Head coach Celeste Stewart took the podium recently to reveal the eight athletes who will join the Augusta University women's basketball program for the 2026‑27 season. The roster features a mix of six transfers and two freshmen, each selected to reinforce the team's offensive firepower and defensive tenacity.
Building on a Historic Triumph
The Jaguars capped the previous campaign by capturing the Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship, their first title in three decades. That milestone set a high bar, and Stewart says the new additions are designed to sustain the momentum and push the squad toward an NCAA tournament berth.
Among the newcomers, Raina Burns arrives from Notre Dame of Maryland University, where she posted 8.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game last season. Trinity Thomas, a junior transfer from Lander University, brings a 11.0‑point average and 4.7 rebounds per game, along with strong playmaking and defensive stats.
Mahkayla Premo, a veteran guard from USC Aiken, is expected to inject leadership and conference‑battle-tested experience. Anaya Beard, a 6‑foot forward from Santa Ana College, led her previous team in scoring and rebounding, offering a versatile inside presence.
Freshmen Sariah Ammons and Reagan Buff join the program with reputations for athleticism and shooting accuracy. Ammons, a guard from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, is celebrated for her ball‑handling, while Buff, a guard from Greenville, South Carolina, is known for her competitive mindset and clutch shooting.
The coaching staff also highlighted other promising transfers: Shiyah Forte, a 6‑foot‑2 forward/center from Southwestern Michigan College, praised for her versatility; Zahkiyyah Frazier, a 6‑foot‑1 center from the University of Bridgeport, who nearly logged a double‑double in rebounds and anchors the defense; and Cierra McGinlay, a guard from Fullerton, California, who contributed 10.5 points per game last season.
With a blend of seasoned transfers and dynamic freshmen, the Jaguars hope to translate their recent championship success into a sustained period of excellence. The ultimate goal is clear: secure another Peach Belt title and earn a coveted spot in the NCAA tournament.