With their 24‘-25’ regular season schedule released, the upcoming UTSA women’s basketball season is filled with anticipation as the Roadrunners face a mix of challenging non-conference programs and American Athletic Conference opponents. This year will serve as a turning point for a team looking to build on its momentum following a successful 23‘-24’ campaign. With key early meetings and a series of significant conference games to close the season, UTSA will aim to claim the top spot in a very winnable conference.
The non-conference schedule features a marquee matchup against Texas A&M University, one of the top programs in the Southeastern Conference. The battle at College Station, while presenting an early challenge for the Roadrunners, also offers them a valuable opportunity to gauge how frontcourt players like Idara Udo and Emilia Dannebauer stack up against a physically imposing team fresh off an NCAA tournament appearance and a top-40 national ranking at the end of the 23‘-24’ season. With Aaliyah Patty coming off a stellar year for Texas A&M, the ‘Runners will be tested on their ability to control the glass and keep pace with the Aggies’ fast-tempo offense.
Following Texas A&M, UTSA will travel to California to face Stanford University, a team that consistently competes at the top of women’s college basketball. Stanford finished the 23‘-24‘ season ranked in the top ten nationally, largely due to star players Cameron Brink and Kiki Iriafen. The Cardinals remain dangerous this year, led by sharpshooter Hannah Jump, who averaged 10.4 points per game last season while shooting nearly 42% from three-point range. However, with the loss of Brink, Iriafen, and the retirement of legendary head coach Tara VanDerveer, this matchup becomes a very winnable opportunity for the Roadrunners.
Later in the non-conference schedule, UTSA will face off against Texas State University in San Marcos in the I-35 Rivalry. The Bobcats have dominated the ‘Runners across multiple sports in the 24‘ season, adding extra pressure for the Roadrunners to secure a victory on the basketball court. Despite a rough 23’-24’ campaign in which Texas State finished 4-14 in Mountain West Conference play, the Bobcats remain a capable team. UTSA will need to neutralize their key players, especially senior forward Da’Nasia Hood, who averaged 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last season. This game offers the Roadrunners a chance not only to avenge their losses to Texas State in other sports but also to build momentum heading into their conference play.
The AAC will see UTSA face some of its most important challenges, including a tough game against Rice University — the reigning AAC champions. The Owls dominated the 23’-24’ season, winning the conference tournament and advancing to the NCAA tournament. The team brings back core players like junior forward Malia Fisher, the AAC Tournament MVP, and junior guard Dominique Ennis, one of their most reliable scorers. Rice’s success last season was built on a defense that held opponents to an average of just 60 points per game, allowing only 36% shooting from the field, making them one of the toughest defensive units the ‘Runners will face.
Another matchup for UTSA this season, the University of Tulsa, boasted one of the most lethal offenses in the AAC last year. Their fantastic season, which saw them finish first in the conference with a 25-10 record, was fueled by their exceptional three-point shooting, as they knocked down nearly 36% of their attempts from beyond the arc. For the ’Runners, shutting down the Golden Hurricane’s outside game will be critical.
Lastly, one of the most anticipated games of the season for UTSA is their rematch against East Carolina University, the team that knocked them out of the AAC semifinals in a thrilling 55-54 game. The Pirates’ defense was their calling card last season, leading the conference in forced turnovers and points off turnovers. Kim McNeill’s aggressive defensive system will put pressure on UTSA’s ball handlers, and guards like Sidney Love and Aysia Proctor will need to stay composed to break through East Carolina’s traps and capitalize on their offensive opportunities. Additionally, the loss of star guard Danae McNeal to graduation for East Carolina makes avenging last season’s loss all the more attainable.
The 24’-25’ season is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in UTSA women’s basketball history. With head coach Karen Aston at the helm and star forward Jordyn Jenkins leading a talented roster, the Roadrunners are poised to capitalize on the momentum built last season. The mix of experienced returners and promising freshmen gives UTSA a well-rounded squad capable of not only competing at the highest level but also accomplishing the team’s ultimate goal of contending for a conference title and earning a spot in the NCAA tournament.
