Basketball | 11/7/2025 8:15:00 AM

DENTON, Texas (Nov. 7, 2025) – Home sweet KMA. A place filled with joyous fans, exciting moments and electrifying memories.

Tonight, Kitty Magee Arena will be host to the first game of the regular season for the 2025-26 Texas Woman's basketball season.

The Pioneers, who were ranked No. 3 in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Preseason Poll, are coming off a championships season. During 2024-25, they claimed their third straight Lone Star Conference Regular Season Title and second straight LSC Tournament Championship. They closed the regular season at home in KMA in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen – just their second loss of the season.

"Last season set a strong foundation, and this year we want to take the next step—stay consistent, finish stronger and continue raising the standard," senior Hadyn Collie said. "It's about maintaining our focus, competing with intensity and trusting the work we've put in."

While last season may not have ended in the full storybook fashion they desired, they made history, and in storybook fashion they get to start this season where they left off last season – right back home in front of their fans.

For senior Jada Celsur, starting at home sets the tone for the whole season.

"To feel our community have our back the very first game of the season and knowing that they will always be there, win or lose, it means everything. I can't wait, and I am so excited to represent the Pioneers!"

Senior Gabby Elliott said she cannot wait to hear the crowd tonight as the Pioneers start the year. 

"It's super exciting to start the season with a home game. I'm looking forward to having a home crowd support and playing on our home court."

TWU will begin their season against Wayne State, who finished last season with a 20-12 record and lost in the semifinal round of the Midwest Regional against Grand Valley State. Then, they will follow up the season opener with a game on Saturday at 6 p.m. against No. 25 Harding, who closed last season 25-7 and ended their run in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Pittsburg State.

As the experienced group of Pioneers know, the season is a journey – each game a steppingstone and opportunity to be their best and play the game they love.

Senior Averee Kleinhans said she wants to be present in every moment this year.

"My mindset heading into this final season for me is to not take anything for granted. It's very easy to get caught up in the practices, games, schoolwork, and much more. I want to be really intentional to really take time for myself and my teammates this season."

Each game and each moment will be special this season, because the Pioneers have the opportunity to play the game they love with their family, while representing a university and program who has changed their lives.

"I love being a TWU Pioneer because of the strong sense of community and pride we have here," fifth year guard Kayla Glover said. "Everyone from the coaches to the students genuinely supports each other. TWU is a place that pushes you to grow not just as an athlete, but as a person. Being part of a program that values hard work, leadership, and family makes it really special to wear "Pioneers" across my chest."

Tonight, the seniors will don the Pioneers across their chest for the first, last time – ready to electrify the crowd and begin the journey of the 2025-26 season.