After its playoff hopes were crushed devastatingly on Wednesday, NIU women’s basketball prepares to send off four upperclassmen after a wavering 2024-25 season after its final game on Saturday. 

The victories of Western Michigan University and Central Michigan University on Wednesday paired with NIU’s loss to the University of Toledo, NIU fell short of the eighth seed required for a Mid-American Conference playoff berth. 

Subsequently, the Huskies won’t compete in the conference tournament for the first time since the 2015-16 season. 

With wins against MAC heavyweights such as the University of Toledo and Kent State University, the Huskies left a rollercoaster of a season without anything to show for it. With the season now in the rear view mirror, here are three takeaways. 

KOKER’S LAST DANCE

With the departures of its four graduating athletes, NIU embarks a transitional phase heading into the 2025-26 season. 

The Huskies say goodbye to graduate student guard Chelby Koker, graduate student forward Brooke Stonebraker, redshirt senior guard Sidney McCrea and senior guard Laura Nickel – all of which saw significant playing time this season. Koker is the longest standing member of the team, as well as the most impressive. 

The shifty, do-it-all guard headlines the bunch after averaging 14.5 points per game so far this season. Furthermore, Koker has averaged at least 14.5 points per game in her last four seasons of play, peaking in the 2021-22 season with 21.1 points per game. 

Exiting the season as the Huskies’ leading scorer, Koker looks back at an illustrious career. Koker finished her career fifth all-time in scoring and assists for NIU.

Needless to say, she has been a force to be reckoned with while leaving a lasting impact at NIU. 

WHO WILL LEAD THE HUSKIES NEXT?

With the departure of Koker, it leaves a gaping hole open within NIU’s roster while raising the million dollar question – who will replace her?

Last season, former NIU guard Jayden Marable stepped up to the challenge in light of Koker’s season-ending injury and lived up to the challenge. This time around, I believe junior guard Alecia Doyle is the perfect replacement. 

After transferring from Southeast Missouri State University, Doyle has averaged 11.7 points per game so far this season – second on the team. NIU’s offense leaned on Doyle multiple times this season, allowing for six performances of more than 20 points. 

Doyle is a quick, physical guard that isn’t afraid to get to the basket. Fighting through a fractured nose for a sizable chunk of the season, Doyle displayed her toughness on numerous occasions. 

With the proper coaching, development and supporting staff, I believe Doyle could step in as NIU’s go-to scorer in light of Koker’s absence.

A SEASON FILLED WITH HIGHS, LOWS AND MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

Coming into the season with a projected sixth-place finish in the MAC preseason coaches poll, NIU failed to live up to its preseason expectations. Looking back, the Huskies had a strange season. 

With multiple quality wins against teams such as Toledo, Kent State and Appalachian State University, the Huskies proved they can compete with high-level opponents. 

Despite NIU’s high points, the Huskies repeatedly sabotaged themselves, sparking losing streaks to opponents they should have beaten. It was as if every time the Huskies took a step forward, they proceeded to take three backward.  

For example, after opening the MAC conference slate with a stunning upset against Toledo on New Year’s Day, the Huskies lost five straight. 

Two weeks later, NIU defeated Kent State – then the MAC’s third seeded team – to ignite a three game win streak. The win streak put NIU in good position to mark a playoff berth, especially considering the Huskies’ upcoming matchups of Eastern Michigan and Ohio University – both bottom feeders in the MAC this season. 

Despite entering each game as the favorite, NIU dropped both before losing another game to Kent State. Once again, the Huskies were on the outside of the top-eight and looking in. 

Nonetheless, while the season ended in heartbreak, NIU faces a crucial off season filled with unanswered questions. With Koker and other key contributors leaving, the focus shifts to finding new leaders