Morrow, GA — The energy was undeniable, the stage was set, and Allen University Women's Basketball walked into the 2025 SIAC Media Day with purpose.
Allen was voted 3rd in the SIAC East Division, but Head Coach Olivia Gaines made it clear that her focus isn't on predictions — it's on performance, culture, and championships.
Led by Gaines, the Lady Yellow Jackets were one of the most anticipated programs at the annual event, held in Morrow, Georgia — and rightfully so. Coming off a stellar 18-9 season, Coach Gaines returned with championship-level aspirations and a fearless message to the rest of the league:
Being picked third in the SIAC East doesn't move me," said Head Coach Olivia Gaines with unwavering clarity. "I've never been one to get caught up in preseason polls or outside expectations. My focus is, and always will be, on the bigger picture — building a program that performs when it counts. This group is constructed for success. We've got the right pieces, the right mindset, and the right leadership. As I shared with the media, this team has the caliber to compete at a high level. The rankings are just noise — we're here to show that our potential can't be boxed in by a number.
Star Power Front and Center
The Yellow Jackets' roster of Media Day representatives spoke volumes about the depth, balance, and momentum of the program:
Eboni Clay
The Freshman Phenom now turned Sophomore
The reigning SIAC Freshman of the Year, Clay earned Preseason Second Team All-Conference honors and returns after averaging 11.2 PPG and a team-best 2.4 APG. She stepped into the spotlight with confidence and humility:
"I had a really great experience at the SIAC Media Day. It was so much fun being with my teammates, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent Allen Women's Basketball." — Eboni Clay
Jasmine Norman
The Transfer Sniper
A major offseason addition, Norman arrives from Richard Bland College, where she averaged 18.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, leading RBC to a 29-3 record and a run to the NJCAA National Championship Game. Now, she's ready to dominate in Columbia.
"My experience at the SIAC Media Day was amazing. It was fun seeing all the competition in the conference and helping the kids at community service!" — Jasmine Norman
Peighton Jambor
The Silent Force in the Paint
At 6'0", Jambor is back as a steady frontcourt presence after contributing 8.1 PPG and 6.2 RPG — second on the team in rebounding last year.
"The SIAC Media Day was a very nice experience. I had lots of fun being able to help with the community and connect with my team." — Peighton Jambor
Coach Gaines Reloads the Hive
Despite losing Taliah Wesley, the 2024 SIAC Player of the Year and HBCU All-Star Game participant, Gaines has no doubt this 2025–2026 team may be her deepest and most dangerous yet.
Allen returns a core that helped the team lead the SIAC in scoring offense at 70.5 PPG, and Gaines has added new weapons — hungry, athletic, and battle-tested. If the chemistry is right, the ceiling is sky-high.
"This team is built for success with a team full of starters. We're aiming for more than just rankings. We have the caliber of players to win the SIAC. Period." — Coach Olivia Gaines
More Than Basketball: Serving the Community
The Media Day wasn't just cameras and Q&As — it was about connection. The Lady Yellow Jackets visited Thurgood Marshall Elementary, where they greeted students with music, fun, and motivation, creating memories that mattered.
Coach Gaines and her players showed why this program is more than just talent — it's leadership, culture, and heart.
What's Next
The Lady Yellow Jackets return to Columbia with eyes on the prize and fans ready to swarm the sideline this season. Stay locked in as Allen prepares to tip off the 2025–26 season with championship dreams and a buzz that's only getting louder. The Swarm is Coming. Are You Ready?
