Colorado Women’s Basketball Prepares for Exciting 2025-26 Season

Colorado Athletics just wrapped up its Winter Sports Media Day, shining a spotlight on the Colorado Women’s Basketball team. Head coach JR Payne, now in her 10th season, took the stage with a few players to share their thoughts and excitement for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

The team features a mix of new faces and familiar ones, and they’re heading into the year with high hopes and a tough schedule. Let’s break down some highlights from the event—preparation, player dynamics, and what’s ahead.

Colorado Women’s Basketball: A Season of Transition and Excitement

As the team gets ready for 2025-26, you can feel the buzz. Coach Payne talked about the challenges and opportunities of bringing in 10 new players for the second year in a row.

With five freshmen and five transfers, there’s a lot of fresh talent and energy. Payne pointed out how adapting to the ever-changing world of college sports—think transfer portal and NIL deals—is just part of the job now.

Building a Strong Foundation

Even with so many new players, Payne sticks to the core values that have shaped her time at Colorado. She talked about the team’s foundation: relationship culture, toughness, and perseverance.

Those principles have stuck around for a decade, helping the team stay resilient and close-knit. Payne’s focus on these basics has really kept the group grounded, no matter what’s happening in college basketball.

Key Players and Their Roles

This year’s roster brings a lot of variety—players with all sorts of skills and backgrounds. Senior forward Jade Masogayo, who made the 2025 Preseason All-Big 12 Women’s Basketball Team, credits her teammates and coaches for their support and belief in her.

Masogayo’s journey from transfer to standout player really shows how strong the team’s culture is.

Jade Masogayo: A Rising Star

Masogayo’s growth jumps out in her consistency and efficiency on the court. She says she’s playing with more freedom and confidence now, which lets her trust her instincts more.

This shift in mindset has fueled her development, and she’ll need it as she steps into a bigger leadership role this season.

Kennedy Sanders: Leading by Example

Junior guard Kennedy Sanders brings a quieter kind of leadership. She’s not the loudest, but she leads by example on and off the floor.

Her mix of honest feedback and encouragement has helped the new players settle in and gel with the team. Sanders loves the idea of positionless basketball, and her versatile style reflects that approach.

Newcomers and Their Impact

Five transfers and five freshmen have brought a new spark to the squad. Payne wanted to boost the backcourt with athleticism and defense, and she got it.

Bringing in all-conference defenders like Anaëlle Dutat, Zyanna Walker, and Desiree Wooten has made the team much tougher defensively.

Transfers Bringing Experience

Transfers like Walker from Kansas State and Wooten from North Texas add a ton of experience and flexibility. They can create off the bounce and play several positions, which gives the lineup more options.

Payne’s recruiting choices have really set the team up to handle whatever the season throws at them, especially on defense.

Freshmen Adding Fresh Energy

Freshmen like guard Erianna Gooden and center Jade Crook are already making their presence felt. Their work in summer training and early practices has helped them fit in faster.

This blend of young energy and veteran experience could make things pretty interesting as the season unfolds.

Looking Ahead: The 2025-26 Season Schedule

The schedule isn’t going to be easy. Colorado starts with an exhibition against the Colorado School of Mines on October 29.