July 5, 2025

Mississippi State Women’s Basketball Coach Signs Extension

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORS!

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:

Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles

High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience

Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence

Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?

Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:

May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf

Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

News Summary

Mississippi State University has extended the contract of women’s basketball coach Sam Purcell through the 2028-29 season, showcasing the administration’s confidence in his leadership. Under his guidance, the team has consistently achieved winning seasons, returned to the NCAA Tournament, and celebrated player development successes. Purcell’s efforts in recruiting top talent promise a bright future for the program as fan support continues to grow.

Starkville, Mississippi — Mississippi State has announced that head women’s basketball coach Sam Purcell has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the helm through the 2028-29 season. The extension, confirmed on July 3, 2025, reflects the administration’s confidence in Purcell’s leadership and ability to further elevate the women’s basketball program.

Purcell’s tenure as head coach of the Bulldogs began with notable success, achieving an overall record of 67-35 in his first three seasons. His .657 win percentage includes a Southeastern Conference (SEC) record of 24-24. Throughout his time at Mississippi State, the team consistently secured 20 or more victories each season, returning to the NCAA Tournament twice, with their most recent appearance as a No. 9 seed in the 2024-25 season.

The Bulldogs’ journey under Purcell has been marked by significant achievements, including two NCAA Tournament victories in his first year, concluding with a second-round loss to Notre Dame. In 2025, the team triumphed over Cal in the first round before succumbing to USC. Purcell has also made an impact on player development, with standout performances from players like Rickea Jackson, who ranks second all-time in program steals and fifth in points, and Jessika Carter, the first Bulldog drafted into the WNBA since 2019.

Purcell expressed gratitude towards President Dr. Mark Keenum and Director of Athletics Zac Selmon for their trust in his vision for the program. He also emphasized appreciation for his coaching staff and players, acknowledging their dedication to representing Mississippi State. The signed extension comes alongside an increased focus on community engagement and player development, as Purcell aims to support athletes both academically and personally.

The Bulldogs’ impressive performance during Purcell’s tenure has led to heightened support for women’s basketball at Mississippi State. The fan base has shown a strong presence at Humphrey Coliseum, affectionately known as “The Hump.” As a part of preparations for the upcoming season, season tickets are now on sale, with renewals due by July 11.

In addition to his immediate coaching achievements, Purcell’s recruiting efforts have also been commendable. During his time, he successfully signed seven ESPNW Top 100 players, including three from the highly-rated 2025 recruiting class, which stands as the second-highest rated in school history, following Vic Schaefer’s class from 2018. Such recruiting prowess bodes well for the future competitiveness of the program.

Before arriving at Mississippi State, Purcell honed his coaching skills as an assistant coach at Louisville for nine years, helping the team to reach two Final Fours and secure four ACC championships. His extensive experience at a high level of competition has contributed to the current success of the Bulldogs and the overall development of the program.

Under Purcell’s guidance, Mississippi State has demonstrated a commitment to excellence on the court while also focusing on the personal growth of its athletes. With the renewed contract extending through the 2028-29 season, the Bulldogs aim for sustained success in the years ahead.