NASHVILLE – The 2025-26 Trevecca Nazarene University women's basketball team begins its second season in the Gulf South Conference (GSC) with a new head coach. The Doug Novak-led Trojans are picked to finish 11th in the 2025-26 GSC Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll.
 

#	SCHOOL	VOTES
1	Union Univ. (10)	119
2	Lee Univ.	107
3	UAH (2)	106
4	West Florida Univ.	92
5	Valdosta State	80
6	Delta State Univ.	55
7	Mississippi College	54
8	Univ. of Montevallo	53
9	Auburn Univ. Montgomery	41
10	Univ. of West Alabama	40
11	Trevecca Nazarene Univ.	33
12	Christian Brothers Univ.	12

 () = First-place votes
 
2025-2026 PREVIEW

Doug Novak takes the helm of the Trevecca women's basketball program in the 2025-26 season, bringing more than 250 career wins and extensive coaching experience across every level of NCAA basketball.

The Tennessee graduate and respected teacher of the game has led or assisted programs at George Washington, Mississippi State, Bethel (Minn.), Army, and others. Known for his innovative approach and player development, he has earned praise from coaching greats across the country — including Pat Summitt, Tim Floyd, and Kristy Curry — for his ability to build cohesive, disciplined, and fast-paced teams.

As Trevecca's seventh head coach, Novak looks to blend his deep basketball acumen with the University's mission of developing Christian scholar-athletes, leading the Trojans into a new era with energy and purpose.

The Trojans open the Doug Novak era with an exhibition game at NCAA Division I Murray State on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. They also host the annual Trevecca Homecoming exhibition on Saturday, Nov. 8, against Oakwood University. One more exhibition is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Trojan Fieldhouse when crosstown rival Fisk University visits.
 
2025-26 GSC Newcomer Watchlist
 

Ellie Butler	Fr.	G	5-10	Livingston, TN / Livingston Acad.
Jordan Gillies	Jr.	G	5-11	Cookeville, TN / KWC / Montevallo
Natalie Hernandez	Fr.	G	5-11	Barcelona, Spain / Kostka College

 
Here's a quick look at all the newcomers for 2025-26.

#21 Natalia Hernandez | F | 5-11 | Fr. | Barcelona, Spain / Kostka College
Hernandez joins the Trojans from Spain with international experience and a versatile all-around game.
#23 Jordan Gillies | G | 5-11 | Jr. | Cookeville, TN / Montevallo University
A transfer from Montevallo, Gillies provides athleticism, length, and experience in the Trevecca backcourt.
#24 Ellie Butler | G | 5-10 | Fr. | Livingston, TN / Livingston Academy
Butler, a standout from Livingston Academy, brings perimeter shooting, energy, and toughness to the lineup.
#2 Ava Jones | F | 6-2 | Fr. | Sparta, TN / White County HS
A skilled forward from White County, Jones brings size, touch, and a winning background to the Trojan frontcourt.
#7 Olivia Onyemobi | C | 6-1 | Fr. | Nashville, TN / Ezell-Harding Christian School
Onyemobi adds strength and rebounding presence inside, giving Trevecca another physical option in the post.

THE REST OF THE 2025-2026  ROSTER

#0 Tatum Shaw | G | 5-8 | Sr. | Andover, MA / Andover HS
A veteran leader for the Trojans, Shaw brings experience, poise, and steady perimeter play to the lineup.
#3 Shinae Howard Johnson | G | 5-6 | So. | Nashville, TN / Hillsboro HS
Howard Johnson adds quickness and defensive energy, continuing to grow as a playmaker in the backcourt.
#4 Carden Vailes | G | 5-7 | Jr. | Jackson, TN / Trinity Christian Academy
Vailes provides toughness and shooting consistency, offering valuable minutes on both ends of the court.
#5 Jayda Woods | G | 5-5 | R-Sr. | Nashville, TN / Ensworth HS
A steady veteran presence, Woods brings leadership, speed, and reliable guard play to the Trojan rotation.
#10 Brianna Burgess | G | 5-10 | Jr. | Charlotte, TN / Creek Wood HS
Burgess is a versatile guard with scoring ability and defensive length, returning as a key contributor.
#13 Ava Cathey | G | 5-5 | So. | Kingston Springs, TN / Harpeth HS
Cathey provides energy and perimeter depth, continuing to develop as a dependable option in the backcourt.
#14 Cheyenne Trotter | F | 5-11 | Sr. | Springfield, IL / Lanphier HS / John A. Logan College
Trotter returns with size and physicality in the post, giving the Trojans an experienced and athletic forward.
#22 Dayonna Perryman | F | 5-10 | So. | Chattanooga, TN / Notre Dame HS
Perryman is a strong rebounder and interior defender who made an impact as a freshman and continues to grow her game.
#32 Storm Wilson | G | 5-7 | Gr. | Hanover Park, IL / Hoffman Estates HS / Triton College / Tusculum Univ.
Wilson brings veteran leadership and collegiate experience, offering toughness and stability in the guard rotation.
#41 Jeannae Bolin | F | 5-10 | So. | Louisville, KY / Pleasure Ridge Park HS
Bolin adds frontcourt depth with rebounding strength and a developing offensive presence around the basket.

2025-2026 SCHEDULE

The regular season begins for the Novak era in Boca Raton, Florida, on Friday, Nov. 14, against Barry University. Then the Trojans face Lynn University in Boca Raton on Saturday (Nov. 15).

The first regular-season home game comes against former Great Midwest foe Kentucky Wesleyan on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 1 PM. The Trojans host Emory & Henry University on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 1 PM.

The Trojans' second season in the Gulf South begins when preseason #9 Auburn University at Montgomery visits the Fieldhouse Dec. 4 at 5:30 PM. Two days later, preseason #8 University of Montevallo comes to Music City.

The first GSC road trip comes in Alabama — first at preseason #3 UAH (Dec. 11) and then at preseason #10 West Alabama.

The last two pre-Christmas games are Dec. 18 and Dec. 20 when preseason #5 Valdosta State and #4 West Florida come to the Fieldhouse.

TNU is scheduled to bring in the new year in Crestview Hills, Ky., when they play former G-MAC foe Thomas More University Dec. 31.

The 2026 slate begins Jan. 4 when Lee University visits the Fieldhouse.

The Gulf South Conference Championships are slated for March 2, 5, and 8 – all played at home sites.

2024-25 SEASON REVIEW

Tatum Shaw finished the season as Trevecca's leading scorer, averaging 10.7 points per game. She recorded a career-high 26 points in a win over West Florida (Feb. 6) and led the team with 27 steals.

Amaya Thomas was close behind, averaging 10.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Her season-high 21 points came against Alabama Huntsville (Feb. 1).

Cheyenne Trotter had a balanced season, leading the team in rebounding with 8.5 boards per game while also averaging 9.5 points. She notched seven double-doubles, the most on the team.

After back-to-back NCAA regional appearances, the 2024-25 roster saw a significant change. Though seven players returned, those seven combined for just 11 starts in 2023-24. Eight of those starts were from Jayda Woods, whose 2023-24 season ended due to injury after nine games. Only one of the other six returners, Amaya Thomas, averaged more than 11 minutes per game.

Despite early wins at Kentucky State University and at home over Thomas More University last fall, the team started the 2024-2025 season 2-6 overall. The Trojans, who were playing in the Gulf South Conference for the first time, began conference play 1-7. Then, after picking up two league wins against Mississippi College and Christian Brothers University, the Trojans dropped 10 of their final 12 conference games.