WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Winston-Salem State University women's basketball team will get its second test of the 2025-26 campaign when the Rams travel to take on Elon in an exhibition matchup on October 28 at the Schar Center in Elon, N.C. The contest serves as an early measuring stick for a talented WSSU squad looking to build momentum heading into the regular season.

Things to Know
Location: Elon, N.C. (Schar Center)
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 28 | 6:00 pm
Live Stats: https://stats.statbroadcast.com/mobile/?id=622326
 
New Coaching Staff:
WSSU women's basketball enters a new era under the leadership of Coach Tierra Terry, no stranger to the CIAA as she was the head coach at Virginia Union. Coach Terry is also a graduate and former player for Winston-Salem State. She added coach Jessica Freeman and Dylan Anderson to her staff in the off-season.
 
Ram Returners:
The Rams brought back seven returners from last year's squad: sophomore Alana Biosse, junior Zion Dixon, and seniors Kierran Walker, Alexandria Warren, Jakaiya Mack, Chloe Williams and Jahmaria Miles.
 
Ram Newcomers:
During the off-season, WSSU welcomed in nine newcomers: freshman TaNiya Simes, Kloe Thompson, Taylor Simpson, Breonna Roaf, Amari Kilgore-Baldwin, sophomore Ah'Kiyah Pye, junior Neveah Farmer, senior Makayla Waleed and transfer sophomore Maia Charles.
 
CIAA Preseason/Polls:
The Lady Rams were selected to finish seventh in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) preseason poll.
Jakaiya Mack was named to the preseason team.
 
Scouting Report:
Sophomore Jayda Angel returns after becoming the first player in Elon program history to win both CAA Rookie of the Year and Sixth Player of the Year in the same season. The Phoenix welcomes five newcomers in transfers LaNae' Corbett (Hofstra), Quinzia Fulmore (Memphis), and Tyana Walker (Howard), along with freshmen Ashanti Fox and Tamia Watkins. Elon was tabbed fifth in the 2025-26 CAA Preseason Poll, the program's highest spot since the 2022-23 season, when the Phoenix were picked fourth. Head Coach Charlotte Smith enters her 15th season with the Phoenix, having amassed over 230 career wins as one of the most successful coaches in program history.
 
 
WSSU will look to its leadership group to set the tone, pushing tempo, protecting the basketball, and generating scoring opportunities through pressure defense. The energy and commitment showcased in this early test will be key in shaping the path ahead as the Rams chase success in CIAA play.

The exhibition will not impact either team's official record but will play a critical role in development, evaluation, and preparation for the season ahead.

The Rams will have one more scrimmage before officially beginning its season on November 16 against North Carolina A&T State University.