Women's Basketball Finalizes 2026-27 Coaching Staff

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois women's basketball and head coach Kelly Bond-White have announced several staff additions and promotions ahead of the 2026-27 season. The changes reflect SIU's focus on an intentional energy shift in player development, recruiting, organization, and building a strong program culture.

"We are intentional about every person we bring into our program," says Coach Bond-White. "This staff has been grinding for over a month, while letting the hiring process play out. These additions and promotions strengthen who we are and where we are headed as a program."

Todd Buchanan — Assistant Coach

Buchanan joins the Salukis bringing extensive coaching experience to the program. He will help assist with SIU's defensive efforts while also focusing on player development, recruiting, scouting, and game preparation.

"Todd brings great experience, perspective, and leadership to our staff," says Coach Bond-White. "He understands how to build winning habits and is a product of this region. He has made an immediate impact."

Wanika Owsley — Assistant Coach

Owsley joins the staff with a strong background in player development and game management. As a former player in the region with several coaching stops around Southern Illinois, she understands the landscape and the importance of relationships throughout the area. Her responsibilities include coordinating scouting efforts, recruiting, player development, on-floor instruction, in game management, and assisting with daily program operations.

"Wanika understands how to connect with and develop student-athletes," says Bond-White. "She will hold our players accountable while continuing to invest in them every day."

Jeniah Thompson — Director of Basketball Operations

Thompson has been promoted to Director of Basketball Operations and will oversee daily program operations, including travel, scheduling, logistics, community engagement, while bridging player relations. A former Saluki student-athlete, Jeniah played an important role in helping build one of the most connected and cohesive teams in recent program history. Her leadership, energy, and passion for SIU have continued to shine throughout her transition into the administrative side of the program.

Over the past year, she has made a strong impact through her work as an intern while also upgrading recruiting operations, organization, and day-to-day program management.

"Jeniah has been a huge part of our program's organization and culture," says Bond-White. "Her love for SIU, combined with the work she has already done behind the scenes, made this a no-brainer. She represents SIU in a tremendous way."

Peyton Thevenot — Player Development

Thevenot has been promoted to Player Development following his continued commitment to growth, learning, and investment in the program. Known for his tireless work ethic and constant presence in the gym, Peyton has become a trusted resource for players both on and off the floor. His passion for development and willingness to continue learning the game have helped elevate the program's daily culture.

His role includes skill development, continued film coordination, analytics, recruiting support, and player growth strategies.

"Our players love Peyton's energy and commitment," says Bond-White. "He earned this promotion through the investment he makes in our players every day. He is constantly looking for ways to improve himself and help our players grow."

Marissa Webb — Assistant Coach

Marissa Webb remains on staff and continues her work in player development and on court coaching while expanding her role to include some general manager responsibilities as SIU Women's Basketball continues adapting to the evolving NIL and revenue-sharing landscape.

Webb has been instrumental in the program's recruiting operations, roster management, organization, and long-term planning. In her expanded role, she will help oversee roster strategy, scholarship management, recruiting coordination, and NIL-related organizational efforts.

"Marissa has been invaluable to the growth of our program," says Bond-White. "She has a unique ability to balance relationships, organization, recruiting, and vision for where this program is headed in this new era of college athletics."

The Salukis are wrapping up a strong postseason recruiting effort, as they continue climbing the ranks in the Missouri Valley Conference

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Calendar

Upcoming Events

Todd Buchanan — Assistant Coach

Wanika Owsley — Assistant Coach

Jeniah Thompson — Director of Basketball Operations

Peyton Thevenot — Player Development

Marissa Webb — Assistant Coach

Players Mentioned

Jeniah Thompson

Scoreboard

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