JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Expectations remain high for Edward Waters University Women's Basketball heading into the 2026-27 campaign, as the Lady Tigers have been selected to finish second overall in the SIAC Predicted Order of Finish, while senior guard Tan Brown was named Preseason First-Team All-SIAC.
The preseason recognition comes after a historic 2025-26 campaign for Edward Waters, which established itself among the top teams in the conference and made significant strides on the NCAA Division II stage.
Edward Waters finished last season 24-6 overall and 21-3 in SIAC play, capturing the program's first SIAC East Division Championship. The Lady Tigers also earned their first NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship berth, advancing to the South Regional after putting together one of the best seasons in program history.
The Lady Tigers' success was fueled by one of the nation's stingiest defenses. EWU consistently ranked among the NCAA Division II leaders in scoring defense, field-goal percentage defense and three-point percentage defense throughout the season while putting together a program-record 14-game winning streak.
With several key pieces returning, Edward Waters will look to build on that momentum under head coach Eric Jackson, Jr.
Leading that returning group is Brown, who enters her senior campaign as the Lady Tigers' top returning scorer and one of the conference's premier perimeter threats.
The Eustis, Florida native averaged approximately 14 points per game last season and earned Second-Team All-SIAC honors. Brown also established herself as one of the conference's most dangerous shooters, leading the SIAC in three-point shooting and connecting on more than 60 shots from beyond the arc during the season.
Her ability to stretch opposing defenses played a major role in the Lady Tigers' success. Brown produced several standout performances throughout the year, including a 19-point effort against NCAA Division I opponent Bethune-Cookman in the HBCU Hoops Invitational. She knocked down five three-pointers in the contest to help Edward Waters earn a 55-46 victory and advance to the tournament's championship game.
Now, Brown enters 2026-27 with Preseason First-Team All-SIAC recognition, moving up from her second-team postseason selection a year ago and providing an experienced presence for an EWU squad carrying significant expectations into the new season.
The Lady Tigers also return Diana Letaru, Xaniya Jackson and Brittney Sparrow, while adding several newcomers to the roster as Edward Waters prepares to make another run through the SIAC.
After winning the East Division and reaching the NCAA postseason last year, the Lady Tigers will enter 2026-27 with a target on their backs as the conference's second-ranked team in the SIAC preseason predicted order of finish.
For Brown and Edward Waters, the preseason recognition sets the stage for a new campaign as the Lady Tigers look to build upon their historic 2025-26 season.
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