Buckle up, basketball fans—New Mexico State's women's team is gearing up for a thrilling fourth year under the leadership of Coach Jody Adams, and their freshly announced 2025-26 roster promises plenty of excitement and potential shake-ups on the court! As the Aggies aim to build on their momentum, let's dive deep into the squad that's set to hit the hardwood, exploring every player and the stories behind them. But here's where it gets controversial: With a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, is this roster the perfect blend for a championship push, or could the influx of newcomers disrupt the team's chemistry? Stick around to find out—and this is the part most people miss—the subtle strategies that might define their success in Conference USA.
We're now in year four of New Mexico State's current chapter, and the Aggies are poised to keep evolving. Under Coach Jody Adams, they've been steadily improving, finishing fourth in Conference USA last season with a solid 10-8 record in conference play. That performance earned them an invitation to the Women's National Invitation Tournament, where they knocked off Pacific in the first round but were edged out by North Dakota State in the second, wrapping up the 2024-25 campaign with an 18-15 overall record. It's a foundation built on resilience, and now, with their complete 13-player roster locked in, the team is ready to test new waters. This lineup includes five returning players who know the system, four recruits from junior colleges (those two-year programs that often serve as stepping stones for athletes transitioning to four-year universities), three true freshmen (first-year players straight out of high school), and one transfer student. To kick things off, they'll face Cochise College from Arizona in a home exhibition on Sunday, October 26, before diving into the regular season with a road game against USC on Tuesday, November 4.
Let's break down the roster position by position, starting with the guards who will handle the ball and drive the offense. The guards are: Imani Warren, Loes Rozing, Keira Hudson, DeAvion Wilson, Nikki Stanic, Emma Christiano, and Anna Csenyi.
Among them, Loes Rozing stands out as a returning starter, having been in Coach Adams' opening lineup for every single one of the 34 games last season. While she hasn't been a high-volume scorer—averaging just 3.3 points per game during her time with the Aggies—she might be called upon to elevate her offensive contributions this year, perhaps by taking more shots or improving her efficiency. For beginners wondering about this, think of her as the reliable point guard who sets the tone defensively and facilitates plays, but now with added pressure to score more to help the team win tighter games.
Imani Warren and Anna Csenyi are also back from last year's squad, and both are eyeing expanded roles. Warren logged only 119 minutes across 20 games, while Csenyi saw 159 minutes in 21 contests, including starts in three of those. This suggests Csenyi had a slightly bigger footprint, but with the new additions, both could step up—maybe Warren by gaining more playing time through improved conditioning or skill development, and Csenyi by building on her starting experience to become a consistent contributor.
The rest of the guards are newcomers, bringing fresh energy. Emma Christiano is the lone transfer, joining from New Mexico Highlands University after playing there from 2023 to 2025. A native of Las Cruces, she attended Las Cruces High School and started 26 of her 55 games for the Cowgirls, averaging 3.0 points per game last season. Transfers like her often bring maturity and experience, which could be a game-changer for a team looking to gel quickly.
Nikki Stanic comes in as a junior college recruit from St. Petersburg College in Florida, where she shot an impressive 42.9% from the field over 29 games. For those new to college basketball, junior college recruits are athletes who spend time at community colleges honing their skills before moving to bigger programs, often adding depth and versatility.
Keira Hudson and DeAvion Wilson are true freshmen, meaning they're straight out of high school and ready to make their mark. Hudson played her high school ball at Barker College in Australia, which might give her a unique international perspective on the game—imagine the cross-cultural insights she could bring to team huddles! Wilson, on the other hand, earned a spot on the 2024 Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star Team while at C.E. King High School in Houston, Texas, showcasing her star potential early on.
Now, shifting to the forwards who will anchor the paint and provide rebounding strength: Morane Dossou, Marta Guilera, Iyana Beh, Lucía Yenes, Lucia Lara, and Senoj Jones.
Lucía Yenes is a returning player and the most experienced Aggie, entering her fourth season in Las Cruces. She contributed 5.1 points and 2.5 rebounds per game across 33 games last year, even hitting double-digit points in five of them. Her longevity could be a stabilizing force, teaching the rookies the ropes while maintaining her own production.
Marta Guilera is another returner, though she saw limited action with just 25 minutes in six games last season. This opens up questions about her role—will she seize more opportunities this year, or is she part of a deeper rotation? It's one of those intriguing spots where fans might debate the coaching decisions.
Iyana Beh arrives as a junior college recruit from Snow College in Utah, and she's already generating buzz as one of the most promising additions. Over two years with the Badgers, she racked up 410 points and averaged 5.1 rebounds per game, proving she's a force in the post. Lucia Lara and Morane Dossou are also junior college recruits, adding to the team's depth. Lara hails from Butler Community College in Kansas, where she averaged seven rebounds per game last season, dished out 52 assists, and hit 38.2% from three-point range—talk about a versatile big! Dossou's background is at Dodge City Community College in Kansas, bringing yet another layer of talent from that region.
Finally, Senoj Jones is a true freshman from Tyler Legacy High School in Texas, where she amassed over 1,000 points as a high schooler. Her accolades include being named Newcomer of the Year, Player of the Year, and MVP in her district, plus selections to the TGCA All-Star Team and an All-Region Team in Texas. For context, these honors highlight her as a prodigy who could explode onto the college scene, much like other high school standouts who've dominated early.
As we wrap this up, it's clear this roster is a fascinating mix of continuity and change. But here's the controversial twist: Some might argue that relying heavily on junior college recruits could lead to quicker wins, while others believe true freshmen like Jones and Wilson need time to adjust, potentially causing growing pains. Is Coach Adams' strategy of blending veterans with newcomers the smart play for long-term success, or does it risk inconsistency? And this is the part most people miss—the exhibition game against Cochise College could reveal early chemistry issues that set the tone for the season. What do you think—will this squad surpass last year's 18-15 record, or are there hidden challenges ahead? Share your thoughts in the comments: Do you agree with the emphasis on recruits, or should they have prioritized more transfers? Let's discuss!
