After their season that saw their first winning record since 2014-15, the women’s team looks to build off their strong 2024-25 season.
By Maurion Jamison
Staff Writer
After a strong preseason and weeks of hard work, the Lady Eagles are stepping into the 2025–26 season with new confidence and chemistry. Players and coaches say this year is all about growth, grit, and proving that the team belongs at the top of the Big South.
Junior guard Amourie Porter said the team’s mentality has shifted in a big way since last season.
“We came into this year focused,” Porter said. “Everybody is locked in and wants to compete at a higher level. We have a different kind of energy now and it’s showing every day in practice.” That renewed focus has been a major talking point for the team since the offseason.
Head Coach Semeka Randall-Lay has emphasized consistency and toughness, pushing her team to compete hard in every drill and possession. Practices have been intense, with players holding each other accountable and focusing on the details that can decide close games.
The team has also worked on improving communication and execution, especially on defense.
Sophomore Madison Ruff said the team has developed a stronger bond, which is making a big difference on the court.
“Our chemistry is real this year,” Ruff said. “We trust each other more and that helps with everything. You can see it when we move the ball, when we talk on defense and when things get tough.”
Porter said leadership has been a key part of their improvement, especially among the upperclassmen.
“I feel like everyone is taking ownership,” Porter said. “It’s not just one person leading. We all hold each other accountable and that’s made us stronger as a team.”
Ruff said one of the team’s biggest goals is to stay consistent no matter who they play.
“We want to show up every night with the same energy,” Ruff said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a home game or on the road. We’re coming to compete and play our style of basketball.”
The schedule ahead will test Winthrop early with some tough non-conference matchups, but players say they are ready for the challenge. Both Porter and Ruff said those early games will help them prepare for Big South play and give them a chance to see how far they’ve come since last season.
Porter said the players want to compete, grow and bring pride to Winthrop.
“We want to make this a season people remember,” Porter said. “We’ve worked too hard not to.”
The Lady Eagles will look to keep that momentum going as they return to the Winthrop Coliseum this Saturday to face Queens University in their next game at 4:30 pm.
