Samford's Quiet Ascent: Why the Bulldogs Are More Than Just a SoCon Story
It’s easy to overlook Samford women’s basketball, tucked away in the Southern Conference, far from the national spotlight. But if you’ve been paying attention, especially over the last five years, you’d know something special has been brewing in Birmingham. Head Coach Carley Kuhns has steadily built a program that punched above its weight, even if the casual fan isn't checking the box scores.
The Bulldogs wrapped up the 2023-24 season with a 15-16 record, a slight dip from their 21-11 mark the year before, which included a run to the SoCon tournament championship game. Thing is, they faced a brutal non-conference schedule this past season, taking on the likes of Alabama and Auburn, both of whom made the NCAA tournament. That kind of scheduling isn't about padding stats; it's about getting battle-tested. It prepped them for conference play, where they still managed to go 8-6.
Context and History
Kuhns' teams play tough, especially on defense. They held opponents to just 59.9 points per game in 2023-24, good for second in the SoCon. And they force turnovers, averaging 16.5 per contest. That grit starts with players like sophomore Masyn Marchbanks, who led the team with 10.3 points per game and brought a relentless energy on both ends of the floor. She dropped a career-high 26 points against Wofford on February 24, a crucial win down the stretch. But Marchbanks isn't alone; graduate student Carly Penninger was a force inside, grabbing 5.7 rebounds per game and shooting an efficient 48.6% from the field.
**The Unsung Hero: Carley Kuhns' Vision**
Look, Carley Kuhns doesn't get enough credit nationally. She took over a program in 2019 that had been decent but not dominant. In her first season, 2019-20, she immediately led them to a 15-3 SoCon record and the regular season title, earning herself Coach of the Year honors. The Bulldogs then won the SoCon tournament, beating Chattanooga 59-54, and punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament before it was canceled due to the pandemic. That's a rapid turnaround.
Current Situation
She's managed to keep the program competitive through roster turnover, which is a real challenge at this level. When Andrea Harrison graduated in 2023 after leading the team in scoring for two seasons, there were questions. Kuhns just plugged in players like Marchbanks and freshman Sadie Stetson, who showed flashes of brilliance, including a 16-point performance against Mercer on January 25. Stetson’s growth will be key. This program doesn't rebuild; it reloads, albeit quietly. My hot take? If Kuhns were coaching at a Power Five school, her name would be thrown around for national awards. She’s that good at maximizing talent and instilling a winning culture.
And it’s not just about offense. They play smart. In 2022-23, they ranked 12th nationally in fewest turnovers per game, averaging just 11.8. That discipline is a hallmark of Kuhns' coaching. They don't beat themselves. They make you earn every bucket. This past season, they lost only two conference games by more than 10 points. They were always in the fight, even against tougher competition.
The SoCon is a competitive league, no doubt. Chattanooga and Wofford have been strong. But Samford has consistently been in the mix. They've made the SoCon tournament final in two of the last four seasons, proving they can get hot when it matters. With Marchbanks and Stetson returning, along with some promising recruits, the Bulldogs aren't going anywhere.
What Happens Next
Here's my bold prediction: Samford women’s basketball will win the Southern Conference tournament in 2025 and make another NCAA Tournament appearance.