Kennesaw State women’s basketball coach Octavia Blue claps during regular season game. Photo credit: KSU Athletics
Kennesaw State women’s basketball will enter its second season in Conference USA hoping to find their footing following the experience and familiarity gained last season.
In 2024-25, the Owls finished with an overall record of 13-18 and a 7-11 conference record in their first year as part of CUSA.
Keyarah Berry, who had a big year, averaging 12 points is set to return this year after being granted a fifth year of eligibility
“I was happy to hear the announcement of her having the ability to return this year,” Owls coachOctavia Blue said. “I think she has really stepped up to lead the newcomers. She’s been here, she knows the culture, and she knows the expectations. She has really stepped out of her shell.”
Berry recalled the moment she heard the news of her return.
“[Coach Blue] is on the phone, and she says, ‘I got my year back,’ and I just remember smiling all the way back home,” Berry said. “I just thank God because I really did want this year back, and I just couldn’t wait to get back on the court.”
Besides Berry, the Owls will have several other returners this season, including junior Kailyn Fields and redshirt sophomore Trynce Taylor.
Taylor, who missed all of last season due to a lower-body injury, is eager to get back on the floor.
“I can’t wait to play on [Nov. 4], and I’ll show this conference something they haven’t seen yet,” Taylor said. “I’m feeling a nervous excitement, not nervous in a scared way, but just really excited to play.”
The Owls welcomed eight newcomers during the offseason as well. Many came through the transfer portal, including Fanta Daffe from Saint Francis and Emaya Lewis from Florida Atlantic.
Other transfers include Marihya Hart from Jackson State Community College, Kaelyn Flowersfrom Florida Gulf Coast, Shania Nichols from IU Indianapolis and Latazia Williamson from Memphis.
Freshmen TaTianna Stovall and Madyson Elliottround out the season’s newcomers.
Blue spoke about how to build team chemistry in response to so many new faces.
“This offseason has really been about building that team chemistry and that connectivity,” Blue said. “We put together a ton of team building events to allow us to get to know each other a little better outside of the court. Right now it’s a work in progress, but we’re happy where we are.”
A noticeable departure from the squad is Prencis Harden, last year’s leading scorer for the Owls at 15.4 points per game. Blue mentioned how challenging it can be to replace a player who left such a big mark on the program.
“A player like Harden is certainly difficult to replace in one punch, but I think we’ve added key pieces that can collectively pick up where she left off,” Blue said.
This is the team’s second year in CUSA, and the Owls will look to build on the things they learned last season about playing in the conference.
“You have to be mentally tough, for one,” Blue said. “There’s some really good teams, and then you add in the travel. Taking care of our bodies and getting a proper amount of sleep and rest are all things that are going to factor in.”
Outside of CUSA, this year’s schedule for the Owls includes some notable non-conference opponents as well, particularly Alabama and Miami — Blue’s alma mater.
The Owls tip off the season at VyStar Arena in the Convocation Center against Shorter University on Nov. 4, at 7 p.m.
