Georgia College & State University opened its women’s basketball season in Franklin Springs, Georgia, as the program battled hard against Young Harris College in the season opener on Friday, Nov. 14, and Emmanuel University on Saturday, Nov. 15.
The Bobcats’ women’s basketball team has yet to collect their first win, losing to Young Harris 61-49 and Emmanuel 62-49. The program underwent several changes during the offseason, losing nine seniors from the previous season: Chandler Davis, Evie DePetro, Alexis Figures, Cierra Foster, Camryn James, Miracle Parker, Jada Warren, Ashyia Willis and Amelia Wylly. The team also lost one of its top scorers in Hannah Cail, who transferred to the University of North Georgia.
The most significant change is the change in coaching. With the departure of former head coach Ross Jolly, interim head coach Catrina Green has stepped up, receiving nothing but positive feedback from her athletes thus far.
“I am super excited,” said Bailey Vick, a senior on the women’s basketball team. “I really love the way that Coach Green has changed the culture for our team, and given us a lot more positivity, switching up the whole atmosphere for the team. She’s given us a lot more feedback and allowed us to play at our own pace.”
“We had her as an assistant last year, so we’re very familiar,” said Natalia Bolden, a senior on the women’s basketball team. “Her transitioning to our head coach has been great. I love her system. She’s very passionate about things outside of basketball. She really cares about our experience and priorities like school and our mental health, rather than solely our performance.”
GCSU women’s basketball made it to the semifinals in the 2024-2025 season; however, the season ended at the hands of the seventh-ranked team, the University of North Georgia, 63-22 in March. The Bobcats concluded their season with a 17-13 overall record and a 9-9 conference record.
“With the smaller team, I think it means just staying in shape for one, we’re only going to have five or six subs,” Bolden said. “We need to correct the errors, like fouls and turnovers.”
The Bobcats enter the season with a 13-player team, including four freshmen in Sloane Vick, Elizabeth Wynn, Kayla Sylvain and Caroline Beavin. The Bobcats also field three seniors through Deshona Gaither, Bailey Vick, Bolden and Rose Bone. Green has also brought in graduate student Hayley Shepherd, who fans may know mostly as a player for the GCSU women’s volleyball team; however, she plans to play forward for the Bobcats following the volleyball season.
“Now going into my senior year with my younger sister,” Vick said. “It’s really exciting for me, especially since Sloane is one of my best friends. So, it’s exciting to be able to share the court with her and share a lot of time bonding with her.”
Among the current seniors, Gaither played the most minutes in the previous season, averaging 5.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 30 appearances. As of the first few contests this season, Beavin has led the Bobcats in points, putting up 21 in her first two games, followed by Nylah Nuri with 16 in her first pair of games. Beavin has also been successful outside the three-point line three of seven times.
“I think we have a young group that is hungry this year to compete,” said Catrina Green, head coach of the women’s basketball team. “A lot of them haven’t had the opportunities to see a lot of court time, and having some young kids transfer. I’m excited to see them showcase what they can do and what we’ve helped them with in the development here in the preseason.”
Bone leads the Bobcats in rebounds with 14, with Wynn following with 11. Gaither accumulated four steals in the game against Young Harris College.
“I’m excited to play all the games,” Green said. “No matter who we’re playing, everybody in the Peach Belt brings a competitive atmosphere, a competitive team. I’m excited to play everybody; however, my favorite game will be our Education Day game, having all these kids come in and pack out the Centennial Center, it’s a lively atmosphere.”
The Bobcats women’s basketball game celebrates its home opener on Wednesday, Nov. 19, as they take on the Warriors of Southern Wesleyan University at 6 p.m. inside the Centennial Center.
“Come out and support us,” Green said. “We love having fans in the stands. I love being able to get out and connect with the fans, as they continue to pour into our athletes. Come and enjoy us, and support us throughout the year.”