When Karen Aston took over a UTSA women’s basketball program that had finished a dismal 2-18 in the 2020-21 season, there was little reason for optimism. Yet, her experience and commitment to building a disciplined, defensive-minded team began to change the culture almost immediately. Now, in the 2024-25 campaign, Aston’s vision has been realized. The team has raced out to an 18-3 record and has firmly positioned itself as a top contender in the American Athletic Conference. The season’s success reflects the efforts of a team firing on all cylinders, from star players to key role contributors and a coach who has established a culture centered on defense and resilience.
Senior forward Jordyn Jenkins and graduate guard Nina De Leon Negron have been pivotal to UTSA’s remarkable season. Jenkins’ dynamic play forces opponents to adjust their defensive strategies, often drawing double-teams that create scoring opportunities for her teammates. Her effort on the boards and defensive intensity set a standard that elevates the entire team’s performance. De Leon Negron brings a calming presence as the floor general, orchestrating the offense with precision and ensuring cohesive play. Her leadership fosters trust among teammates, contributing to the Roadrunners’ execution on the court.
Other players have stepped up in key roles. Junior guard Sidney Love’s ability to attack the basket adds a dynamic element to the offense. Her aggression keeps defenses on edge and generates scoring chances for both herself and her teammates. In the paint, sophomore forward Idara Udo and junior forward Cheyenne Rowe have become a defensive wall, disrupting opposing offenses with their physicality and effort. Their ability to control the boards and generate second-chance opportunities has given UTSA one of the conference’s most formidable interior defenses. Their trust and synergy has also been key to the team’s remarkable season.
This season’s success stems not only from individual talent but also from the team’s exceptional chemistry. The players’ strong connections on and off the court have fostered an environment where each member understands and embraces their role. This unity is evident in their seamless on-court interactions and collective resilience when facing adversity. The Roadrunners’ ability to trust and uplift one another has been a cornerstone of their outstanding performances this season.
At the center of the Roadrunners’ success is coach Karen Aston. Aston has built a program that thrives on defensive discipline, with UTSA allowing just 56.9 points per game, the lowest in the AAC. The Roadrunners also rank second in the conference in opponent field goal percentage, holding teams to 37.9% shooting. Aston’s defensive schemes, which include timely rotations and pressure-heavy traps, have consistently disrupted opposing offenses. Players know how to position themselves in defensive sets and understand when to apply pressure in passing lanes. Aston’s ability to instill this mentality has kept UTSA in games regardless of offensive struggles.
With key matchups remaining, UTSA is positioned to achieve something monumental. Aston’s cultural transformation, combined with elite performances from Jenkins and De Leon Negron and significant contributions from role players, has made the Roadrunners a team to be reckoned with. With a shot at an AAC championship and the possibility of their first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2008-09 season, UTSA has laid the groundwork for what could be one of the most successful seasons in program history
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