The University of Evansville women's basketball program is entering the 2026‑27 campaign with a new head coach at the helm, Ben Wierzba, who brings a fresh philosophy and a clear vision for the future.
A roster built for youth and potential
Wierzba inherits a squad that features four established players alongside nine newcomers, creating a blend of experience and raw talent. Among the returning starters are Avery Kelley, Kaiden Kreinhagen, Mireia Mustaros and Daniela Llavero, each of whom contributed significantly in the previous season.
The departure of All‑Mid‑Continent Conference Second Team guard Camryn Runner to Colorado State leaves a void, but the coaching staff sees an opportunity to integrate fresh faces. New additions include high‑school 1,000‑point scorers Nori Jamison and Jayden Scott, as well as Kelyn Johnson, who led Benson Polytechnic to multiple top‑four finishes in the OSAA State Tournament.
Wierzba's staff includes veteran assistants Susie Gardner, Darion Hutchinson, Style Harper‑Estill and Amber Scalia. Gardner, the winningest head coach in Mercer women's basketball history, brings a wealth of strategic insight, while Hutchinson and Harper‑Estill add depth to player development.
The non‑conference schedule is packed with challenging matchups, including games against DePaul, Kentucky and Illinois, as well as trips to the University of Kentucky and the University of Illinois. These contests are designed to test the team early and accelerate growth.
With eight underclassmen on the roster, the team embraces a youthful energy while hoping to translate that into competitive performances. The blend of experienced returnees and high‑potential newcomers sets the stage for an exciting season ahead.