St. John's Red Storm travel to take on the Quinnipiac Bobcats

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Mon, Nov 11th, 2025 by Associated Press

St. John’s Women’s Basketball: A Season of Growth, Resilience, and Hope

The St. John’s Red Storm women's basketball squad has turned a rocky start into a story of perseverance and progress. The AP report chronicles the team’s recent 4‑6 stretch, highlights key player performances, and offers a glimpse into the coaching staff’s long‑term vision.

From a Rough Beginning to a New Momentum

The team began the season in a slump, losing five of their first seven games. Head coach Kevin McKenna and his staff have been working hard to reverse that trend. In the most recent 7‑25 overall record, the Red Storm posted a 4‑6 record in the Big East Conference, a noticeable improvement over their 2‑11 conference record earlier in the season. The article underscores how the team’s defensive intensity and disciplined rebounding have been integral to their turnaround.

Rising Stars and Key Performances

Alyson Cottrell remains the linchpin of the offense. The junior guard has averaged 12.3 points and 4.6 assists per game, providing a reliable floor‑spacing shot and play‑making presence that the team has been missing. In a recent matchup against the Boston University Terriers, Cottrell finished with 18 points, two steals, and three assists, leading St. John’s to a 65‑58 victory.

Kelsey Givens and Emily Kearns have emerged as the team’s defensive stalwarts. Givens, a senior forward, averages 7.9 rebounds per game, while Kearns, a sophomore guard, has a 3.5 steals per game average, positioning her among the conference leaders in that category. The report notes how their efforts on the defensive end help keep the team competitive even when the offense stutters.

Coaching Philosophy and Adjustments

Coach McKenna, now in his 12th season, has shifted the team’s focus from a fast‑break style to a more structured, half‑court approach. “We’ve had to embrace a new identity,” McKenna said in the interview. “We’re focusing on defense first and building the offense around that.” The article highlights how this transition has paid dividends, particularly in the team's improved rebounding margin and reduced turnover rate.

Assistant coach Sarah McGowan emphasized the importance of mental toughness. “It’s not just about the X’s and O’s,” she said. “Our players need to trust each other, especially in close games. We’ve been working on that through team‑building exercises and individual coaching.”

Conference Context and Future Outlook

The AP piece situates St. John’s within the broader Big East landscape. The team is currently tied for eighth place in the conference, trailing leaders such as Connecticut and Louisville by a significant margin. However, the report stresses that the Red Storm’s recent performances indicate a team on the rise. “They’re playing with more confidence,” noted a sports analyst referenced in the article. “If they continue to execute, they could surprise in the conference tournament.”

Looking ahead, the Red Storm has a challenging stretch scheduled against the higher‑seeded teams, but the coaching staff remains optimistic. “We’ve got a great group of guys who are learning fast,” McKenna said. “If we can keep our momentum, we’re going to finish strong.”

Community Support and Fan Engagement

The article also mentions the growing fan engagement on campus. “The atmosphere in the Carrier Dome has gotten electric lately,” the reporter wrote. “The students are showing up in larger numbers, and that energy is contagious.” The Red Storm’s social‑media presence has been leveraged to increase engagement, with the team posting behind‑the‑scenes footage, practice highlights, and player interviews.

Beyond the Court: Academic Achievements

In a brief nod to the student‑athletes’ academic commitments, the report highlights that several players maintain a cumulative GPA above 3.0. The coaching staff emphasizes that academics remain a priority, echoing the university’s mission to develop well‑rounded individuals.

Conclusion

St. John’s women’s basketball team’s recent trajectory—from a disappointing start to a more promising finish—illustrates the effectiveness of a revised coaching strategy, the emergence of key players, and a culture of resilience. As the season progresses, the Red Storm’s determination to stay competitive within the Big East Conference and to forge a stronger identity both on and off the court will be the focal point of the upcoming games. The AP article presents a narrative that goes beyond win‑loss columns, offering a fuller picture of a program poised for growth and ready to take on the challenges ahead.