RMU women’s basketball enters the 2025-26 season hoping to build on the promise shown under second-year head coach Chandler McCabe. In McCabe’s first season, the Colonials posted a 15-16 overall record and a 10-10 mark in Horizon League play, earning a fourth place finish, their highest in the league since joining in 2020. They outperformed low preseason expectations (picked to finish last) and made a run to the Horizon League semifinals.
Statistically, RMU averaged about 60.1 points per game while conceding around 62.3 PPG, giving them a negative scoring margin in 2024–25. That margin, along with close losses in conference play, shows there is room for growth on both ends of the floor.
McCabe has already signaled focus areas for improvement: defensive consistency, rebounding toughness, and increasing offensive efficiency in half-court sets. Her second season will test how well the culture changes stick and whether RMU can contend for the upper tier of the Horizon League.
On the schedule front, RMU unveiled a 29-game slate featuring nine non-conference matchups, including local rivals like Pitt, Duquesne, Saint Francis, Cal U, and Point Park. The Colonials open their season on the road at UIC (Nov. 3), before hosting Akron (Nov. 7) and then facing a stretch of in-state foes (Saint Francis, Duquesne, Pitt). They close out November with a road test vs. Eastern Michigan, their first meeting since 1987. December features a final non-conference road game at Mercyhurst (Dec. 3), then transitions into Horizon League play.
Coach McCabe commented on the schedule, “We’re extremely excited to continue building a local fan base with local stars on our roster. We believe this competitive non-conference schedule will prepare us for the challenges of Horizon League play and position us to compete for a championship.”
That non-conference gauntlet will help RMU see where they stand early. But the heart of the season will depend on depth, health, and how well newcomers adapt to McCabe’s system. If core returners can lead and a few transfers or freshmen make immediate impacts, RMU could improve its standing in the league.
Returning Players
Because McCabe’s 2024-25 season was her first, the returning player group provides important stability and carries institutional knowledge:
Aislin Malcolm, Sr., G, Carnegie, PA (Chartiers Valley / Pitt transfer)
Malcolm is a seasoned guard who transferred in before the 2025–26 season (or is listed on roster) and can help control tempo, defend multiple positions, and provide perimeter scoring.
Noa Givon, Sr., G, Ra’anana, Israel (Iona transfer)
A veteran backcourt presence, Givon brings experience, leadership, and scoring ability from outside. Her composure will be valuable in tight games.
Bailey Kuhns, Sr., F, Mount Pleasant, PA (Greensburg Central / Mercyhurst transfer)
An experienced forward, Kuhns helps with rebounding and interior presence. Her veteran minutes will be crucial, especially in battles on the boards.
These returners will be critical in helping newcomers adapt and in anchoring RMU’s rotation.
Incoming Players
RMU’s 2025–26 roster includes several transfers and freshmen additions designed to raise talent and depth:
Markeli Jones-Tynes, Fr., G, Fort Lauderdale, FL (Westminster Academy)
A freshman guard with quickness and playmaking, Jones-Tynes adds backcourt energy and may see rotation minutes early.
Sanai Troutman, Fr., G/F, Frederick, MD (Bullis)
Versatile wing with ability to stretch the floor or slash. Her two-way potential gives McCabe options on the wing.
Layke Fields, Fr., C, Farrell, PA (Kennedy Catholic)
A true post presence, Fields brings size and defensive promise inside. Expect her to compete for minutes in the paint.
Jennica Suggs, So., G/F, St. Paul, MN (Central Florida Christian Academy)
A young transfer/second-year player who can help with perimeter shooting and wing depth.
Myriam Traore, So., G/F, Lognes, France (Siena transfer)
Brings international experience and length on the wing. Her two-way potential is intriguing.
Mallory Daly, So., G, Pittsburgh, PA (Buffalo transfer)
A guard addition who can contribute ball handling and offense from the backcourt.
Ava Leroux, R-So., C, Bridgeville, PA (Elon transfer)
Adds frontcourt depth and interior size. Leroux’s experience will help stabilize the post rotation.
Eva Levingston, Jr., F, Oakland, CA (Cal State Fullerton transfer)
Another forward option who can stretch defenses or provide rebounding — useful for rotation flexibility.
Together, this mix of transfers and freshmen gives RMU a chance to retool key positions, especially in guard play, wing depth, and frontcourt rotation.
Projected Starting Roster
G – Noa Givon
G – Aislin Malcolm
G/F – Myriam Traore
F – Bailey Kuhns
C – Layke Fields
Preview Week 2025-26
MBB: Preseason Poll | Preseason All-League | Preseason Awards
WBB: Preseason Poll | Preseason All-League | Preseason Awards
Cleveland State (MBB | WBB) | Detroit Mercy (MBB | WBB) | Green Bay (MBB | WBB) | IU Indy (MBB | WBB)
Milwaukee (MBB | WBB) | Northern Kentucky (MBB | WBB) | Oakland (MBB | WBB) | Purdue Fort Wayne (MBB | WBB)
Robert Morris (MBB | WBB) | Wright State (MBB | WBB) | Youngstown State (MBB | WBB)
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