After capturing the 2025-26 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Regular Season Championship and establishing itself as one of the premier defensive teams in NCAA Division II, the Edward Waters University women's basketball program is reloading for another championship run.
Head coach Eric Jackson has assembled one of the deepest and most dynamic recruiting classes in recent program history, adding 12 newcomers to complement a strong returning core as the Lady Tigers set their sights on the 2026-27 SIAC Tournament Championship.
Edward Waters returns several key contributors from last season's championship squad, led by Second-Team All-SIAC selection Tan Brown. One of the conference's top perimeter threats, Brown's ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from beyond the arc will once again be a focal point of the Lady Tigers' offense.
Joining Brown is versatile forward Diana Letaru, who earned SIAC Newcomer of the Week honors twice during her first season in Jacksonville after emerging as one of the conference's rising stars. The Lady Tigers also welcome back frontcourt contributors Xaniya Jackson and Brittney Sparrow, who provided valuable minutes and physicality throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
While the returning group provides continuity, Jackson made a deliberate shift in his recruiting philosophy this offseason.
Known for assembling tough, defensive-minded teams, the veteran head coach placed a renewed emphasis on adding size and playmaking ability in the backcourt.
Leading the incoming class are point guards Markeli Jones-Tynes (5'9) and Asiana Britt (5'8), two floor generals who possess the size, vision, and versatility to orchestrate the Lady Tigers' offense while continuing the program's relentless defensive identity.
"We wanted to become bigger and more versatile in the backcourt," Jackson said. "Adding guards who can create for others, defend multiple positions, and make plays gives us the opportunity to play with even more pace and versatility this season."
Edward Waters also welcomes a talented group of experienced wings and guards who are expected to make an immediate impact.
Division I transfers Madyson Burney, Ashley Lester, and Zyan Reynolds arrive in Jacksonville bringing valuable experience competing at the highest level of collegiate basketball.
The Lady Tigers also strengthened their roster through the junior college ranks, adding Athieng Bol, Khadijah Phillips, Santianna Davy, Cynthia Lecompte, Amadea Montijo, and Ni'Kiyah Robertson. Each brings a unique skill set and competitive experience that should provide immediate depth and versatility throughout the lineup.
The offensive production of the signing class is particularly impressive. Of the program's 12 newcomers, 10 have averaged double figures in scoring during their collegiate careers, giving Jackson an abundance of proven scorers capable of contributing immediately.
The influx of talent provides Edward Waters with one of its deepest rosters under Jackson's leadership. Combined with the returning experience of Brown, Letaru, Jackson, and Sparrow, the Lady Tigers possess the balance of veteran leadership, perimeter playmaking, and frontcourt size needed to compete for another conference championship.
After winning the SIAC Regular Season title in 2025-26, the mission for the Lady Tigers is clear.
With a roster loaded with length, athleticism, and offensive firepower, Edward Waters enters the 2026-27 season determined to build upon last year's success and capture the program's first SIAC Tournament Championship under Jackson.
As preseason preparations begin, expectations are once again high in Jacksonville, where the Lady Tigers believe their newest additions have positioned the program to remain among the conference's elite while continuing its pursuit of postseason success.
Follow The Tigers
For complete coverage of Edward Waters University Athletics, follow the Tigers on social media @EWU_Athletics (Twitter), /EWUTigers (Facebook) and @EWU_Athletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Edward Waters Athletics at EWUTigerPride.com.
