BLOOMINGTON — Even as the 2025-26 season has presented challenges for Indiana women’s basketball, one player has consistently delivered standout performances: senior guard Shay Ciezki. Despite a team record that hasn’t met expectations, Ciezki’s individual brilliance has become a hallmark of the Hoosiers’ campaign, offering a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent year. Her ability to elevate her game when her team needs it most has not gone unnoticed by teammates and coaches alike.
Ciezki’s impact was particularly evident in Sunday’s victory over Oregon, a game where she showcased her clutch scoring ability in the fourth quarter. The Hoosiers, currently fighting to secure a spot in the Big Ten Tournament, needed a strong finish, and Ciezki delivered, scoring 11 points with three assists and three rebounds in the final period. This performance underscored a season-long trend: when the pressure mounts, Ciezki rises to the occasion.
The senior guard, averaging 23.1 points per game, is tied for the Big Ten scoring lead and is on pace to achieve one of the most impressive individual seasons in Indiana program history. Her consistent scoring output has been crucial for a young Indiana team navigating a competitive conference schedule.
Ciezki’s Fourth-Quarter Heroics Against Oregon
Trailing entering the final quarter against Oregon, Ciezki ignited the Hoosiers’ offense with a timely three-pointer just 102 seconds into the period. After a slow start from beyond the arc (0-for-5 in the first three quarters), that shot seemed to unlock her scoring touch. She followed up with a rebound that led to a fastbreak assist, then another assist on an Edessa Noyan layup, before hitting another crucial three-pointer. Even as Oregon mounted a run, Ciezki responded with yet another clutch shot from deep.
“It is such a good feeling, having someone that we know we can trust having the ball with and basically know something good is gonna happen,” Noyan said after the game. “We’ve gone to her a lot of times this season, and she’s gonna have to keep doing it the rest of the season too. But it’s just, it’s a really good feeling. We all trust her very much.”
Navigating a Challenging Season
Indiana’s overall performance in the 2025-26 season has been marked by inconsistency, particularly for a program that reached a Sweet 16 just two years prior. The team’s youth and limited power-conference experience have contributed to the struggles, but Ciezki’s leadership and scoring have been vital in keeping the Hoosiers competitive. Sunday’s win over Oregon, ranked No. 25 in Torvik, represented the team’s best victory of the season.
Head coach Teri Moren acknowledged the pressure Ciezki has faced as the team’s most experienced player and lone returning starter. “She hasn’t had a lot of facilitate — well, I should say, it’s been inconsistent at best. She’s felt it, though. I think she’s felt a lot of pressure. But I think what makes it so impressive is how she’s handled it,” Moren said. “The one thing that Shay has always done is she continues to show up and work on her game, individually. She’s been a good teammate. And she’s hit some really big shots for us.”
Record-Breaking Potential and Continued Growth
Ciezki’s statistical achievements this season are remarkable. With 624 points already scored, she ranks sixth in Indiana program history and is poised to climb the list, potentially finishing as high as third, behind only Tyra Buss and Mackenzie Holmes. She currently has 71 three-pointers made, needing just five more to surpass Buss for fourth place in program history. Her efficiency is also noteworthy. she’s shooting 46.1 percent from three-point range and 53.7 percent from the field.
These shooting percentages put Ciezki on track for a rare 50-40-90 season – shooting at least 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line. According to Wikipedia, only one player in women’s college basketball history, Cal’s Kristin Iwanaga in 2005, has achieved this feat. Ciezki also already owns the Indiana record for single-season free-throw percentage, achieving 93.2 percent last year and currently at 90.4 percent this season.
Ciezki transferred to Indiana from Penn State in spring 2024. While her first season with the Hoosiers was marked by some inconsistency, she has blossomed into a more well-rounded player this year, expanding her game beyond just three-point shooting. “She’s found different ways to score the ball. And that’s been why she’s had the production that she’s been able to have,” Moren explained. “How she’s grown her game, with the help of (assistant coach) Paul (Miller) in those player development sessions, where she’s getting to her mid-range, where she’s using her hesitation and a little head fake to get all the way in the rim, getting herself to the free-throw line.”
Despite the team’s struggles, Ciezki is a strong contender for All-Big Ten first team honors, and All-American recognition is within reach. With two regular season games and the potential for a Big Ten Tournament run remaining, Ciezki has the opportunity to further cement her legacy at Indiana.
“It’s very impressive, when you look at Shay,” Moren said. “She’s not a big guard, by any stretch of the means. But sometimes, those are the ones that are the most dangerous, because they have a big heart, and she’s an ultra competitor.”
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ciezki to see if she can continue her remarkable individual performance and lead the Hoosiers to a strong finish. Her dedication and resilience have been a source of inspiration for her teammates and a beacon of hope for Indiana fans.
What are your thoughts on Shay Ciezki’s incredible season? Share your comments below and let us know what you think she can accomplish in the remaining games!
