The FIU Women’s Basketball team enters the 2026-27 season with high expectations after being ranked fourth in the CUSA preseason coaches’ poll. Announced October 8, the ranking puts the Panthers among the conference’s best teams and sets a promising tone for the season.
How FIU Became One of CUSA’s Top Teams
The Panthers got 70 points in the preseason poll, finishing behind Missouri State, Middle Tennessee, and Liberty. Missouri State claimed the top spot with 90 points, followed by Middle Tennessee with 84 and Liberty with 83. FIU’s fourth-place finish mirrors expectations as the program prepares to compete against the conference’s strongest teams. They are ahead of Sam Houston’s 80 points.
FIU had one of its best seasons in recent memory in 2025-26 under Jesyka Burks-Wiley in her sixth season. They finished 21-12 and went 12-6 record against Conference USA opponents. The Panthers reached the CUSA semifinals, losing 74-69 to Missouri State and the first round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament, losing 77-66 to Abilene Christian.
Junior forward Rhema Collins led Conference USA in scoring with 17.7 points per game and led the Panthers all season. She also averaged 8.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 33.3 minutes per game. Collins transferred to Texas Tech in the offseason. Senior guard Parris Atkins was another leader, averaging 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 3.0 steals in 30.6 minutes per game.
Returning Guards Set to Lead Team
Sophomore Grecia Ferrer Leal returns after averaging 6.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.7 steals in 32.3 minutes per game. She is set to be a breakout scorer with playmaking ability and has the experience of starting in 32 of 33 games last season. Senior Adama Badjie Coly is back after averaging 6.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 24.0 minutes per game. With 19 starts in 25 games, she saw significant playing time and finished second on the team with six double-doubles.
FIU’s goal heading into 2026-27 is simple: compete at a high level, develop the team, and finish as one of the top Conference USA programs. Players will need to build chemistry, stay consistent, and manage the demands of a challenging schedule.
He’s a diehard 305 native who roots for his hometown teams in the good, the bad, and the ugly. Recently, he graduated from FIU with an MBA, but now he’s a Lemonhead covering UM basketball. Known to be anywhere and everywhere, you may catch him at a Miami sporting event.
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