Women's Basketball

United East Women's Basketball Set to Tip Off 2024-25 Season

LATHAM, N.Y. - The United East is set to tip off the 2024-25 women's basketball season later this week.  Seventeen programs will compete for twelve postseason berths in the 2025 United East Women's Basketball Championships that begins on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Last season, the United East played in a division structure (Skye and Volt) as a response to the merger with the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) that was finalized on July 1, 2023.  This year, the divisions have been eliminated and the league will compete as a single entity.  

All programs will play in an unbalanced schedule format, with each team playing eight others in a home-and-home format for a total of 16 conference games. The league schedules have been designed to ensure each program would play against an opponent twice across three years. 

Any ties will be broken using the United East Tiebreaking Procedures and, once the 12 seeds are determined, the tournament will commence as a single-elimination tournament.  Tiebreakers and a tournament outline can be found at the 2025 United East Women's Basketball Championship homepage.

Read below for a preview of all seventeen teams.


 

  • Coming off of their first United East championship last season, Penn State Harrisburg has a pair of returning senior guards and a graduate transfer bolstering the lineup as the Lions look to continue their winning ways.  Graduate transfer Jordan Carpenter comes to Harrisburg from the University of Mary Washington where she was a two-time WBCA All-America Honorable Mention awardee, a two-time D3hoops.com All-Region, and the 2024 CSC Player and Defensive Player of the Year.  Senior guard Giahny Correa was the United East Tournament MVP and a First Team All-Conference member after averaging 17.0 points per game.  Senior guard/forward Ali Lister earned a Volt Division Defensive Player of the Week twice (November 30, 2023 and January 29, 2024) and averaged 8.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists per game on 46.5% shooting from the field. 

    Harrisburg opens the season on November 13th against King’s (Pa.) College and his non-conference matchups with Misericordia (November 16), Messiah (November 21), and Salisbury (December 14) before a matchup with preseason No.3 Christopher Newport on February 8th.  The Lions open up the United East season on November 26th at Keystone.

    Coach’s Outlook: We return a small but talented contingent from last season's program first United East Championship team. This season's recipe is the same. A joyful experience with new added flavors, while core ingredients remain - relational connectivity, unique individual skill sets, a team competitive spirit, and collective coachability. Some will say we have a target on our back as defending champions but aren't we all the villains in someone else's eyes? So our players know the challenge - Look into my eyes, grab a seat at the table, and LET'S EAT!.” - Ross Patrick

  • Saint Elizabeth University women's basketball is set for another season under Head Coach Trey Bailey Strothers, now entering his fourth year at the helm after leading the Eagles to an impressive 22-6 overall record and 15-3 conference mark in 2023-24. 

    This season kicks off with a key home opener against Lehman College (November 9), followed by participation in two exciting tournaments: the Hunter College NYC Tournament (November 22-23) and the Moravian University Steel City Classic (December 29-30). Senior guard Yasminah White, who averaged 12 points per game and earned 3rd Team All-Conference honors last season, will return to lead the team. Joining her are sophomore guard Mya Davis, who made 53 three-pointers and averaged 11.6 points per game, and Ahjionae Cobb, who contributed 7.6 points per game. With this solid core of returning players, SEU is poised for another competitive season.

    The Eagles start off United East conference play at home versus Rosemont on November 26.

    Coach’s Outlook: “This is the most excited I've ever been heading into a season in my ten years of coaching. We have a group of young women who worked hard all pre-season and shifted our team culture while doing so. I'm blessed to be able to coach these genuinely amazing people this year. Our 22-6 Division Championship Season last year was incredible but all eyes are now ahead on having another fantastic year. We bought in 5 key individuals, both transfers and freshmen, who can all contribute right away. We believe that with those new 5 along with our key returners, anything is possible. This is the deepest team talent-wise we've had in my three seasons here and that's a testament to the work they put in. Our team is hungry to make the NCAA tournament which we came just shy of doing last year, but we know we have to go through some great competition here in the United East to get there. Our girls are certainly up for the challenge, and they even came up with the Motto "All In" as we know that's what it will take!” - Trey Bailey Strothers

  • The Penn State Abington women's basketball team is preparing for the 2024-25 season under the leadership of new Head Coach Tiara White. After finishing last season with a 13-15 overall record and a 7-5 mark in conference play, the Nittany Lions are aiming to build on that foundation. 

