Picture of the UTRGV Women's Basketball interview. Courtesy of UTRGV Athletics.
UTRGV women’s basketball enters the new season looking to build on a historic 2025-2026 campaign, when the Vaqueros finished 21-14 overall and 16-6 in Southland Conference play.
The team reached 20 wins for the first time in program history, returned to postseason play for the first time in seven years and set or tied 19 program records. UTRGV also earned a postseason victory in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament, defeating Austin Peay 71-59.
Head coach Lane Lord said the team’s culture and relationships have been a major part of building the program. With returning players helping welcome new teammates, Lord said he believes the group has the foundation to take another step forward.
“We’ve got tremendous young women that are just fun to be around every day. The most important part of it is building relationships,” Lord said.
The Vaqueros return seven players from last season while adding four transfers and two freshmen, according to Lord. He credited the returning players with helping newcomers adjust to the team and get to know the Rio Grande Valley.
That connection, along with the experience across the roster has helped establish the team’s early identity.
One of the team’s biggest strengths this season is expected to be its depth.
Lord said the coaching staff will continue experimenting with different lineups during nonconference play before settling on a consistent rotation for conference competition.
“It’s not really the starting lineup that’s that important. It’s the finishing lineup,” Lord said.
The head coach said the players who earn minutes late in close games will be those who perform well throughout the game and can handle pressure in the fourth quarter.
The players also recognize that building chemistry takes time. described the team’s progress as a work in progress, emphasizing the importance of responding to difficult practices and learning how to play together.
The nonconference schedule will give the Vaqueros opportunities to test themselves and identify what needs to improve before league play begins.
Accountability has also become a focus for the group. Players said individual responsibility is essential to improving the team as a whole, especially as teammates compete for playing time while continuing to support one another.
The team expects to bring more speed, athleticism and intensity to the court this season, particularly on the defensive end.
Lord said he believes the roster’s depth will allow the Vaqueros to play at a faster pace and give fans an energetic style of basketball.
With last season setting a new standard for the program, UTRGV will look to carry that momentum forward.
The women’s basketball team will be in action at 5 p.m. today at the UTRGV Fieldhouse.
This is Sebastian Espino for Vaquero Radio.
