Coleman excited about 2025-26 Lady Senators squad

MORRISTOWN, TN – No. 18 Walters State open the women's basketball season on Saturday in the Kragel Classic, and head coach Jasmin Coleman is excited about the team she brings into the season.

Coleman's squad consists of four returners and six newcomers. All four returners played in every game last season and were a big reason for the Lady Senators' 20th NJCAA Tournament appearance. 

"I'm really excited about this group," Coleman said. "Our sophomore captains, Nyjah Gibbs and Anaya Mulholland-Natt, have done an outstanding job setting the tone with their work ethic and leadership. They've raised the standard in how we practice, prepare and hold each other accountable. 

"Like any young team, we're still working to get everyone consistently bought into the level of discipline, communication and toughness that Coach Harris and I expect daily — both on the floor and in the weight room. Coach Harris has been incredible throughout this process — his commitment and attention to detail in practice have been a huge part of our growth. The encouraging part is that our energy, accountability and willingness to be coached keep improving. When our energy and focus are in sync, we're a tough team to play against and a really fun one to watch."

The biggest returnee for Walters State in terms of production is Terryauna Griffin (Knoxville, TN). Named an NJCAA All-American last season, Griffin averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game. 

This season, Coleman again expects big things out of Griffin, both on and off the court. 

"Terryauna had an incredible season last year, proving she can impact the game in multiple ways, and earned those honors through her consistency and competitive drive," Coleman said. "This year, the next step for her is being a steady voice and setting the tone. She has really worked on getting stronger in the weight room. When she combines her skill, improved strength and leadership, she can take her game and our team to another level." 

The other three returners for Coleman's squad are Raegan Starks (Antioch, TN), Nyjah Gibbs (Tullahoma, TN) and Anaya Mulholland-Natt (Columbia, TN). Last season, Starks averaged 10 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while Gibbs averaged 7.4 points and 7.8 rebounds. At the point guard position, Mulholland-Natt averaged 3.5 points and three rebounds. 

"It's huge for us to return Raegan, Anaya, and Nyjah — three players who all logged significant minutes last season and understand what it takes to win at this level," Coleman said. "That experience matters. Raegan has completely transformed her body over the summer and in the preseason, and it's allowed her to play with more confidence and mobility. Anaya ran the point for us last year, but we've been able to move her around this season because of her versatility. She has the best motor of any player I've ever coached — she just never stops competing. And Nyjah has taken a big jump offensively. Her confidence, scoring and overall aggression have really improved. When you combine their growth with the chemistry they already have, it gives us a strong foundation to build on."

As far as the newcomers go, Walters State brought in six. Those student-athletes are Paradise Fisher (Newark, NJ), Malia Wilcox (Cleveland, TN), Malon Smith (Clarksville, TN), Ze'yana Stewart (Knoxville, TN), Tierra Coleman (Orlando, FL) and Mariana Calero Zuniga (Cali, Colombia).

"We brought six newcomers in this year, and like any new group, the adjustment has been different for everyone," Coleman said. "Some have come in with great energy and competitiveness right away, while others are still learning what our standard looks like day to day. The expectation doesn't change, though. We will just keep pushing them all towards that standard. 

"Two of our newcomers battled injuries in the preseason but have fought back and are now back in the mix. Their toughness and resilience speak volumes. Malon Smith, Malia Wilcox and Ze'yana Stewart have brought great energy and leadership to our team. For freshmen, their communication and competitiveness stand out, and they've quickly gained the trust of their teammates. Our six newcomers each bring something different – winners, competitors, quickness and heart. They're learning our standard and growing into what it means to be a Lady Senator." 

The schedule for the Lady Senators is strong from the get-go. Walters State opens the season against No. 2 Shelton State in the Kragel Classic, and plays the 2024-25 NJCAA Tournament Runner Up's again in Tuscaloosa on December 13. Walters State will also play No. 5 Chipola that same weekend. Other non-conference opponents include Northeast Mississippi Community College, Central Georgia Tech and Albany Tech. 

"We always want to challenge ourselves, and that's exactly what our schedule does," Coleman said. "Playing programs like Shelton State and Chipola, both nationally ranked and proven winners, give us an early look at the level of play we'll need to be at to compete deep into March. Our schedule doesn't let up — we'll also take on Northeast Mississippi and two Georgia teams that were among the best in their conferences last year. Those are the kinds of games that make us better. Those games test our toughness, our discipline and our ability to execute under pressure. For us, it's not about avoiding challenges- it's about embracing them. The only way to measure where we are is to test ourselves against the nation's best."

As for goals, while Coleman wants her team to compete for championships, she also wants to see her team live up to the "Walters State Standard" daily. 

"Our goals this season go beyond just wins and losses," Coleman said. "We want to compete for championships, but we know that starts with our daily habits of being disciplined, communicating, and playing with toughness every time we step on the floor. Coach Harris reminds our players often about living up to our standard, not the scoreboard. We want to be others-centered, play for each other, and represent God, our families and Walters State the right way." 

Walters State and Shelton State will play at Walters State to open the season on Saturday at 6:30 pm ET. The Lady Senators will play Northeast Mississippi Community College at home on Sunday at 4 pm ET.