    A key returning player is sophomore Amirah Hackney, who shined last year as a shooting guard and small forward, averaging 16 points and 7 rebounds per game and earning Second Team All-Conference honors. With Hackney's scoring ability and Coach White's fresh vision, Abington is ready for the season ahead.

    The Lions square off against new to the conference, Penn State Brandywine, on November 26 at home to open up United East conference play.

    Coach’s Outlook: “Excited for this season. Have some new additions to the team.” – Tiara White

  • Notre Dame of Maryland women's basketball is gearing up for another competitive season under Head Coach Kalin Wynn, who led the Gators to a 20-7 overall record and a 16-2 conference mark in 2023-24. The team faces a tough non-conference schedule, including matchups against Bridgewater College (November 9), Salisbury University (November 12), and Washington College (January 6). 

    Sophomore post player Amani Watts returns after a dominant freshman campaign, averaging 18.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game while shooting 55% from the field, despite missing the final 11 games due to injury. Joining her is Hillary Howard, another standout sophomore who averaged 14.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, and junior guard Amya Durham, who contributed 10.1 points per game, made 39 three-pointers, and averaged 3.3 assists per game. 

    The Gators open United East play up by traveling to Wilson College on November 26.

    Coach’s Outlook: “24-25 will be a recovery season as we continue to build upon a great start last season which was marred due to injuries and key losses of two starters at the end of the year. We hope that our incoming freshmen can come in and contribute immediately.” - Kalin Wynn

  • A trio of seniors lead Gallaudet into the 2024-25 season looking to continue their recent successes in head coach Stephanie Stevens’ 12th season at the head of the bench.  Senior guard Cam Lexlow earned a First Team All-Conference award last season after averaging 14.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while handing out 97 assists and finishing 42nd nationally with 2.93 steals per game. Senior forward Raj Guettler earned a Second Team All-Conference honor after averaging 13.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and handing out 3.5 assists per game. Another senior, guard Claire Tucker, rounds out the backcourt averaging 10.4 points per game and handed out 105 assists last season.

    The Bison open the season at McDaniel’s Rebecca Martin Memorial Tip-Off Tournament where they will play the host (November 8) and either Geneva or Stevenson on November 9.  Additional non-conference games include Stockton (November 13), Sage (November 23), Washington College (November 23), and Salisbury (November 30). Gallaudet opens up United East play on November 26th when St. Mary’s (Md.) comes to Washington D.C.

    Coach’s Outlook: I couldn’t be more excited about the leadership and drive this team brings into the season, along with our dedicated assistant coaches and support staff. We’ve got a core group that understands the game from all angles, both offensively and defensively, and they’ve shown time and again their commitment to doing what it takes to win.

    Defensively, we’re anchored by players who take pride in their tenacity. They’re aggressive in the right ways—whether it’s shutting down the perimeter, controlling the glass, or making key steals to shift momentum. This team’s hustle and ability to disrupt opponents will be a cornerstone of our success. Our defensive energy fuels everything we do and sets the tone for approaching each game.

    Offensively, the team’s floor generals continue to excel at creating opportunities and making plays under pressure. They’ve developed the ability to read the defense and adjust quickly, ensuring we maximize every possession. Whether it’s finding open shooters, driving to the basket, or executing set plays, our offense runs smoothly thanks to their leadership. The unselfishness and communication on the floor are what makes this group special.

    Overall, this team’s heart and resilience shine through every day. They lead by example and elevate each other. Our leadership, tenacity, and basketball IQ will be key to making this a standout season.” - Stephanie Stevens

  • As the Bryn Athyn women’s basketball team gears up for the 2024-25 season, Head Coach Travis Ponton enters his sixth year at the helm, looking to build on last year’s 17-8 overall record and 13-5 conference mark. Key non-conference matchups will include a rivalry game against Bryn Mawr (November 19), a home contest against FDU Florham (December 10), and a historic first-ever game against Lycoming (December 17). 

    Senior guard Zhymani Smith returns after a standout 2023-24 season where she earned First Team All-Conference honors, averaging 19 points per game and 3.7 assists per game, setting the program’s single-game assist record. Joining her is fellow senior guard Alayna Day, who averaged 12 points per game and became the first Lion to earn Second Team All-Conference honors. Junior forward Alexa Osafo-Mensah also returns, recording 8.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game last season. The Lions will miss the leadership of Kaylia Duncan after a five-year career.

    Bryn Athyn dives into United East conference play on November 26 at home versus Cedar Crest College.

