DECATUR, Miss. — East Central Community College women's basketball head coach Tia'Wana Pringle has one message for the 2025–26 season: "Sometimes you have to do more to take advantage of your opportunities." Entering her second season at the helm, Pringle says she expects her team to compete daily, bring energy, and embrace the work that comes with building a winning culture.

"I expect us to compete and show up every day and do the work," Pringle said. "I expect fruits to come from this." Pringle also shared a message for Warrior fans as the new season tips off. "I ask that all of you are in the stands supporting us — and maybe even yell at us if you need to," she said with a smile. "I want our fans to show up and show out for our girls."

This year's roster features a blend of returners and newcomers that Pringle believes can make an immediate impact. Alexis Wallace, one of the team's two out-of-state players from Morrow, Georgia, is expected to bring excitement and flair to the floor. "She's going to be a joy to watch," Pringle said. Jakaylin York, the projected starting shooting guard, has earned her coach's trust through consistency and effort. "We've had our battles, but when I say green light, take the green light," Pringle added. Caitlin White, another sharpshooting guard, brings confidence and control. "When she realizes she's like that, she's going to be dangerous."

Returning sophomore Ranyha Pruitt adds experience and leadership, while Raiyleigh Perry, a two-sport freshman athlete in soccer and basketball, provides high IQ, toughness, and physicality. Amya Hunter brings high energy in the post position along with a great personality to the roster. Destinee Davis is another out-of-state, long-range shooter. "You can count the bucket as long as her feet are on the ground," Pringle said. Allison Knight is a sprinting sophomore who stands out for her speed and hustle in transition. "She's going to beat everyone around the court," Pringle said.

Charity Beemon is a freshman who brings high IQ, attentiveness, and has shown great potential and a willingness to learn any and everything, while Yionna Mays has become known for her high-arching, picture-perfect shot. "Her shots are going to touch the sky — but it's always a bucket," Pringle said. Cambree Moore embodies toughness and work ethic. "This is our worker right here. She's going to run through a wall for our team," Pringle said. Among the returning players, Mikayla Holifield continues to evolve as both a leader and a competitor. "She's becoming more of a leader for us, and her game has grown. The physicality and the work she has put in will show itself really soon," Pringle said.

Miriam Lewis, who earned her spot after serving as a team manager, is a story of perseverance and determination. A'Kiya Ratcliff is expected to dominate the post. "She's a force to be reckoned with — she's going to make you feel her every second of the game," Pringle said. Faith Moore rounds out the roster with dependable play in the paint. "She does her job and does it well," Pringle said.

As the Warriors prepare for the season ahead, Pringle says the focus is clear: build, believe, and battle every day. "We're building something here," she said. "This group is ready to fight, grow, and represent East Central with pride."