2025–26 Women's Basketball Season Preview

ALBANY, N.Y. - The Great Danes enter the 2025–26 season as one of the most consistent programs in the America East. 

After a 26-7 campaign that included an America East regular-season title and postseason berth, UAlbany once again looks ready to contend. Head coach Colleen Mullen leads a roster that balances returning experience with an exciting group of newcomers.

“Our unselfish culture [is what drives our success],” said Mullen. “We’ve had talented players who are fully bought into the process and willing to sacrifice personal glory for the team.”

The Great Danes continue to be defined by defense, discipline, and teamwork, with players embracing their roles and the program’s championship expectations.

Mullen Magic

Now in her seventh season at the helm, Colleen Mullen has established UAlbany as a defensive powerhouse and perennial title contender. Since arriving in 2018, she has guided the Great Danes to an America East Championship title, an NCAA Tournament appearance, multiple postseason bids, and four straight 20-win seasons.

Her approach centers on consistency and relationships. 

“It’s a shared accomplishment,” Mullen said of reaching 100 career wins last year. “Megan [Methven] and Catherine [Cassidy] have been with me all seven years and their loyalty and expertise have been invaluable. I’m grateful for them and all of the student-athletes who’ve built this program.”

Defense remains the foundation of UAlbany basketball. 

“Defense is effort and discipline,” said Mullen. “It’s our mindset and identity. We practice it, talk about it, and reward it. When we defend with intent and intensity, we can compete with anyone.”

International Identity

This summer, the Great Danes traveled to Italy for their first foreign tour since 1998. They visited Rome, Florence, and Venice and faced Italian club teams. The trip gave players valuable preseason competition and strengthened team chemistry.

“Our players built meaningful relationships, learned about a new culture, and created lasting memories," Mullen continued. "It encouraged them to think globally and appreciate the opportunity to study abroad.”

The experience resonated across the roster. Transfer guard Júlia Palomo Vicente called it “a lifetime opportunity” and said it allowed the team to bond beyond basketball. 

“It helped me connect with everyone on and off the court,” freshman Laura Vera added. “Traveling together, sharing meals, and exploring new cities made us feel like a family before the season even started.”

With players representing Portugal, Spain, Iceland, Germany, Canada, and Italy, UAlbany has developed a truly global identity that shapes how the Great Danes play and connect.

Season Goals

After four straight 20-win seasons and back-to-back postseason appearances, the Great Danes enter the new year focused on taking another step forward. The program’s goals are rooted in consistency, connection, and championship-level standards.

For Mullen, success is about more than trophies. “Success is about growth,” she said. “Watching this team come together, build chemistry, and evolve over the next five months will make this season rewarding.” 

This season’s goals emphasize player development, defensive excellence, and adaptability against high-level competition. The Great Danes aim to remain among the nation’s top defensive units while continuing to expand their offensive tempo and versatility.

Team-wide, UAlbany wants to reclaim the America East Tournament title and secure another trip to the NCAA Tournament. Beyond that, Mullen’s focus remains on the long-term vision of the program: preparing student-athletes for success both on and off the court.

Graduate student Bella Stuart said the team’s mindset is simple: “We want to be known for how hard we work and how tough we are."

Home Court Energy

The Broadview Center remains one of the most energetic home environments in the America East. The Great Danes’ fans and campus community continue to create an atmosphere that energizes the players and challenges every opponent.

“Excitement around women’s basketball is at an all-time high,” Mullen said. “Broadview is an incredible arena, and our fans bring it to life. Their energy gives us a true home-court advantage and we can’t wait to see even more supporters this season.”

“It feels like home,” added senior Gabriela Falcão. “After being here three years, I have created connections with people – they know you, they support you – and it’s so rewarding to have people acknowledge the work you put in.”

“My favorite part [of playing at Broadview Center] is seeing the familiar faces that always come to our games and support us,” said sophomore Emma Hákonardóttir. “I think we have a really good and loyal crowd at our games. They make the whole experience better.”

Schedule Highlights

The Great Danes open the 2025–26 season on November 4 at Broadview Center against Marist, followed by a November 7 road matchup at Syracuse. The non-conference slate includes Dartmouth, Rhode Island, Siena, St. Bonaventure, RPI, Boston University, Hofstra, Sacred Heart, and Vanderbilt.

America East play begins January 1 at home against Vermont.

“These early games are meant to test us,” said Mullen. “They’ll prepare us for the intensity of league play.”

Some are ready to get the season started. “I am excited about our first game against Marist because it will be our first official game as a team and we get to show people what we are made of,” said freshman Anaïs Levasseur.

Others are excited for the challenges ahead, specifically Syracuse. “It’s a chance to test ourselves against a big program and show how much we’ve grown as a team,” said Martina Borrellas.

As always, the Great Danes are looking forward to welcoming Siena back to Broadview Center for the Albany Cup, a tradition with a reputation. “Before officially committing to UAlbany, I had heard that the Albany Cup is an intense game to watch,” said freshman Amaya Stewart. “Now that I am here, I cannot wait to feel the excitement from the crowd.”

Returning Core

UAlbany brings back a strong group of returners who know how to win. Senior guard Gabriela Falcão (Portugal) returns as a steady leader, joined by sophomores Delanie Hill (North Carolina), Martina Borrellas (Spain), and Emma Hákonardóttir (Iceland). All three played key roles last season and continue to grow as consistent contributors. 

