Lady Commodores set to open the 2025-26 season November 1 in Niceville
The wait is over, basketball season is here!
The preseason ranked #10 Lady Commodores are ready to start the 2025-26 season on Saturday, November 1, when they play Volunteer State Community College in Niceville, Florida.
The Lady Commodores return a strong group of players from last season and welcome several new faces who are expected to make an immediate impact. Gulf Coast will once again rely on its tough defense and quick offense to lead the way this season.
Four Lady Commodores are returning for their sophomore season: Arianny Francisco De Oliveira, Yasmine Allen, Anjela Minja, and Phebean Olujobi. Francisco De Oliveira had an impressive freshman year, earning FCSAA Freshman of the Year, FCSAA Division I All-Tournament Team, and First Team All-Panhandle Conference honors. She averaged 12.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, shot 72.7% from the free-throw line, 34.0% from three-point range, and 43.0% from the field. Allen also had a strong season, shooting 45.7% from the field, 34.4% from behind the arc, and 82.9% from the free-throw line. Minja shot 41.9% from the field and averaged 4.4 rebounds per game.
The team will remain on the road for the Chipola Classic on November 7 and 8, playing Community Christian College on November 7 at 5pm. and Northeast Mississippi Community College on November 8 at 1pm. They will then travel to Miami Dade for a three-game series, taking on Denmark Technical College on November 14 at 4pm est, Monroe University on November 15 at 2pm est, and Miami Dade College on November 16 at 12pm est.
The Lady Commodores will return home for their first home game on November 19 at 5:30pm against Daytona State. They will then host the Richard Sanders Gulf Coast State Classic on November 21 and 22, facing Central Georgia Tech on November 21 at 3:30pm and Mineral Area College on November 22 at 2pm inside the Billy Harrison Field House.