With a little over a month to go before UTSA women’s basketball opens the 2025–26 season on the road against Texas Tech University, the central question about the program is simple and unavoidable: How do the Roadrunners replace three key pieces from a 26-win team while maintaining their identity? The schedule won’t wait for answers. A road-heavy nonconference slate, a leaner American Conference Tournament that cuts out the bottom three teams and a backcourt undergoing a reset will force clarity fast.
UTSA women’s basketball coach Karen Aston didn’t sugarcoat the turnover in guards — but she didn’t flinch either.
“Essentially, we’re starting over in the backcourt, and we understand that,” Aston said. “We brought in some players I think are more than capable. Our transfer from North Texas, Ereauna Hardaway, she’ll provide much-needed experience, knowledge, confidence, all of that from playing in the [American Conference].”
That fit matters because UTSA’s identity flows from organization on one end and control on the other. Hardaway’s ball screen comfort should steady the tempo and give the offense a clear entry point. Just as important, the frontcourt already gives them a sturdy foundation.
“In the frontcourt, Idara [Udo] is the constant from an experience standpoint, and I’d say the same about Cheyenne Rowe,” Aston said. “Those two have played a lot of minutes, so the frontcourt is at least experienced.”
There’s also a fast-emerging variable in freshman guard Adriana Robles, whose timeline has sped up across the fall.
“A young one who’s showing an enormous amount of growth and potential is Adriana Robles,” Aston added. “She’s probably a bit ahead of the curve. I’m pretty pleased at the point-guard position.”
The rotation won’t stop there. UTSA brought in transfer guard Jayda Holiman and expects second-year guards Damara Allen and Mia Hammonds to convert offseason work into minutes.
Whatever changes in usage, the foundation doesn’t move. UTSA’s ceiling still starts with stops and the glass.
“I’d like to think it’s those two things,” Aston said of defense and rebounding. “There’ll be some question marks offensively, but you can control the defensive side and rebounding.”
Udo’s summer offered a separate storyline. A minor setback slowed the rhythm, but not the importance. If she’s right by January, UTSA’s interior presence holds.
“She’s been slowed a little by a nagging injury,” Aston explained. “She’s a force inside when she’s in there. We’re just going to have to be patient with her playing herself into shape.”
The sophomore class presents an additional swing factor. If last year’s reserves become this year’s rotation, UTSA raises its floor and lowers the nightly pressure on Hardaway.
“All the young players who didn’t get as many minutes as they wanted really got in the gym this spring,” Aston said. “They’ve carried it over all summer.”
A tough start to the season is designed to speed that growth by hardening the younger players getting their first taste of collegiate basketball. Texas State University at home, a road date at University of the Incarnate Word, a visit from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, then Prairie View A&M University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville in December sandwiched between trips to Baylor University and Columbia University. Aston wanted that stretch because the benefits extend past confidence.
“I’m actually happy it’s as challenging as it is,” she said. “We managed the schedule to try to get a better [NCAA Evaluation Tool] and put ourselves in position that if we don’t win the league, we have a chance for an at-large.”
Aston emphasized that playing at home still matters. Last year’s 13–0 record in the Convocation Center didn’t happen by accident, and the city has a role in guarding that edge.
“Have the same crowds we had last year,” she said. “If we can carry that over, it makes a significant difference. We have a true home-court advantage we hope to continue.”
Conference play raises the bar again, and the stakes are higher than ever. The American’s new bracket trims the bottom three teams from the league tournament, turning any flat week into a problem.
“You can’t take anything for granted,” Aston said. “When three teams don’t go, you better get serious from day one.”
What will look different about this team is obvious. There won’t be a single closer like Jordyn Jenkins or a veteran table-setter like Nina De Leon Negrón. What should feel the same is the connective tissue that made last season compelling.
“I hope the personality and the attraction to the fans and community stays the same,” Aston said. “We’re not trying to be last year’s team. This is a new team, a new personality, new roles.”
The goals however never shifted, which represents how the locker room measures progress.
“We always have the same goals,” Aston said. “We want to win the conference. We want to go to the NCAA Tournament.”
Put it together, and the path is clear. If Hardaway stabilizes the ball, Robles holds her poise, Udo rounds into shape and the defense travels, UTSA can live near the top of the American again. It won’t be a replica of last season, but the outline is familiar. For a program whose standard has been raised substantially since the start of Aston’s tenure, competing for an American Conference championship is a realistic perennial expectation. The Roadrunners ran the conference in 2025. And, despite the roster turnover, will contend for the throne once again this upcoming season.