Falcão said her focus is on leading through action. “Knowing that I’ve been here the longest, it’s about channeling our team culture that has been key in past seasons’ success like our resilience, respect, competitiveness, and commitment.”

Being the lone returning starter, Hill is “approaching her leadership through my actions and communication. I’m focusing on talking to my teammates on and off the court.”

Graduate student Bella Stuart is ready to get back on the court after having to support her teammates from the bench in 2024-25.

“Being able to be on the court with my teammates, seeing what they are seeing, being in the situations on the court with them … I am grateful [to be able to do that,]” said Stuart. “I want to be able to do that [with gratitude] and lead by example because you never know when it can be taken away.” 

Fresh Faces

UAlbany’s 2025 recruiting class is one of its most international and versatile yet. The group includes transfers Júlia Palomo Vicente (Evansville/Casper, Spain) and Lara Langermann (New Mexico, Germany), along with freshmen Anaïs Levasseur (Québec), Emma Zuccon (Italy), Laura Vera (Spain), Amaya Stewart (Pennsylvania), and Nila Giraud (New Jersey).

Langermann said the culture made UAlbany stand out during recruiting. “The care the coaches have for us as their players is truly special and makes me feel so welcomed, appreciated, and valued here.”

The class has been enjoying their time adjusting to UAlbany’s defensive philosophy. “It has been a hard but fun adjustment,” said Palomo Vicente. “I love how the coaches value the importance of defense.”

Giraud feels “being here has taught me to be a better defender,” while Zuccon is excited for “the challenge of playing against the very talented players in Division I.”

Next Level

UAlbany’s ability to develop players into professionals continues to set the program apart. This offseason, Kayla Cooper, Lilly Phillips, and Jessica Tomasetti each signed to play professionally overseas.

“I’m so proud to see them continue playing the game they love,” said Mullen. “It’s exciting to watch their games and hear their joy as they take on this new professional chapter.”

For current players, their example is motivation. “They always came in early, stayed late, and treated every rep seriously,” said Martina Borrellas. “That work ethic has stayed with our team – it’s the standard now. You can still feel their influence in how we practice and prepare.”

“I still carry their competitive drive,” added Delanie Hill. “Watching how they never took plays off and always gave their all has helped me be more competitive.”

Game Day Vibes

UAlbany will host a full lineup of themed promotional nights throughout the 2025–26 season.

• Nov 4 vs Marist – Opening Night
• Nov 10 vs Dartmouth – Around the World (International Students Night)
• Nov 19 vs Siena – Albany Cup
• Nov 26 vs RPI – Friendsgiving
• Dec 13 vs Boston – Taylor Swift Day
• Dec 21 vs Hofstra – Holiday Hoopla
• Jan 1 vs Vermont – 2026 Tip Off
• Jan 3 vs UMass Lowell – Kids Day
• Jan 22 vs Maine – Purple Out
• Jan 24 vs New Hampshire – National Girls & Women in Sports Day (Youth Clinic)
• Feb 5 vs Bryant – Commitment to Education
• Feb 14 vs Binghamton – Pink Game (Alumni Night)
• Feb 19 vs NJIT – Spread Respect
• Feb 21 vs UMBC – Senior Day / Coaches for Autism

The Great Danes will host Chalk Talks and autograph sessions throughout the season.

Drive the Lane

UAlbany is excited to continue its partnership with ESPN Radio 104.5 The Team and City Line Bar & Grill for the fifth consecutive years of ‘Drive the Lane with UAlbany Hoops’. The weekly radio spot features head coaches Colleen Mullen and Dwayne Killings, along with select student-athletes, on air with ESPN Radio 104.5 The Team’s Michael Johnson Jr. (MJ) and Winny Fredericks. The show will be held live on Monday from City Line Bar & Grill on Western Ave across the street from UAlbany’s campus. 

The show is set to run every Monday throughout the basketball season from 6-7 pm. Coaches and student-athletes join MJ and Vinny to break down games, give an inside look at the program, and connect with the Capital Region community. In addition, having the show at City Line Bar & Grill continues to give fanes the unique opportunity to talk to the Great Danes in person. The first show of the 2025-26 season took place on October 27.

Nitty Gritty

Tickets

Both single-game and season tickets are on sale for the entirety of the 2025-26 season. Fans are invited out to Broadview Center for fun and excitement as the women’s basketball team competes for an America East Championship. The Great Danes will kick off the season at home against Marist and host six games at Broadview before beginning the conference season against Vermont on January 1.

To purchase tickets for the 2025-26 season, fans can click the links below or contact the UAlbany Ticket Office by phone (518-442-DANE) or by email (GreatDaneTickets@albany.edu). 

Single-Game Tickets | Season Tickets

America East Preseason Poll

Vermont was named the preseason favorite with a nearly unanimous first-place vote for 63 points. Maine was picked second with the remaining two first-place votes. Bryant (third) and UAlbany (fourth) rounded out the top four.

1. Vermont – 63 (7)
2. Maine – 55 (2)
3. Bryant – 46
4. UAlbany – 42
5. NJIT – 37
6. Binghamton – 26
7. New Hamshire – 24
8. UMBC – 23
9. UMass Lowell - 8

Keep up with all of the latest news, highlights, and insights on UAlbany women’s basketball by following the team on X, Instagram, and Facebook.