2025-26 Union Women’s Basketball Season Preview

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – With the 2025 season approaching, the Union Commonwealth University women's basketball team is preparing to enter a new era. A roster filled with fresh faces, paired with a strong core of leaders, has Head Coach Aleka Carr eager to see what this group can accomplish.

Union heads into the season with a largely new lineup, as 67% of last year's minutes graduated. Carr acknowledged that the team will be inexperienced but believes the potential is clear.

"We have more new players than returners, so watching them interact with each other on and off the court has been the biggest growth during the preseason," Carr said. "We do have some new people that show the ability to do well, but it's hard to say until we start playing games. I think we'll be exciting to watch, I just hope we're able to collect wins along the way."

The preseason has been intense, with long days balancing classes and basketball. Despite injuries and illness, Carr is proud of the team's response.

"These athletes are going from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. five days a week, with more work on the weekends. As a whole, they've kept a fairly positive attitude and are putting forth the effort to be better," Carr said.

Senior Isis Rodgers echoed her coach's perspective, describing the preseason as both "challenging but rewarding." She emphasized the growth and bonds forming within the team.

"Everyone, including myself, has grown tremendously since day one of preseason, and I'm ready for the actual season to start," Rodgers said.

Freshman Aymanni Wynn added that the adjustment has been tough but beneficial.

"Preseason was an adjustment for me, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger," Wynn said. "The ability to get to know each teammate during preseason has been a great experience. I feel we have gotten stronger physically."

Junior Natalie Johnson shared that while the team started off a bit rusty, they've already made noticeable strides.

"When we first got started we were a little rusty, but that's what happens over summer break," Johnson said. "Now two months in, we are already improving and coming together as a team."

With so many new faces, leadership has taken on a vital role. Carr highlighted juniors Lindsey Pirkle and Harper Coffey as consistent leaders both on and off the court.

"Both of those young ladies have embraced and worked toward being the type of student-athletes we want in our program," Carr said.

Rodgers, one of the team's returning veterans, explained her approach to guiding teammates.

"My leadership style has always been leading by example," Rodgers said. "I work hard on the court and in the classroom, stay positive, and hold myself accountable. At the same time, I encourage my teammates, pick them up when needed, and hold them accountable as well. My leadership style is supportive but also challenges others to grow."

Johnson, entering her third season under Coach Carr, said she hopes to bring experience and balance to the team's leadership group.

"This is my third year under Coach Carr, so for guidance and support I would say my experience helps," Johnson said. "The leadership role I look to bring this year is a tough love but supportive style."

Wynn, in her first collegiate season, also aims to contribute through her example.

"I hope to bring positive energy, hard work, dependability, and encouragement to my teammates," she said. "Leadership begins with being an example."

Carr noted that this year's group has a stronger bond compared to last season.

"The biggest thing I've noticed between this year and last year is the time they spend together," Carr said. "When you love the people you're working with, it makes it easier to show up and work hard."

Rodgers agreed, calling the chemistry the best she's ever been a part of.

"You'd think the bonds we already built would have been built for years," Rodgers said. "I think this is a testament to our commitment to the team and the goals we want to reach this year."

Johnson echoed that sentiment, describing the team's connection as one of its biggest strengths.

"Our chemistry is really strong—it's like a big friend group or even family," Johnson said.

Wynn agreed, stating that the team already feels like a family, describing the bond as "a wonderful sisterhood."

While Carr admits it's difficult to predict results with such a young squad, his standard for effort is clear.

"With only one healthy person returning that played significant minutes last year, I'm not sure what to expect in terms of wins and losses," Carr said. "Like most coaches, I expect to be the hardest playing team every night. If we're able to do that, then I believe we can compete with a lot of teams we play this year."

For the players, expectations are equally high. Rodgers believes the Bulldogs can surprise many people.

"The way we're going to play is going to be fun to watch and compete in," she said. "If we continue to stay disciplined and focused, I think we're going to surprise a lot of people."

Wynn agreed, emphasizing growth and resilience as the team's goals.

"I believe that we can achieve anything we set our minds to, as long as we work hard for it," Wynn said.

Carr added that early-season growth will be key with a tough schedule ahead.

"Our first semester schedule is difficult every year. So, I always challenge our players to keep a positive, hard-working mentality no matter what our record is by break," he said. "With so many new people, developing that mentality will be one of the biggest challenges we face this year."

Union opens its 2025 women's basketball season on Friday, Oct. 24, hitting the road to take on Lindsey Wilson College in what promises to be an exciting start to a new chapter for the Bulldogs.