HARRISONBURG, Va.- With the weather getting colder and the days getting shorter, that means it's almost time to hit the hardwood for basketball season! This week, we will preview the season ahead for EMU's two basketball programs, starting today with the women's team, who enter a new era with a new head coach in 2026-27.
Head Coach: Tori Jankoska – First Season
2025-26 in Review
The Royals dealt with their fair share of adversity in the 2025-26 season, going 5-20 overall and 0-16 in ODAC play. However, there were some highlights to celebrate, including an impressive 90-point output in a win over Mary Baldwin, the team's first time scoring 90 points or more in a game since 2017. The play of
Grace Burke was also a silver lining, as she led the ODAC in three-pointers per game (2.6) and was third in the conference in three-pointers made (57).
Preseason ODAC Poll: 12th (15 pts.)
ODAC Preview
Schedule Highlights
Season/Home Opener: Friday, Nov. 6 vs. Hood College – 7 p.m.
ODAC Opener: Wednesday, Dec. 2 vs. Bridgewater – 7:30 p.m.
Rowdy Royals: Wednesday, Jan. 20 vs. Shenandoah – 7 p.m.
Play4Kay Game: Wednesday, Feb. 3 vs. Washington & Lee – 7 p.m.
Senior Day/Regular Season Finale: Saturday, Feb. 20 vs. Lynchburg – 2 p.m.
ODAC Tournament: Tuesday, Feb. 23 – Saturday, Feb. 27
Full Schedule
Key Losses: Lexie Dingus,
Jayda Jones
Key Returners: Grace Burke,
Jeriyah Osborne, Kaylene Todd, Lauren Townsend
Full Roster
Outlook: The Royals will have plenty of familiar faces on the court this season, bringing back 10 players from the 2025-26 roster. Coach Jankoska is also adding five new recruits to fill out the 2026-27 team.
Anna Smith, a sophomore from Waynesboro, is poised to make some early contributions as she brings some much-needed size to EMU's lineup. 2026-27 also marks the return of senior
Brooke Morris to the program, who sat out the 2025-26 campaign after playing basketball her first two years on campus. Osborne, a senior from Lynchburg, enters the season ranked ninth in EMU history for career steals as she aims to move up the record book ranks in that category.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding EMU women's basketball, follow EMU on Twitter and Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.
