Charles Chaney
Student Sports Media
Butler Women’s Basketball team is already out and about getting ready for next season. After a disappointing loss to Cowley in the quarterfinals of the Region VI tournament, Butler is set and focused on next season.
Gone are a veteran group of sophomores. Dakota Vann and Kyeria Hannah both are heading to Texas Christian. Nakylia Carter is going to Wagner (NY), and Imari Bell will be heading down to the Sooner State to Oklahoma Baptist.
Helmer, heading into his ninth year has seen rebuilding seasons come and go and understands he’s losing a lot.
Butler, as always, expected to compete at the top of the Jayhawk.
“I’m sad we’re losing those girls,” Helmer said. “Not to single anyone out, but we have a great group coming in next year.”
Maybe the most notable name on the incoming list is Kayna Simoneau. She’s the daughter of Mark Simoneau. Simoneau played in the NFL for 10 seasons. He was named to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012. He is only the second player from Kansas State to be inducted.
The Oklahoma connection with Helmer and Assistant Abby Fawcett is growing. They will bring in another three players from Oklahoma. Jalise Smallwood, Destiny Gooden and Awreona Ransom.
Kyla Callins, a three-star recruit out of Wichita is coming to Butler. She is rated the 104th rated guard in the nation via ESPN. So is Jaelynn McLaurian. She attended Maize South.
Returning for the Grizzlies will be Raegan Sanchez, Ciara Johansen, Halee Roland, and Morgan Littlewood.
While there was a ton of sophomore leadership last season, freshman played enough where Butler could thrive once again in tense situations.
“We have a nice core returning,” Helmer said.