    Coach’s Outlook: “With a strong core of experienced returners in place, including All-Conference guards Zhymani Smith and Alayna Day, we will be poised to keep climbing and make more history this season. Seniors Amber Souffrant and Xion Spence combined with junior Alexa Osafo-Mensah to make 46 starts in the front court last season, and all three will look to build on their bodies of work. One of the big keys will be better luck on the health front, after every starter and multiple key bench players missed time with injuries last season. Replacing a heart and soul player like Kaylia Duncan will also be a challenge, but that also means there's an opportunity for others to step up and step in. We've liked what we've seen from our returners so far this fall, and our 2024 recruiting class shows plenty of promise both in the near and long term. We are excited to get the ball rolling this season.” - Travis Ponton

  • St. Mary’s College of Maryland has a new head coach in LaTanya Collins and a trio of experienced guards looking to lead the Seahawks to another deep playoff run in 2024-25.  Junior guard Sam Blaylock averaged 13 points per game on 33% from the three-point area and 87% from the free throw line en route to a Second Team All-Conference award.  Sophomore guard/forward Olivia Liszt was named the Volt Division Rookie of the Year and earned a First Team All-Conference award after scoring 20 points or more three times last year and averaging 12 points per game.  Junior Tramarie Mobray averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds per game while being named Defensive Player of the Week twice - November 13, 2023, and November 27, 2023.

    The Seahawks open the season on November 8 against Hood College and match up with Virginia Wesleyan on November 12 before hosting the Jamie L.Roberts Memorial Tournament on November 15-16 where they will face RIT (November 15) and Wesleyan (November 16).  United East play begins on November 26th with a trip to Washington D.C. to take on Gallaudet.

    Coach’s Outlook: The team returns the 3 leading scorers from last year's team that advanced to the Volt division semi-finals.” - LaTanya Collins

  • Cairn University women’s basketball is set for the 2024-25 season under new Head Coach Amie Eppolito, following a 16-11 overall record and 10-8 conference finish last year. 

    Key returning players are led by senior forward Dezaray Bright, who averaged 7 rebounds and 5 points per game and is known for her aggressive rebounding and relentless work ethic. Joining her is Kailee Sobrino, a skilled playmaker and defensive asset who, in her last season, totaled 113 assists, 47 steals, and averaged 9.7 points per game. Ella Quince rounds out the returning trio with her intense energy and competitive spirit, driving the team both emotionally and physically on the court. 

    Cairn opens United East conference play with Valley Forge at home on November 26.

    Coach’s Outlook: “In this year of transitions and restructuring, I am excited to see how God will grow and use this team. The mix of young players and upperclassmen, has this year's team energized and excited to compete as a unified team. As a first-year head coach, I am pumped to compete and witness this team grow and excel throughout the season!” - Amie Eppolito

  • Lancaster Bible College women’s basketball is set for the 2024-25 season with Arkel Brown taking the reins as head coach. Coming off an 8-17 overall record and a 6-6 conference finish, the Chargers aim to make strides forward with a strong group of returning and new talent.

    Grad guard Jenna Dombach, who scored 14.1 points per game last season and sits 17th in program history with 911 career points, returns as a potent offensive threat, having also earned United East All-Conference and CSC Academic All-District honors. Sophomore guard Rachel Nolt, who averaged 10 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, brings defensive strength, tallying 53 steals last season—the program’s first 50-steal season since 2017-18. Junior forward Raven Hunter adds size and shot-blocking prowess, leading the Volt Division with 50 blocks and setting a single-season program record. With non-conference matchups against Delaware Valley, Franklin & Marshall, and Centenary (N.J.) lined up, the Chargers are ready to compete.

    The Chargers start conference play on the road against Penn College on November 26.

    Coach’s Outlook: “We have a really new team this year. We've added some transfers with great talent into the program along with three first-years. We're looking forward to starting this new journey together and embracing each step to achieve our ultimate competitive goal.” - Arkel Brown

  • The Wilson College women's basketball team is set for an exciting 2024-25 season under new Head Coach Dylan Ward, who steps into the head role after serving as an assistant for the past two years. 

    Coming off a 12-6 overall record and a 13-13 mark in conference play, the Phoenix will face a competitive non-conference schedule with key games against Mount Aloysius College (November 13), Shenandoah University (November 22), and Eastern Mennonite University (November 23). 

