Nicki Collen

Biography

Nicki Collen was introduced as the fifth head coach in Baylor women’s basketball history on May 5, 2021, and later received a contract extension through 2030. She enters her sixth season at the helm in 2026-27. Under Collen’s leadership, the Bears have continued their second-longest active national streaks of 20-win seasons, now at 26 consecutive years, and NCAA Tournament appearances, now at 22 straight seasons with first-round wins in each. Baylor also earned its 22nd consecutive AP preseason ranking ahead of the 2025-26 season and maintained a streak of 26 consecutive weeks in the AP poll while totaling 367 weeks ranked over the last 20 seasons, the second-most nationally. Baylor leads Big 12 member institutions in wins since Collen took control of the program in 2021, totaling 127 victories over five seasons, more than 10 ahead of the next-winningest program. Collen has coached four All-Americans with 10 total recognitions: NaLyssa Smith (2022 WBCA First Team, 2022 Senior CLASS First Team, 2022 John Wooden First Team, 2022 USBWA First Team, 2022 The Athletic First Team, 2022 Sports Illustrated First Team), Sarah Andrews (2023 WBCA honorable mention), Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (2025 WBCA honorable mention, 2026 WBCA honorable mention) and Taliah Scott (2026 WBCA honorable mention). Five All-Big 12 First Team selections have played under Collen: Jordan Lewis, NaLyssa Smith, Sarah Andrews, Darianna Littlepage-Buggs and Taliah Scott. Those honors are joined by 15 additional s