Florida Gulf Coast University’s basketball teams are preparing for the 2025-26 season, which will feature new leadership for the women’s team and a new tournament for the men.
The women’s basketball program begins its first season under head coach Raina Harmon. Harmon previously served as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa, where she contributed to building a strong offense and shaping team culture. She now takes over a program that has won nine consecutive Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament titles and made 11 NCAA Tournament appearances in recent years.
“This program has a standard of excellence, and I can’t wait to build upon that legacy as I commit to developing our student-athletes on and off the court,” Harmon said.
Returning players Cerina Rolle, Karina Gordon, Maca Retamales, Jordan Campbell, and Anna Mortag are expected to provide leadership after last year’s championship run. The Eagles’ schedule includes home games against Davidson College on November 8 and Indiana University on November 25. A notable matchup with national runner-up University of South Carolina is set for December 20.
On the men’s side, FGCU opens at home against New College of Florida on November 3 before traveling to face Illinois. The team will host Georgia Southern University on November 11 and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on November 15. This season introduces Coconut Hoops, a Thanksgiving week tournament taking place from November 24-26 at Alico Arena. Participating teams include FGCU, Oral Roberts, Rice, and Kennesaw State universities.
A key in-state game is scheduled against Florida Atlantic University (FAU) on December 7. Last season, FGCU secured a buzzer-beating win over FAU. The nonconference portion concludes with a game against the University of Fort Lauderdale on December 28.
“Our nonconference goal is to challenge our guys, face different styles and compete in hostile environments so we’re fully prepared for ASUN play,” head coach Pat Chambers said.
Atlantic Sun Conference play begins in January with the championship tournament planned for Jacksonville in March. Returning players Rahmir Barno (junior point guard), Michael Duax (redshirt senior forward), and Rory Stewart (senior forward) are expected to lead the team alongside newcomers J.R. Konieczny (University of Notre Dame transfer), George Washington III (University of Richmond transfer), Jordan Ellerbee, and Chase Konieczny.
Season tickets and other ticket packages are available online or by phone at 866-342-8849.