    Leading the charge will be standout senior Adrianna Stricek, who averaged 14.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game last season and finished ranked 20th in the NCAA for double-doubles. She also earned First Team All-Conference honors in 2023-24. Returning alongside Stricek are Jewels Torres, who ranked 7th nationally in free throw attempts and earned Second Team All-Conference honors, and Allison Cullison, a steady contributor who was named to the United East All-Sportsmanship Team. 

    The Phoenix are at home to lead off conference competition against the Notre Dame of Maryland Gators on November 26.

    Coach’s Outlook: “We are coming off a season where we had to overcome a lot of adversity dealing with injuries and other challenges. However, our returning players are battle tested, ready to compete and raise the standard this season and we have some expectations and goals to accomplish this season. I am excited to see our team take the court this season!

     I believe that we had an excellent pre-season this fall, and our players are prepared for the season ahead. We have some fantastic returners coming back led by two All-Conference players last season Juniors Adrianna Stricek (1st Team All-Conference) and Jewels Torres (2nd Team All-Conference) as well as junior Laela Robinson who has been a two-year starter for us and the senior leadership of Allie Cullison (All-Sportsmanship Team), who is looking to expand her role even more this season. We have also brought in a very talented recruiting class that has strengthened our overall depth as a team. They will be looking to make an impact for us right away this season. 

    Overall, I believe that our team has what it takes to compete at a high level in the United East Conference, but it is going to take everyone as a unit playing together as a team to accomplish our goals and expectations.” - Dylan Warn

  • Penn College women’s basketball enters the 2024-25 season led by Head Coach Britni Mohney in her sixth year. The team follows a 6-20 overall, 2-10 conference record.

    Senior guard Rachel Teats, a United East Second Team All-Conference selection, led the Wildcats in nearly every major stat category last season, including points (310), rebounds (139), and assists (60). She scored a season-high 25 points against Keuka College, showcasing her scoring efficiency and defensive capabilities. Senior forward Emily Pardee, who scored 200 points and averaged 8.0 points per game, also returns as a key figure, providing strength on both ends of the court and leading the team with her consistent presence. Junior guard Lexi Troup, a reliable outside shooter, rounds out the trio, bringing depth and shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc. 

    With non-conference matchups against Elmira College (November 13), Penn State Altoona (November 23), and Centenary University (December 16) on the schedule, the Wildcats are prepared for the season ahead.

    Coach’s Outlook: “We come into 2024 as a team that has experience and an undeniable team chemistry; with an incredible young core who are eager to buy into the system. We look to build consistency within our offense and continue to demonstrate disruptive defense.  With strong competition in our non-conference schedule, we look to prepare for conference play and continue to be a playoff contender.” - Britini Mohney

  • The Cedar Crest women’s basketball team enters the 2024-25 season led by Head Coach Kenric Carter, now in his fourth year. Coming off a 10-12 overall record and a balanced 9-9 conference performance, the team is set to push forward with a core of returning players. 

    Sophomore guard/forward Caylie Long, who averaged 17 points per game last season and earned Second Team All-Conference honors, will be a crucial offensive force. Joining her is Rachel Bilger and Bryanna Rivera. 

    Coach’s Outlook: “Coming off of a pretty good season, we are hoping we can continue with the success we had last season. It's going to be challenging, but I really feel like if we can stay healthy and consistent, I think we could get back to the playoffs.” - Kenric Carter

  • The Penn State Brandywine women’s basketball team, under the experienced leadership of Head Coach Larry Johnson, enters the 2024-25 season looking to build on last year’s 15-11 overall record and 13-6 finish in the Penn State University Athletic Conference. Returning standout players include Anaiyah Allen, who averaged 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, and Sierra Diawara, who added 11 points and 3 rebounds per contest. Trinnell Watson, who missed last season due to injury, is also expected to make an impact. The team will look to fill the void left by the departures of Amanda Floyd and Athena Bombacher as they aim for a competitive first season in the United East Conference.

    Key non-conference matchups this season include games against Neumann (November 13), Ursinus (November 23), Alvernia (December 2), and Widener (December 14). 

    Penn State Brandywine travels to Penn State Abington on November 26 for their first United East competition of the season.

