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Vincennes University

New Energy, New Era as Trailblazers Open 2025–26 Season

New Energy, New Era as Trailblazers Open 2025–26 Season
October 30, 2025

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Women's Basketball program enters a new chapter under first-year Head Coach Nyla Johnson, who takes over a team eager to build on last season's foundation while embracing a refreshed identity rooted in toughness, speed, and connection.

Looking Back at 2024–25

The Lady Trailblazers finished 17–15 overall and 10–4 in Region 24 play, advancing to the Region 24 Semifinals after a quarterfinal win over Lincoln Trail. The team posted an impressive 12–5 home record, earning quality wins against conference rivals John A. Logan College, Lincoln Trail College, and Southwestern Illinois College.

VU was led by Delora Pricop, who averaged 15.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, and Ahmya Thomas, who contributed 12.4 points and 4.1 assists per contest. Emani Washington (11.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and Marta Gutierrez (11.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg) provided a balanced perimeter presence, helping the Trailblazers average 70.9 points per game on 42 percent shooting. All four played key roles in the team's offensive production last season, though Washington is the lone returner from that group, bringing back valuable experience and scoring ability to a retooled lineup.

As Johnson inherits the roster, she does so with a focus on redefining the team's mindset around daily competition and unity. "This culture is used to winning and winning a lot," she said. "But we have a team full of players who are still learning what that means. Every day, our goal is to compete, to be a good person, and to be a great teammate. If we do that, the results will follow."

Building the Culture

Johnson, who arrives after a successful stint as an assistant at NCAA Division I Belmont University, brings with her a coaching background that spans every level of college basketball — from NAIA to Division I — and a passion for mentorship and relationship-driven leadership. "The holistic development of young women — both as athletes and people — has long been a driving force in my career," Johnson said. "I'm honored to lead a program with such rich tradition and excited to help our players grow on and off the court."

Leadership From Returners

The Trailblazers return three key sophomores —Washington, Netala Dixon, and Iris Comesaña-Varela — each of whom played vital minutes last season and now step into larger leadership roles. Dixon averaged 9.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while serving as one of VU's primary ball-handlers. Varela, a versatile 5-foot-9 guard from Spain, provided steady minutes off the bench last season, averaging 4.2 points and 2.1 rebounds per game while giving the Trailblazers an unselfish passer and active defender on the wing.

"Netala is a dynamic guard — explosive, seasoned, and a true floor leader," Johnson said. "Emani has a silky-smooth game and can score it from anywhere. Iris brings international experience and high basketball IQ. They know what it takes to compete at this level and will set the tone for our team."

Newcomers and Fresh Faces

The 2025–26 roster is built around balance, depth, and international flavor. VU's 13-player lineup includes six newcomers who Johnson believes can make an immediate impact.

Zion Hayes (Cartersville, Ga./Weatherford College) joins the Trailblazers as a transfer with Division I athleticism and leadership presence. "Zion is our leader," Johnson said. "She guards all five positions, brings energy every day, and has the competitive drive you want from a veteran guard."

Taliya Heron (Toronto, Canada/Iona University) adds size and versatility on the wing, while Aniya Lawrence (Toronto, Canada/Bond Academy) and Makayla Alexander (Louisville, Ky./Butler HS) bring toughness and scoring punch from the perimeter. In the frontcourt, Dzenifera Rieksta (Saldus, Latvia/Williston State College) and Luna Luca (Tirana, Albania/Albania College of Tirana) provide interior defense, rebounding, and length — both with national team experience.

"Our freshmen and transfers were recruited to play right away," Johnson emphasized. "This is JUCO basketball — you recruit impact players. Every one of them brings something different, but they all share a competitive edge and a love for the game."

Style of Play and Philosophy

Under Johnson, the Lady Trailblazers will look noticeably different — faster, more aggressive, and unified on both ends of the floor. "We want to play fast, defend hard, and make the game fun," she said. "Our goal is to get the ball up the floor in three dribbles or three seconds and flow right into our offense."

Her approach blends structure with adaptability, empowering players to read and react rather than rely on rigid sets. "Our offense is built around freedom and spacing," Johnson explained. "It takes time to learn, but once it clicks, it's fast, fluid, and hard to guard. We've spent the offseason conditioning and installing terminology so our players can make quick, confident decisions."

Defensively, Johnson's philosophy is grounded in toughness and communication. "We'll be very hard-nosed — full-court pressure, disciplined rotations, and rebounding as a team," she added. "That's our identity. We want opponents to feel us every possession."

Schedule Outlook

The Trailblazers will face one of the most competitive schedules in the region this season, featuring four nationally ranked opponents across non-conference and Region 24 play. VU opens the campaign at home against Owens Community College (November 1), ranked No. 6 nationally in the NJCAA Division III Preseason Poll, before traveling to Mineral Area College (November 4) and hosting the Cardinals in the return matchup (December 17).

VU's non-conference slate also includes a pair of marquee meetings with Three Rivers College (November 22-away, December 3-home), ranked No. 6 nationally in the NJCAA Division I preseason poll, and a matchup at Olive-Harvey College (November 8), ranked No. 25 nationally.

Region 24 play will again test Vincennes against some of the best in the country, including league power Wabash Valley College (January 24-home, February 28 away), which enters the year ranked No. 20 nationally, and Southwestern Illinois College (January 28-away, March 3-home).

The demanding schedule will challenge a roster that includes 10 underclassmen and three returners. "We play four top-25 teams throughout the regular season and played two others in the preseason," Johnson said. "Every game is a challenge — but every game is also an opportunity for us to get better."

Setting the Foundation

For Johnson, the 2025–26 season is about more than wins — it's about building habits, accountability, and culture. "We talk every day about competing, being a great teammate, and being a good person," she said. "Those three pillars drive everything we do."

She knows success will take time but believes in the group's potential. "This team loves basketball. They're competitive, passionate, and connected — and that's the best foundation a coach can ask for," Johnson said. "If we keep growing together, I think people are going to enjoy watching Vincennes Women's Basketball this season."

Join the Journey

As always, fans can keep up with the Vincennes University Women's Basketball squad all year long through a number of ways: