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Michigan State Women’s Basketball Names Hallock, Blair and Betson Team Captains
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- Michigan State Women’s Basketball Names Hallock, Blair and Betson Team Captains
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Robyn Fralick and the Michigan State Spartans have announced their three team captains as they prepare to tip off the regular season Tuesday night against Valparaiso.
The Spartans return just six players from last season's roster while welcoming nine newcomers through the transfer portal and incoming freshman class. With so much roster turnover, selecting the team's leaders was an important decision. However, the three players chosen have each earned the opportunity to wear the captain's title.
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Kennedy Blair, Theryn Hallock and Tabitha Betson will lead the Spartans into the 2026-27 season as they look to build on last year's success and make another push in the Big Ten.
Here's a closer look at each of Michigan State's three captains.
Kennedy Blair
Blair broke out in a big way last season. After Theryn Hallock suffered a season-ending injury early in the year, Blair took it upon herself to help carry the Spartans.
Her relentlessness on the court is what immediately catches the attention of anyone watching. Blair has the ability to score, see the floor and find teammates in positions to make plays. Her all-around game makes her one of the most important pieces of Michigan State's roster.
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This season, Blair has earned a spot on the Nancy Lieberman Award preseason watchlist, which recognizes the top point guards in the country.
Blair finished second on the team in scoring last season, averaging 14.5 points per game. She also led the Spartans in rebounds (7.1) and assists (5.2) per game despite not starting a single game as a freshman.
Now a junior, Blair is expected to once again be one of the driving forces behind Michigan State's success. However, her responsibilities extend beyond the stat sheet, as she will also be one of the team's veteran leaders.
Theryn Hallock
Hallock was preparing to make her senior season everything she could have hoped for last year before an injury after just eight games brought her season to an abrupt end.
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Her injury left questions about whether she would ever get another opportunity to play basketball at Michigan State. Fortunately, Hallock received another year of eligibility and is back for one final season in East Lansing.
Her return gives the Spartans an important veteran presence, particularly in the backcourt, where she and Blair will look to lead the team.
Hallock has averaged double-digit scoring in each of the past three seasons, including a career-best 13.3 points per game two seasons ago.
She has also averaged 2.8 assists per game over the past two seasons. Before her injury last year, Hallock was averaging an impressive 2.3 steals per game through seven appearances.
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After coming so close to having her Michigan State career end prematurely, Hallock now has another opportunity to showcase her abilities. As a captain, she'll also be expected to bring experience and leadership to a roster featuring several new faces.
Tabitha Betson
Betson is the lone transfer among Michigan State's three captains, and her selection speaks to the importance she could have for the Spartans this season.
The junior transferred to Michigan State after spending the first two years of her collegiate career at Colorado. She brings a physical presence to the court and has the ability to use her size to create opportunities for herself and her teammates.
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During her freshman season at Colorado, Betson averaged 5.4 points per game before averaging 4.8 points last year. She also averaged 3.5 rebounds per game last season and 3.7 rebounds per game throughout her collegiate career.
Betson shot 40.4% from the field last season, including 33.9% from three-point range and an impressive 83.3% from the free-throw line.
Beyond her scoring ability, Betson has shown that she can contribute in other areas of the game. Her passing ability and willingness to find open teammates give her another way to impact the Spartans' offense.
As the only transfer named a captain, Betson has clearly made an impression on the coaching staff despite being new to the program. Her leadership and physical style of play could make her an important part of Michigan State's success.
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Three Captains, One Goal for Michigan State
With nine newcomers joining a roster that returns just six players, establishing leadership will be especially important for Fralick and the Spartans.
Blair and Hallock bring familiarity with the program and experience in the backcourt, while Betson adds a different perspective after transferring from Colorado.
All three will have important roles to play as Michigan State begins its 2026-27 campaign. With the regular season getting underway Tuesday night against Valparaiso , the Spartans will have their first opportunity to show what this new-look roster can accomplish.
