Starkey extended | Rismiller signs

It was a big Thursday for the Kent State women’s basketball program as they’re still basking in the glow of their MAC Championship season of 2023-2024, while always looking ahead to the future.  

Head Coach Todd Starkey was given a contract extension through the 2029-2030 season.

“I am thrilled to announce a well-deserved extension for Coach Starkey,” Kent State AD Randale Richmond said in a release. “He has maintained a high level of excellence in all facets of the Kent State women’s basketball program. The potential for this program under Coach Starkey is limitless as we continue to work together to graduate student-athletes, boldly prepared for life after sport, and continue to win championships.”

“I would like to thank President Diacon, Randale Richmond, and the entire Kent State community for their continued support and vision for where Kent State women’s basketball can go,” Starkey said. “This community’s passion for women’s basketball became evident during our championship run this season, we are excited about pursuing more as we move forward. “

Starkey has seven winning seasons in his eight pacing the sidelines of the MAC Center.  Five post season berths, four times he’s beaten power five opponents, and he led the Flashes to their first NCAA Tournament this past season since 2002.  

He’s second all time in program wins with 143, and he led the ladies to a second straight 20 win season, just the first time since 2013 that’s happened.  

Starkey and his staff have done a phenomenal job building the program up to its lofty spot near the top of the MAC, returning them to a time when legendary Bob Lindsay was stalking the MACC sidelines.

RISMILLER SIGNS:  Kent State picked up a transfer from 6-4 post Riley Rismiller.  Rismiller comes from Dayton where she spent her freshman season averaging 4.5 points per game in 13 minutes a game last season.  

Rismiller prepped at Coldwater High School in the Buckeye state and had a decorated career.

KSU Women’s Basketball play by play announcer Dane Richardson tweeted, “Rismiller brings great size at 6-4, can stretch the floor and has three years of eligibility.  Love this add for KSU.”    

FLASHES ON THE ROAD:  The staff will be on the road this weekend looking for the next Flashes on the AAU circuit.

WHAT AN HONOR:  The Kent State women were named team of the year at the Golden Flash Gala awards banquet last week while Katie Shumate was named Female Athlete of the Year, while Bridget Dunne was named Comeback Player of the Year.  Perhaps most impressive, SIX Flashes were named to the Academic All-MAC Team.  Under Starkey, 48 players have been named academic All-MAC.  Kent State came in at No. 22 on the WBCA Academic Top 25 for the 2022-23 academic year.