HIGH POINT, N.C. — The reigning Big South Conference Tournament Champions are set to defend their crown in 2025-26, looking to go back-to-back this season. The High Point University women's basketball team opens its campaign on Monday, November 3, inside the Qubein Center, beginning their quest for another ring.
The 2025-26 Panthers feature a dynamic mix of returning stars and fresh faces ready to make an impact. Transfers Macy Spencer, Lexi Fleming, and Brecken Snotherly, headline the newcomers, while freshmen Sky Donaie, Sanai Cole, and Cheyenne Brand round out an energetic and talented roster.
"I think the offseason has gone pretty well," Head Coach Chelsea Banbury said. "We battled the same challenges that a lot of schools do with inconsistency, but overall, our players have done a great job of catching on to how we want to play — the intensity we expect and the standard we're setting for this season.
"You go into every year hoping to be better than the last. We were fortunate to earn both championships, and our goal now — as a team and a staff — is to get better every game. That work doesn't just happen in March; it comes from the commitment we've put in all offseason and continue to put in every single day."
Leading the way is Nevaeh Zavala, the Big South Preseason Player of the Year, who returns after a breakout season where she set career highs across every major offensive category. Zavala spent the offseason sharpening her game as she looks to guide the Panthers to another championship run.
Another key returner, Chana Paxixe, remains the heartbeat of the team. Known by fans for taking countless charges during last year's tournament, her teammates know her as the emotional leader and tone-setter in the locker room.
"This preseason, we've been working really hard," Paxixe said. "We have players who truly want to compete and will do whatever it takes to get back to the conference final and make another run in March Madness. It's about taking it one day at a time and winning every single day."
Paxixe also praised the new additions who've brought energy and competition to the group.
"I love playing with everyone, but Brecken is a fierce competitor, Lexi brings fire and hypes up the team, and Macy's a lights-out shooter," she said. "If we keep that chemistry strong, we'll have a great season."
The Panthers have one goal in mind — to climb back to the top of the Big South and capture the program's third conference championship, with a chance to go back-to-back for the first time in team history.
High Point tips off the 2025-26 season at home in the Qubein Center against Johnson C. Smith University on Monday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m.
#H3U x #GoHPU
