FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team is set to begin the 2025-26 campaign on Saturday, Nov. 8, as the Eagles take on Davidson from Alico Arena at 7 p.m.

The 2025–26 season marks the beginning of a new chapter for FGCU Women's Basketball, as Raina Harmon steps into the head coaching role for one of the most successful mid-major programs in the nation. Fresh off her tenure at the University of Iowa, Harmon brings a wealth of experience from one of the country's most competitive conferences and a reputation for developing well-rounded student-athletes.

At Iowa, Harmon played a key role in building one of the most dynamic and efficient offenses in college basketball, while also helping shape the culture of a program that reached national prominence. Known for her emphasis on discipline, communication and detail, she arrives in Fort Myers with a clear vision for FGCU's next chapter, one that blends the program's long-standing commitment to excellence with a renewed focus on player development, offensive efficiency, and defensive toughness.

The Eagles enter this season fresh off another championship run that showcased their consistency and competitive fire. Last year, the Eagles captured their ninth straight ASUN Tournament Championship and earned another berth in the NCAA Tournament. Under Harmon's leadership, the team will look to maintain its trademark fast-paced style and perimeter shooting while integrating new approaches, both offensively and defensively.

FGCU enters the season with a strong blend of returning experience and fresh talent, providing the foundation for another competitive campaign. Cerina Rolle, Karina Gordon, Maca Retamales, Jordan Campbell, and Anna Mortag return from last year's championship team to provide leadership and stability, giving the Eagles a reliable core that understands what it takes to win at a high level. Harmon then brought in Nay Staton (Towson), Mikayla Paschal (Lakewood HS), Sinai Douglas (Michigan State), Jalei Pillow (Eastern Florida State College), Shameir Quimby (Miami Dade College), Airah Lavy (Saint Francis), and Eve Alexander (Florida A&M) to round out her first roster as the Eagles' head coach.

FGCU will look to avenge last year's season opener against Davidson, which saw the Wildcats take down the Eagles 57-56.

The Eagles are 17-6 in season openers, but 21-2 in home openers.

Fans visiting Alico Arena can look forward to enhancements to the viewing experience, including new integrated light-show effects, spotlights, and fog machines that will bring a new level of energy and spectacle to introductions and in-game presentations. 

Fans will also notice signage and aesthetic updates throughout Alico Arena. Those upgrades include improvements in the lobby, suite areas, and the Hillmeyer-Tremont Suite, all reinforcing the modern, vibrant look of the arena. In addition, concession areas have been enhanced with improved service options and the introduction of local Riptide Brewery selections.

After battling with the Wildcats, the Eagles will host the Ave Maria Gyrenes on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. from Alico Arena.

To stay up-to-date on the Eagles, be sure to follow on Instagram and X at FGCU_WBB.