The following article is an opinionated preview of the upcoming women’s basketball season.

Coming off its fifth straight season with an over .500 record, the University of Rhode Island women’s basketball team heads into the 2025 campaign with high expectations and a championship mindset.

After finishing 17-16 overall and 11-7 in league play, the Rams return a solid veteran core and have added several key transfers to bolster an already formidable lineup.

Under Head Coach Tammi Reiss, entering her sixth season, Rhode Island has built a reputation as one of the Atlantic 10 Conference’s toughest and most disciplined defensive teams. Last year, the Rams held opponents to just 55.2 points per game while outrebounding teams by more than six per contest — a testament to their physicality and consistency on the glass.

This offseason, Reiss took an aggressive approach to roster building. She brought in some high-impact players from the top programs in the A-10, adding skill, size and experience to her rotation.

Rhode Island will, however, have to replace the production of graduated forward Harsimran “Honey” Kaur ’25, who led the Rams in both scoring (12.2 points per game) and rebounding (7.7 rebounds per game). The 6-foot-4-inch center was a steady force on both ends of the court, giving Rhode Island a height advantage and a commanding presence inside.

Her successor could be 6-foot-5-inch second-year Albina Syla, a forward from Vantaa, Finland. Syla appeared in 19 games as a freshman and has drawn attention this preseason for her improved strength and rebounding ability. The Rams will look to her to fill the void left by Kaur and anchor the interior defense.

Rhode Island also faces the challenge of replacing Anaelle Dutat, who averaged 7.9 points and nearly eight rebounds last season before transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder. Dutat’s defensive instincts and toughness were central to the Rams’ rebounding success.

To offset those losses, Reiss added two proven Atlantic 10 veterans. Fifth-year transfer Valentina Ojeda joins the Rams from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she averaged 7.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 49.7% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range. Known for her defensive energy, Ojeda also totaled 18 steals last year.

Fourth-year Brooklyn Gray, a transfer guard from Saint Louis University, adds backcourt scoring and quickness. Gray averaged 12 points per game for the Billikens and ranked among the league leaders in steals with 47. Her experience and two-way play should immediately strengthen Rhode Island’s perimeter defense.

The Rams’ returning core remains strong. Third-year Sophia Vital will again run the offense after leading the team with 129 assists last season. Fourth-year Ines Debroise (7.7 PPG) and second-year Palmire Mbu (4.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG) will continue to play key roles, giving Reiss a deep and balanced rotation.

Rhode Island’s offseason moves have already earned recognition across the league. In the Atlantic 10 preseason poll, released Sept. 30, Gray was named to the Preseason All-Conference Second Team, and Debroise earned a spot on the Preseason All-Defensive Team.

With its trademark defense, veteran leadership and fresh talent, Rhode Island enters the new season poised to remain a contender in the Atlantic 10. For Reiss and the Rams, the message is simple — the standard has been set, and expectations have never been higher.

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