PISCATAWAY – British-American writer Alan Watts was once said, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
With a team that includes six transfers, two freshmen and four new assistant coaches, the Rutgers women’s basketball program seems to be embracing that mantra.
That was the vibe at Media Day on Oct. 2 at the RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center. Entering her fourth year as head coach, Coquese Washington is certainly ready for a new song. The last three seasons have produced an overall record of 33-64 and 10-44 in the Big Ten.
For starters, this is the first season she has a full squad with 13 players. Granted, a half dozen of those last season played for the likes of Arizona, Stephen F. Austin, UNC-Greensboro, Kansas State and two at Boston College.
Two others were playing high school ball, including Precious Gem Wheeler at Franklin.
The five returnees are coming off a 13-20 season with three wins in the Big Ten.
“I’m really excited about the start of the season,” Washington said. “We’ve been practicing about a week now and it’s been really fun to get out with the new players and coaches and to start to establish what the team is going to look like on the court this season.
“I’m really excited about all the new players. They’re starting to express themselves on the court and show they do get more and more comfortable being here in our system. And the new coaches have certainly brought new energy and incredible teaching, and they’re very strong in relationship building. I’m excited where we are and where we’re going to be.”
During the spring and early summer she was busy recruiting, and not just closing up players from the portal, but also some new coaches.
“I spent a lot of time recruiting these kids, bringing them to the campus and helping them understand the environment and what Rutgers has to offer. And the same thing with the staff. Bringing in a staff, it doesn’t happen fast enough.
“I was really busy putting all the additions together. A lot of trips to the airport. Newark Airport,” she said with a smile. “I know that place like the back of my hand.”
With NIL altering the landscape of college athletics, Washington called the current environment more art than science.
“I wanted to bring in people who could continue to grow our culture, and to get the right pieces,” she said. “We have depth, the biggest roster since I’ve been here, and most in their natural positions will bode well for us this year. I think it’s one of the most exciting times being in athletics here at Rutgers because leadership is in alignment and leadership is passionate and about coaches and programs being successful.”
As far as positions go, this will be her first team with a legitimate backcourt. Especially at the point: Boston College transfer Kaylah Ivey and sophomore Lauryn Swann, via Arizona.
“We finally have their leadership on the court,” she said. “The way they’re driving this train has been really good so far, and it’s only going to get better.”
Just like the front court.
The Scarlet Knights will be sending in the 6-foot-3 Wheeler, 6-foot-3 Kansas State transfer Imani Lester, 6-foot-3 sophomore Janae Walker, and 6-foot-4 UNC-Greensboro transfer Yacine Ndiaye.
Improvements will also come from Antonia Bates, a 6-foot-3 senior out of Rutgers Prep who missed last season with an injury. She’s back, better than ever.
Not to get lost in the new puzzle is sophomore Zachara Perkins, a 6-foot-3 swing with loads of versatility and talent.
“What I like about our team is we have positional size,” Washington said. “I really like our forwards. They’re all pretty athletic, they get up and down the floor well, rebound well and score in various ways. We have the power and the finesse, and the great thing is their work. They get in the gym before practice, after practice, and we have the pieces to move around.
“I try and find players who fit the way we want to play,” she added, “and we want to be an up-tempo team and we want to be aggressive.”
And get along.
“I think we’re adapting well,” offered Perkins about all the new faces. “I’ve been getting very involved with all our new players just to learn the different personalities and what everybody does well; making sure we create that culture. Actually, I think it’s kind of crazy how fast we all bonded.”
Ndiaye’s transition is a good example.
“I honestly made the adjustment much better than I thought,” she said. “Every day, I’m excited to be here.”
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Rutgers women’s basketball features 12 new players, coaches in 2025-26
