WASHINGTON – Despite seven seniors graduating, Gallaudet's women's basketball team returns reloaded with veterans and newcomers, ready to carry strong momentum into the season.
The Bison went 18-11, the most wins under head coach
Stephanie Stevens and claimed their first conference tournament title to reach the NCAA Division III tournament for the fourth time in program history.
Gallaudet returns seven players from last season's roster and welcomes seven newcomers. The Bison graduated seven seniors, including United East Defensive Player of the Year
Cam Lexow, and will aim to reload with the same high standards and a renewed sense of purpose.
Below is a breakdown of the 2025-26 Gallaudet women's basketball team.
2024-25 Review
Record: 18-11
United East: 12-4
TOP RETURNERS
Seanna Baird (Indianapolis, Ind.), Jr., Guard
Baird is a veteran leader and controlled court sense by recognizing mismatches and flows to the best options. Baird started 11 games last season and she will play a leadership role this year for the Bison
Mackenzie Schirg (Factoryville, Pa.), So., Guard/Forward
Schirg is the top returning scorer for the Bison this season. Last year, the sophomore guard/forward averaged 5.5 points per game over 26 games, ranking sixth on the team. She is expected to make an immediate impact as a stretch forward.
Sophia Wascher (Noblesville, Ind.), So., Forward
Wascher is the only Bison returning this season who played in all 29 games last year. She returns as a key defensive presence known for her tenacity.
IMPACT NEWCOMERS
Natalie Greene (Fresno, Texas), Fy., Forward/Center
A highly recruited prospect from Fresno, Texas, will suit up for the Bison in 2025–26. The 6'2" student-athlete brings sharp court awareness, quickness on the floor, and strong inside presence.
Kayla Debrow (Jacksonville, Fla.), Fy., Forward/Center
The 6'3" middle hitter from the women's volleyball team brings a strong presence on both ends of the court. Her mother, Jessica Pierce, was a standout basketball player at the University of Georgia from 2001 to 2005.
Tiana Starayev (Noblesville, Ind.), Fy., Guard
An Indiana Basketball Coaches Association All-State honorable mention honoree, she brings passionate competitiveness and a strong understanding of high-level game concepts for the Bison.
KEY LOSSES
Cam Lexow (Abington, Pa.), Guard/Forward
A decorated player last season, Lexow led Gallaudet with 14.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, totaling 432 points, 180 rebounds, 108 assists, 94 steals, and 65 blocks in 29 games. She earned honors including Jostens Trophy finalist, United East Defensive Player of the Year, and two-time All-United East First Team. Lexow will serve as a student-assistant this season.
Raj Guettler (Frederick, Md.), Forward
Guettler was the 2025 United East Women's Basketball Tournament MVP and a two-time United East All-Second Team selection. She was the Bison's second-leading scorer last season, averaging 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Guettler also joined the 1,000-point club, finishing her five-year career with 1,026 points.
Claire Ruiz-Tucker (Middletown, Md.), Guard
Ruiz-Tucker was Gallaudet's fourth-leading scorer last season, averaging 8.6 points per game. Over her four-year career (2011–2013 and 2023–2025), she totaled 901 points, 353 rebounds, 272 assists, and 165 steals.
Hannah Puent (Indianapolis, Ind.), Center
As one of the Bison's team captains, Puent showcased her veteran leadership, averaging 7.6 points and 6.0 rebounds over 22 games last season.
Alexis Roberts (Newton, Miss.), Center
Roberts was Gallaudet's third-leading scorer last year as she averaged 10.6 points per game and totaled 202 points, 149 rebounds, 25 assists, 21 blocks and 19 steals in 19 games played.
QUOTING COACH
"We honor the seven seniors who built our standard, and now our veterans carry that torch with a hungry group of newcomers. This roster blends experience with fresh energy, and we expect immediate impact from our first years because they are ready to compete and learn quickly. We have reloaded with the same standards and renewed purpose, grounded in We Over Me. Excited for our home opener this Sunday!" -
Stephanie Stevens,
Gallaudet University women's basketball coach
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
- Season & Home Opener: vs Washington Adventist - Sun., Nov. 9
- Conference Opener: at St. Mary's (Md.) - Wed., Dec. 3
- Senior Day: vs. Penn College - Sat., Feb. 14
- United East Tournament: Feb. 18-28
The schedule features 22 games, including 10 home contests and 13 conference matchups.
GU will open the 2025-26 season at home against Washington Adventist University on Nov. 9. The Bison will stay in the Field House for one more non-conference game against Penn State-Abington on Nov. 15 before traveling to Pennsylvania to take on Widener University for the first away game of the season on Nov. 19. During fall break, GU will head to New York City to face Brooklyn College on Nov. 22, then make a short trip to Arlington, Va., to play Marymount (Va.) University on Nov. 25. The Bison will wrap up their November schedule with a road contest at Salisbury University on Nov. 29.
The Bison will return to the nation's capital to host St. Mary's College of Maryland in a non-conference matchup on Dec. 1 before facing the Seahawks again, just two days later, in the United East Conference opener at St. Mary's (Md.) on Dec. 3. The buff and blue will close out the month with a non-conference road game at Randolph College on Monday, Dec. 15.
Gallaudet will open the New Year with a road trip to Allentown, Pa., to face Cedar Crest College in a conference matchup on Jan. 3. The Bison will then return home to host Notre Dame of Maryland University on Jan. 7 before traveling to Penn St. Harrisburg on Jan. 10. GU will play home for a midweek home contest against Lancaster Bible College (Jan. 13). The Bison will then head back to Pennsylvania for two more conference road games at Keystone College (Jan. 17) and Penn St.-Berks (Jan. 21) before returning home for their final non-conference game of the season against Trinity Washington University on Jan. 22. Gallaudet will close out the month with home conference matchups against Wilson College (Jan. 24) and University of Valley Forge (Jan. 31).
The month of February begins with a back-to-back road conference games against Cairn University (Feb. 4) and Penn St.-Abington (Feb. 7). Gallaudet returns home to face Penn St.-Brandywine on Feb. 10 then GU will host the final regular-season game and senior day against Penn College on Feb 14.
The United East tournament begins Feb. 18 and will run through Feb. 28.
All home games will be played on Padden Court in the Field House.
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