    Coach’s Outlook: “Looking to depend on Senior Leadership of Sierra and Anaiyah while welcoming Trinnell back from injury. Hoping freshmen are ready to step up along with other returners from last year's team, Hoping a hard non-conference schedule will get us ready to Compete in our new conference!” – Larry Johnson

  • Keystone College women's basketball is entering the 2024-25 season with optimism under Head Coach Jason Rhine, who returns for his second season after guiding the team to an 11-14 overall record and a 9-9 mark in conference play last year. Key returning players include sophomore sharpshooter Anyah Ortiz and senior shooters Bry Hicks and Malaysia Bryant, who will look to lead the team with their offensive firepower. The Giants will need to adjust to the departure of Riley Berry but are well-positioned to build on last season’s foundation.

    The Giants have a challenging non-conference slate, including matchups against Marywood (November 20), Immaculata (November 23), and Wilkes (December 14), along with a tournament game against Spalding University.

    Keystone opens United East play with Penn State Harrisburg at home on November 26.

    Coach’s Outlook: “I'm very excited to embark on year 2 here at Keystone College! The team we've constructed seems very eager to get to work and thus far, I've been impressed with their efforts.” - Jason Rhine

  • The Rosemont women’s basketball team is set for a new season under first-year Head Coach Frank Farnese, as they look to rebound from the 2023-24 season where they finished 3-22 overall and 2-16 in conference play. The Ravens will test themselves in key non-conference matchups against Ursinus (November 19), Immaculata (December 2), and Marywood (December 14). Leading the charge will be junior guard Lakay Holloway, who averaged 11.5 points and 4 rebounds per game last season and junior point guard Da'naijah Wise, who contributed 6.6 points per game while logging 31 minutes per contest. With the departures of Mojisola Shokeye and Aliona Stanley, the team will rely heavily on its returning core under Coach Farnese’s leadership.
     

    The Ravens head to Saint Elizabeth University on November 26th to lead off United East competition.

    Coach’s Outlook: “1st year coach Frank Farnese is looking to improve on last year's overall record of 3-22. Junior returners - Lakay Holloway and Da'naijah Wise look to lead the team. Returning forward from the 2022-23 season Yanae Edwards looks to provide post presence along with Tekira Wagner-Knox, first year player Olivia Hamme will be a nice addition adding depth to the lineup. Hamme is a versatile player who can play both guard/forward positions.” – Frank Farnese

  • Beginning her 11th season at the head of Penn State Berks, Kristin Hawley is looking to continue a rebuild with an experienced core leading the way in 2024-25.  Junior guard Hailey Miller has started in 44 out of 45 potential games in her career, averaged 12.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last season and swiped 98 steals over two seasons.  Senior guard Ashlyn Clark averaged over 35 minutes, 12.3 points, and 6.5 rebounds per game while sophomore forward Mahala Ruffner blocked 29 shots last season and averaged 10.4 rebounds per game.

    The Nittany Lions begin the season at the Gwynedd Mercy Tip-Off Tournament facing off against DeSales (November 8) and Muhlenberg (November 9).  Additional non-conference matchups include Goucher College (November 13), Immaculata (November 20), and Neumann University (December 2).   United East play begins on December 4 at Wilson College.

    Coach’s Outlook: We have had a rough few years but are looking to bounce back. We are looking to surprise some teams this year as we continue to rebuild. We have a strong core group of girls mixed with a nice group of incoming freshmen that have a lot of fight in them.” - Kristin Hawley

  • The University of Valley Forge women's basketball team is looking to head into the 2024-25 season strong under Head Coach Cassandra Taylor, who enters her second season with the Patriots. After a 2-22 overall record, 2-16 in the conference, last year, the team is eager to improve, with key non-conference matchups on the horizon against Rutgers Camden and Mount Aloysius College. 

    Senior forward Dominique Barnes, returning from an ACL injury that limited her to just six games last season, is expected to play a pivotal role after averaging an impressive 12 points and 12.2 rebounds per game in limited action. Junior forward Olivia Rochkind, who started all 24 games last year and averaged 7.5 rebounds per game, is also poised to contribute. 

    Valley Forge will travel to Cairn University on November 26 to kick start United East conference play.

    Coach’s Outlook: “Another year with a small team but I believe that this newer group has chemistry that was nonexistent last year. I expect us to play hard every game and throw out a few surprises this season.” – Cassandra Taylor


 

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The United East boasts 17 NCAA Division III full member institutions which include: Bryn Athyn College, Cairn University, Cedar Crest College, Gallaudet University, Keystone College, Lancaster Bible College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Harrisburg, Rosemont College, Saint Elizabeth University, St. Mary's College of Maryland, University of Valley Forge, and Wilson College. For more information, please visit gounitedeast.com.