BECKLEY, W.Va. — WVU Tech women's basketball is set to open the 2025–26 season with an experienced core and several new faces ready to make an impact. The Golden Bears were picked 10th in the River States Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced Wednesday by the league office. Each of the conference's 12 head coaches voted on the predicted order of finish, with Shawnee State, Rio Grande and Brescia earning the top three spots.
Season Outlook
The Golden Bears look to continue building after a season of growth that saw the program finish 3–24 overall and 2–14 in RSC play. With a year of experience and a deeper roster, Tech aims to improve in consistency, defense and offensive efficiency across the court.
The 2025–26 lineup blends returning contributors with a large class of newcomers, creating depth at every position and opportunities for more balanced scoring this season.
Returners
Cadence Stewart (Ronceverte, W.Va.) returns after leading WVU Tech in scoring a year ago, averaging 11.3 points per game while shooting 37.2 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from three-point range. She also hit a team-best 86.8 percent from the free-throw line and added nearly four rebounds per contest.
Liz Cadle (Beckley, W.Va.) was one of the team's most versatile players, averaging 9.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. She provided steady scoring and was among Tech's leaders in assists and steals.
Alexis Sexton (Lexington, S.C.) posted 9.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, connecting on 41.0 percent from the field and 30.3 percent from beyond the arc. She was one of Tech's most consistent scoring options throughout the season.
They are joined by fellow returners Avery Lucas, Kyra Brown, Mary Beth Meadows, Emily Sharkey, Abby Eastman, Emmanuella Amaefula, Jazzlyn Nixon and Kennedy Hancock, all of whom gained valuable experience last season and add depth to this year's rotation.
Newcomers and Depth
The Golden Bears welcome a strong incoming class, highlighted by several in-state standouts including Maggie Boroski, Halle Crouse, Addyson Amick and Alivia Monroe. The combination of veteran leadership and fresh energy gives WVU Tech a deeper, more balanced roster heading into the new year.
Schedule Highlights
Tech opens its slate with scrimmages at Davis & Elkins (Oct. 19) and West Virginia Wesleyan (Oct. 25) before tipping off the regular season November 1 at home versus Ohio Christian University inside the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center.
Conference play begins December 10 at Shawnee State, followed by the RSC home opener January 13 against Rio Grande. The Golden Bears will host 12 games in Beckley this winter, closing the regular season with Brescia (Feb. 14) and Midway (Feb. 17).
Looking Ahead
With three proven scorers returning and a roster filled with depth and potential, WVU Tech looks to turn last year's experience into more consistent success in the River States Conference race.
The Golden Bears tip off the 2025–26 season November 1 in Beckley.
Full coverage and live links are available at goldenbearathletics.com/coverage.
