Women's Basketball Ready to Launch New Era

11/17/2025 10:49:00 PM

Marauders Women's Basketball Opens a New Era Under Coach Cole with 11 Newcomers and a Fresh Identity

WILBERFORCE, Ohio — The 2025–26 season marks the beginning of a true new era for Central State Women's Basketball. After inheriting nine seniors a year ago, second-year Head Coach Annitra Cole finally has her first full recruiting class on campus—a deep, athletic, and versatile group of 11 newcomers ready to reshape the program's direction.

With so much roster turnover, the Marauders enter the season hungry, energetic, and unafraid to build something from the ground up. Cole now has the depth, athleticism, and balance to install the identity she's envisioned since taking over the program.

New Era, New Faces — But a Core Returns to Lead the Way

Central State returns four players from last season who now step into leadership roles as the anchors of a young roster:

Returning Marauders

Samara Gibson (G, So., #15) – Tough, defensive-minded guard who brings energy and experience to the backcourt.
Ma'Kayla Williams (G, So., #22) – Physical guard with scoring ability and strong ball pressure.
Sydney Gorman (G, So., #5) – Crafty guard who pushes pace and can create for teammates.
Samara Savoy (F, Jr., #21) – Versatile wing/forward who rebounds, defends, and finishes through contact.

The 10 Newcomers

DeZarae' Stewart (G, Jr., #0) – Scoring guard with size and athleticism and experience
Kierra Bond (G, Jr., #1) – Shifty perimeter playmaker with a strong midrange game.
Calyanna Cage (G, So., #3) – Shooter with range and floor-spacing ability.
Viviana Clayton (G, Jr., #4) – Fundamental, smart guard who plays with poise.
Kennedy Walker (F, Fr., #10) – Freshman forward with size, mobility, and upside.
Ashyia Maddickes (G, Jr., #11) – Quick, experienced guard who pressures the ball.
Nicole Forbes (G, So., #14) – Backcourt shooter who provides spacing.
Mikayla Young (G, So., #23) – Long 6'1" guard/forward who can creates matchup problems.
Brie'anah Hill (F, Fr., #25) – Strong interior presence with rebounding potential.
Tyairah Flowers (G, Jr., #32) – Athletic guard who slashes, defends, and plays with pace.

With so many new faces, practice battles have been competitive, physical, and fast. Cole expects to play up-tempo and aggressive on defense, leaning on depth to wear opponents down.

FULL 2025–26 SEASON SCHEDULE

November

Nov 18 (Tue) – Cedarville — Wilberforce, OH — 5:30 PM
Nov 20 (Thu) – Benedict — Wilberforce, OH — 5:30 PM — SIAC
Nov 22 (Sat) – Allen — Wilberforce, OH — 2:00 PM — SIAC
Nov 25 (Tue) – at Miles — Fairfield, AL — 5:30 PM — SIAC
Nov 29 (Sat) – Albany State — Wilberforce, OH — 2:00 PM — SIAC

December

Dec 2 (Tue) – at Edward Waters — Jacksonville, FL — 5:30 PM — SIAC
Dec 4 (Thu) – at Savannah State — Savannah, GA — 5:30 PM — SIAC
Dec 9 (Tue) – Simmons College of Kentucky — Wilberforce, OH — 5:30 PM — SIAC
Dec 11 (Thu) – Clark Atlanta — Wilberforce, OH — 5:30 PM — SIAC
Dec 13 (Sat) – Fort Valley State — Wilberforce, OH — 2:00 PM — SIAC
Dec 17 (Wed) – at Lewis University — Romeoville, IL — 5:00 PM

January

Jan 3 (Sat) – Miles — Wilberforce, OH — 2:00 PM — SIAC
Jan 5 (Mon) – Tuskegee — Wilberforce, OH — 5:30 PM — SIAC
Jan 8 (Thu) – at Spring Hill — Mobile, AL — 5:30 PM — SIAC
Jan 10 (Sat) – at Albany State — Albany, GA — 2:00 PM — SIAC
Jan 14 (Wed) – LeMoyne-Owen — Wilberforce, OH — 5:30 PM — SIAC
Jan 17 (Sat) – Kentucky State — Wilberforce, OH — 2:00 PM — SIAC

What to Expect from the 2025–26 Marauders

This team will look different—and that's the point. Cole's group will lean into:

Speed and versatility on the perimeter
High-pressure, on-ball defense and full court pressure
A deeper bench that allows for tempo and rotation

There will be growing moments, but also flashes of how good this group can become as the season progresses.

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