri Moren Factor
It’s impossible to talk about this program without talking about Teri Moren. She’s the winningest coach in program history for a reason. Before this season kicked off, she had a record of 246-112 at IU. She’s seen the lean years and the Elite Eight years.
People forget that building a perennial powerhouse isn't a straight line up. Sometimes it's a jagged zig-zag. Moren’s "Graduate. Win. Serve." mantra isn't just a locker room poster; it’s how she builds her roster. And despite the 0-7 start in the Big Ten, she just inked the sixth-ranked recruiting class in the country for 2026, according to ESPN.
She’s bringing in GiGi Battle and Addison Nyemchek—the two highest-rated recruits she’s ever signed. So, if you’re panicking about the current losing streak, maybe take a breath. The foundation isn't cracking; it's being reinforced.
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Why the Attendance Still Matters
Even with the recent struggles, the fans aren't staying home. Indiana is still averaging over 10,000 fans at the Hall. That puts them in the top five nationally for attendance, right up there with South Carolina and Iowa.
Why does that matter for the "actual" basketball? Because it makes Bloomington a destination. Recruiting happens in the stands as much as it does on the court. When a high school star walks into a packed Assembly Hall for a women’s game, they see a community that actually cares. That’s a leverage point very few programs have.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
The biggest misconception right now is that this team "lost its edge" after the superstars graduated. Honestly, it’s more about chemistry and the evolution of the Big Ten. With USC and UCLA now in the mix, the conference is essentially a mini-WNBA.
Indiana’s field goal percentage is still high—about 46.7%, which ranks 25th in the nation. They can score. The issue is the "other" stuff:
- Rebounding: They’re ranked 343rd in rebounds per game (32.2). That’s the killer.
- Assists: They aren't sharing the ball as fluidly as the 2023 team did.
- Third-Quarter Slumps: In the recent Iowa game, a second-half collapse spoiled an upset bid. It's a mental hurdle as much as a physical one.
What Really Happened in the Iowa Game?
The January 11 matchup against No. 14 Iowa was a heartbreak. IU led. They looked like they had finally found the "it" factor. But then, the third quarter happened. They went ice cold. The stars were taken away by a disciplined Hawkeye defense, and a winnable game turned into a 53-56 loss.
It showed two things: this team is close enough to beat the best, but they don't yet have the "killer instinct" to close those games out. That comes with experience.
Looking Ahead: Can They Save the Season?
The schedule doesn't get any easier. Next up is a trip to No. 14 Ohio State on January 22, followed by a rivalry game at Purdue on the 25th.
If Indiana Hoosiers women's basketball is going to make a postseason run, they have to fix the glass. You can't be 343rd in rebounding and expect to win in March. Moren knows this. Ciezki knows this.
Actionable Insights for the Rest of the Season:
- Watch the Rebound Margin: If Indiana can move from -1.5 to +2.0 per game, they’ll start winning the close ones.
- The Beaumont Leap: Keep an eye on Lenée Beaumont. If she can become a consistent second scoring option (18+ PPG), it takes the pressure off Ciezki.
- Home Stand Strength: They need to protect the Hall. Games against Michigan (Jan 29) and Northwestern (Feb 1) are mandatory wins to build momentum.
The 2025-26 season might feel like a "down" year compared to the record-breaking heights of the past, but it’s actually a bridge. The talent is there, the coaching is elite, and the future recruits are the best the program has ever seen.
For fans, the move is simple: keep showing up. For the players, the task is tougher: find a way to win the gritty, ugly games in the paint. The Big Ten isn't waiting for Indiana to catch up, so they’ll have to sprint.
To keep track of the turnaround, focus on the upcoming road games in late January. Success at Ohio State and Purdue will be the litmus test for whether this team can squeeze into the NCAA Tournament or if they'll be fighting for a WNIT spot.