HICKORY, N.C. - First-year Head Coach Emry Tsitouris and her staff have officially finalized their roster prior to the 2025-26 season. 

"We couldn't be more excited about the group our coaching staff has assembled for the upcoming season," said Tsitouris. "With a powerful combination of players we've signed, an impressive class of incoming freshmen who had already committed, and four determined returners, this roster gives us the depth, grit, and character to take a major step forward at Lenoir-Rhyne."

There will be plenty of new faces on this year's Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Basketball team as they return only 13% of last year's minutes played. Leading that charge is veteran Sarah Burton, who averaged 21.5 minutes/game.

What Coach is Saying:

#1 Amiya Porter - Guard | 5'5" | Sophomore | Lawrenceville, GA | Mars Hill University

• "Amiya is one of the strongest leaders I've coached - steady, composed, and fiercely competitive. She's a high-IQ point guard who can knock down the three and run the show with confidence. Bringing her with us to Lenoir-Rhyne gives us a leader who already understands the culture we're building." 

#2 Aaliyah El - Guard | 5'8" | Junior | Charlotte, N.C. | Mars Hill University

• "I've coached Aaliyah the last two seasons, and she's one of the most complete players I've had the privilege to work with. She is a game-changer and one of the most dynamic guards in the country. Coming off a dominant sophomore season where she averaged 17.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, she's proven to be a problem on both ends of the floor. Her competitive edge and leadership are exactly what we need as we build something special here at Lenoir-Rhyne."  

#3 Tatum Bowen - Guard | 5'10" | Junior | Charlotte, N.C. | Mars Hill University

• "Tatum returning to LR is a big deal for our program. Her name already holds weight in the Bear community, and she's coming back better than ever. Tatum has the kind of shooting ability that can open up the floor and change a game in minutes. She's electric when she gets going and gives us an immediate scoring threat from anywhere." 

#5 Elyseia Brown - Guard | 5'9" | Junior | Virginia Beach, VA | Mars Hill University

• "Elyseia is a coach's dream - the ultimate glue player who shows up every day ready to work and lead. She does the things that don't always show up on the stat sheet but win you games. Whether it's a key rebound, a defensive stop, or a hustle play that shifts momentum, E is a Swiss Army knife who leads by example and lifts everyone around her. She is the kind of player every winning team needs." 

#23 Lauren Arnold - Forward | 5'11" | Sophomore | Salisbury, N.C. | Mars Hill University

• "Lauren is due for a breakout season, and we're fired up about it. She's an absolute matchup nightmare - strong enough to battle inside, skilled enough to stretch the floor with her shooting. Her rebounding, toughness, and ability to finish plays make her a major piece of our offensive and defensive identity. I've coached her, I trust her, and I know she's ready to make a huge impact at LR." 

#30 Peyton Harvey - Guard | 5'8" | Freshman | Asheville, N.C. | A.C. Reynolds HS

• "Peyton embodies everything we mean when we say, 'Work Harder.' She has an elite work ethic, high basketball IQ, and a pass-first mindset that's rare in a young point guard. But make no mistake, she can take over a game when needed. Peyton is going to have a big impact on this team as a freshman." 

#32 Jodi King - Forward | 5'11" | Freshman | Wingate, N.C. | 1 of 1 Prep Academy

• "Jodi is a force in the paint. She brings a winner's mindset and a toughness we value deeply in our frontcourt. Jodi is going to be a problem for opposing post players from day one. She's a competitor and a winner. Her potential to grow in our system is sky-high. We're excited to watch her make her mark at LR." 

"Our freshman class that was signed - Ralee Bare, Abigail Brown, Madilyn Winterton, Madelyn Caron, Trista Charles, and Kendall Murphy, bring energy, length, and a competitive edge that will raise the level of every practice and game. We're also fortunate to return Sarah Burton, Emma Pendleton, Taylor Romano, and Bella Sims, who understand what it means to represent Lenoir-Rhyne and are hungry to help lead this next chapter. This group represents a fresh start and a unified vision - one built on hard work, connection, and championship standards. My staff and I can't wait to coach this and put Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Basketball on the national radar."

Fans who want to meet the new team and coaching staff can mark their calendars for Wednesday, September 17th, at 6:00 p.m. for the Meet the Bears Women's Basketball Dinner at the Bears Club Pavilion.