Posts by Kathleen Gier

Kathleen Gier is Executive Editor of The IX Sports and The IX Basketball. As a Kansas City native, she occasionally pitches in on Big 12 coverage in addition to other stories from events like the WNBA All-Star Game or Final Four.

Alyssa Thomas looks forward and dribbles the ball. There is a defender in the foreground.

‘AT for MVP’: How Alyssa Thomas’ standout season in Phoenix has her in the MVP conversation again

September 8, 2025

Averaging career-high marks in points and assists, Thomas’ stats speak for themselves in her MVP campaign

Phoenix Mercury players huddle before a play. You can see New York Liberty players in the background.

Well-timed homestand propels Phoenix Mercury into favorable playoff position

September 5, 2025

The Mercury locked up home court advantage with their sixth consecutive victory on Thursday

Podcast promotion graphic with a phoro of Li Yueru. Text overlay reads "Li Yueru wants out."

Locked On Women’s Basketball: Li Yueru wants out

June 4, 2025

Howard Megdal and Jackie Powell break down the news out of Seattle, then Jacy Sheldon joins the show

Photo of a March Madness-branded basketball on a basketball court.

Final Four notebook: Charlie Baker addresses the media, Rori Harmon undecided on WNBA Draft

April 5, 2025

Plus, Cori Close reflects on UCLA history and Shay Holle leaves winning legacy at Texas

Photo of Oklahoma coach Jenny Baranczyk pointing to direct her team.

‘Respect and love’: Oklahoma’s Jennie Baranczyk prepares for second-round Iowa matchup

March 24, 2025

The former Hawkeye embraces her connection, but downplays the rivalry angle

Iowa center Ava Heiden signs autographs for young Hawkeye fans.

Freshman duo pushes Iowa through foul trouble and into the second round

March 22, 2025

Plus, Raegan Beers leads Oklahoma with a dominant performance in the paint

Oklahoma State coach Jacie Hoyt addresses her team in a huddle.

Big 12 coaches laud strength, depth of expanded conference ahead of Selection Sunday

March 14, 2025

Nicki Collen: ‘This league is better than people give it credit for’

A photo of the Big 12 Championship basketball court with no players on it.

Three Big 12 coaching jobs open before tournament’s end

March 8, 2025

Houston, Arizona State and BYU head into the offseason looking for head coaches

Michelle Smith headshot.

Michelle Smith honored with Curt Gowdy Award

February 14, 2025

Killion: “Whatever we’re seeing going on in women’s sports right now, and women’s basketball specifically, is in large part due to people like Michelle’

Arike Ogunbowale celebrates with teammates Caitlin Clark and Allisha Gray.

Arike Ogunbowale’s supernova second half earns WNBA All-Star Game MVP in win over Team USA

July 21, 2024

All of her All-Star Game-record 34 points came in the second half