CHICAGO, IL – A new season brings new opportunities for the Chicago State women's basketball program as the Cougars prepare for the 2026-27 campaign under head coach Corry Irvin. With a 32-game schedule, 14 home contests and another season competing in the Northeast Conference (NEC), Chicago State enters the year focused on continued growth, consistency and a push toward the conference's top.
The Cougars are coming off a 9-23 campaign in 2025-26 and were selected seventh in the NEC Preseason Coaches' Poll. With a mix of returning experience and new talent, Chicago State will look to build on its recent conference postseason appearances and establish itself as a contender throughout the upcoming season.
Returning Experience Leads the Way
One of the key pieces returning for Chicago State is junior guard Keona McGee, who earned NEC Second Team All-Conference recognition following an impressive sophomore campaign. McGee also collected multiple NEC weekly honors during the 2025-26 season, establishing herself as an important part of the Cougars' backcourt heading into the new year.
Chicago State also returns senior guards Chloe Sisco, Paris Bass and Brianna Hill, providing veteran leadership and experience. Junior guards Marisa Gant and Kyara Champagne add further familiarity to the roster, while sophomore forward Elani Randall and sophomore center Jade Hamilton-Gill provide returning frontcourt options.
A New Group Ready to Make Its Mark
The Cougars welcome several newcomers who will have an opportunity to contribute immediately. Freshmen Mia Carter, Aunyai' Deere, Eva Young, Emmanuelle Kaldjob and Mazzy O'Brien join the program, bringing additional depth and versatility to the roster.
With a combination of returning upperclassmen and emerging talent, Chicago State will look to develop its identity on both ends of the floor as the season progresses.
A Challenging Nonconference Schedule
Chicago State's nonconference schedule will provide an early test against a variety of opponents from across the country. The Cougars open the season on the road against Illinois State before returning to the Jones Convocation Center for their home opener against Mississippi Valley State on November 5.
The opening stretch also features home matchups against Texas State and Huston-Tillotson, along with a road contest against crosstown opponent UIC.
The Cougars will also compete in two holiday tournaments, traveling to the Great Alaska Shootout November 21-22 before heading to Puerto Rico for the Puerto Rico Clasico December 18-19. Additional nonconference matchups include South Dakota, Western Illinois, Indiana State, Winthrop, Illinois, Iowa State and Howard.
Conference Play and the Road Ahead
NEC play begins January 2 when Chicago State travels to face Central Connecticut State. The 16-game conference schedule will feature home and road matchups against league opponents as the Cougars work toward positioning themselves for the NEC Tournament.
Chicago State will close its regular season February 27 at home against Stonehill before the NEC Tournament begins March 8.
With veteran leadership, new faces and a challenging schedule ahead, the Cougars are ready to take the next step in 2026-27.
