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Colgate University Athletics

WBB

Women’s Basketball Sets Sights on Upcoming Season

| By: Ashley Hudak

Bush enters second season with first recruiting class

HAMILTON – With year one under her belt, head coach Shannon Bush enters her second season with high expectations for the women's basketball program.

In her first season at the helm, Bush finished the 2025-26 season with a 7-24 record, including a 2-16 mark in league play. Bush opened the season 4-0, earning her first win as head coach on the road at Siena with a gritty 53-43 victory.

The Raiders went on to win back-to-back home games against Ithaca (66-45) and the University of New Hampshire (89-79). Colgate earned its fourth win on the road at Cornell, Bush's former team before she took the head coaching position at Colgate. The Raiders edged the Big Red, 60-54.

Colgate faced competitive league opponents throughout the 2025-26 season. As postseason play approached, the Raiders traveled to Lewisburg, Pa., to face No. 7 Bucknell on its home court. Colgate went 0-2 against the Bison during the regular season but flipped the script in the postseason, defeating Bucknell 57-47. The win earned Bush her first postseason victory and a spot in the quarterfinals.

The Raiders graduated six seniors, but all nine players from the previous season remain on Colgate's roster, including leading scorer Ella Meabon. A rising star for the Raiders, Meabon made significant contributions on both ends of the court and earned a spot on the 2025-26 All-Patriot League Third Team.

Last season, Meabon led the team in scoring (445 points), field goals made (163), free throws made (99) and defensive rebounds (118). She recorded four double-doubles and posted a career-high 35 points and 11 rebounds against the University of New Hampshire, finishing three points shy of tying Cotterell Court's all-time scoring record.

"We are excited about the group we have coming into this season, led by nine returning players who provide a strong foundation of experience, leadership, and pride in this program," said Bush. "We have made significant strides throughout the offseason, both individually and collectively, and our team's growth has been evident in the way we are competing and holding each other accountable in practice. 

"Our captains Ella Meabon, Amarah Streiff and Laila Hankerson have set the standard from the moment we stepped on campus this summer, demonstrating leadership, commitment and a work ethic that will be instrumental to our success. Their example, combined with the talent and energy of our entire roster, has us excited about the potential of this group and what we can accomplish together."

Experienced players returning to Colgate's lineup include Amarah Streiff, Laila Hankerson and Taye Matthews. Streiff made 22 starts and appeared in 23 games during the 2025-26 season. Her strength is perimeter shooting, as she nailed 33 3-pointers last season, including a season-high four at Loyola.

Hankerson appeared in all 31 games last season, making eight starts. Assuming the role of the team's point guard, Hankerson dished out 31 assists while converting 34 field goals and 11 3-pointers.

Matthews, the team's sixth player off the bench last season, made an impact on both ends of the court. Matthews ranked second on the team in points (212), field goals made (83) and free throws made (31). Defensively, Matthews contributed 76 rebounds and 23 steals.

"Our focus throughout the offseason has been consistently upholding our standards, trusting the process, and building momentum through small, everyday wins," stated Bush. "We have emphasized being intentional about how we work, holding ourselves and each other accountable, and taking care of the details that we can control. As we head into this season, it's about continuing to stack positive days, embracing the work, and building positive habits."

While six seniors graduated, six incoming first-year players look to make their mark. T'Maea Eteuati, Fleur Gamal, Molly Corcoran, Mia Brockmeyer, Kendall Konigsberg and Kailia Francis round out the incoming class.

The incoming class brings a diverse range of talent, as the five players hail from different states across the country, while one international student-athlete previously played for Great Britain's national team.

"Our six talented newcomers have been great additions to our program," said Bush. "They have embraced the opportunity to learn and grow and we have been impressed with the way that they've committed to our team culture and standards. As they continue to find their footing and build chemistry with our returning players, we are excited about the depth, versatility and skill sets that they bring to our roster. We believe this class has a very bright future and are looking forward to seeing them develop and impact on the floor this season!" 

The Raiders are set to open their season at home Tuesday with a 6 p.m. tipoff against Morrisville.
 
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