Oklahoma State women's basketball: LaNesha Middleton is coming home to face Cowgirls

“With the help of the coaches, I've been able to really make a lot of progress,” she said. “I think I'm starting to get more and more comfortable with myself out there on the court.”

Though she's been away, she's kept tabs on the Cowboys' hot start and was in the house for their contest against South Florida on Wednesday night.

And when she comes out of the locker room Thursday to play the Cowgirls, LaNesha expects it to be an emotional experience.

“It's kind of the point where all my work has paid off,” she said. “I get to play in Gallagher-Iba, one of the most historic and best sports arenas in the nation. Get to play against a top-ranked OSU (team).

“It's definitely one of those moments where I'm really going to savor and remember it for a while, and cherish.”