HOUSTON – University of St. Thomas Women's Basketball is set for a new era in 2026–27, as the Celts prepare for the season under new leadership with Nathan Ghavidel taking over as head coach in his first year. With a roster that blends experienced returners and promising newcomers, UST is ready to build a new chapter for the program.
"I'm incredibly excited for the 2026–27 season and for the opportunity to build something special at UST, which is a place very meaningful for me," said Ghavidel. "From the beginning, we've challenged our players to embrace a high standard, be intentional about how we work, and understand that building something meaningful requires consistency every single day. I've been proud of the way this group has responded and the commitment they've shown to one another and to what we're building."
Looking into the Season
The Celts' 2026–27 schedule kicks off October 31 with a scrimmage at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, followed by an exhibition matchup at Homecoming against Community Christian College Southwest on November 7 at 1 p.m.
UST then hits the road for a three-game stretch, facing Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene (Nov. 14), East Texas Baptist University in Marshall (Nov. 20), and Rhodes College also in Marshall (Nov. 21), before traveling to Schreiner University in Kerrville on November 24.
The Celts return home to close out November, travleing up the road to Houston Christian University on the road November 29, before welcoming the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor to Houston on December 7.
UST opens Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) play with a two-game road trip to Arkansas, facing Hendrix College on December 11 and the University of the Ozarks on December 12. The Celts then return home for a busy conference and non-conference stretch, hosting Centenary College (Dec. 18), LeTourneau University (Dec. 20), Schreiner University (Jan. 2), and a New Year's road trip to Colorado College on December 29.
January and February are dominated by SCAC matchups, with home-and-home series against Concordia University Texas, Texas Lutheran University, Austin College, University of Dallas, Hendrix College, University of the Ozarks, LeTourneau University, and Colorado College rounding out the regular season. The Celts close the year at the SCAC Conference Tournament beginning February 26.
Roster Breakdown & Leadership
UST enters the season with a roster 17 deep, featuring 13 experienced players and four incoming freshmen. That depth gives Coach Ghavidel plenty of options as he installs a new system in year one. Leading the way is a strong group of returners, including Macie Whitfield, Kenna Gibson, Yasmine Aly, Branasia Brazelton, Jaikyliah Ravizee, and Madison Stewart. Their experience and familiarity with the program will be key as the Celts adjust to new leadership and look to establish an identity under Ghavidel.
"As we head into the season, I'm excited to see our identity take shape through the way we compete, the way we play together, and the way we respond to adversity," said Ghavidel. "We want to be a team that plays with purpose, toughness, confidence, and an unmistakable togetherness every time we step on the floor. Ultimately, this season is another step toward establishing what UST Women's Basketball is going to stand for, and I'm excited for our players to have the opportunity to represent this university and give everyone who supports our program something they can be proud of. This truly is a special group and I'm looking forward to watching what all they accomplish together."
Ready for Tipoff
With a new head coach, a deep and experienced roster, the University of St. Thomas Women's Basketball team is ready to turn the page in 2026–27.
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