Kristy Curry isn't playing around. After a 2024-25 season that saw the Crimson Tide finish 24-9 and make a deep-ish run into the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the vibe in Tuscaloosa has shifted from "glad to be here" to "we expect to win." But honestly, looking at the Alabama women's basketball roster for the 2025-26 season, you'll notice a massive vacuum left by the departure of legendary scorers like Sarah Ashlee Barker and Aaliyah Nye.
Barker was the heart. Nye was the flamethrower. Replacing that kind of production isn't just about finding someone who can shoot; it's about finding players who don't blink when the SEC lights get bright.
The Returners: Building Around Essence Cody
If you're looking for the anchor of this team, look no further than Essence Cody. Standing at 6'4", the junior forward from Valdosta is basically a walking double-double threat. Last season, she was swatting shots and grabbing boards like it was her job—because, well, it was.
Cody averaged 11.1 points and over 6 rebounds as a sophomore. Now, she's the veteran in the paint. She’s joined by Karly Weathers, a senior guard who has become the ultimate "glue player." You’ve seen her. She’s the one diving for loose balls and hitting the corner three right when the momentum starts to slip.
The backcourt also keeps some familiar faces:
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- Diana Collins: A junior guard who transferred in from Ohio State previously. She’s got that shifty playstyle that keeps defenders on their heels.
- Eris Lester: Entering her sophomore year, Lester showed flashes of elite athleticism last season. She’s 5'11", fast, and can get to the rim whenever she wants.
- Jessica Timmons: A redshirt senior who brings that "grown woman" strength to the guard position.
The Newcomers: Transfer Portal Magic
Coach Curry hit the portal hard. You have to these days. The most intriguing addition to the Alabama women's basketball roster is arguably Waiata Jennings. Coming over from Baylor, the senior guard from New Zealand is exactly what this team needs: an experienced playmaker who has seen high-level tournament action.
Then there’s Ta’Mia Scott. She’s a 6'0" senior guard from Middle Tennessee who knows how to put the ball in the bucket. Seriously. She brings a level of scoring versatility that might actually make fans forget—briefly—about the scoring void left by the 2025 graduates.
Don't sleep on Alancia Ramsey either. The junior forward from Coastal Carolina was an All-Sun Belt selection for a reason. She’s 6'0", but she plays much bigger. She led her previous team in both points and rebounds, which tells you everything you need to know about her motor.
Freshmen Ready to Crack the Rotation
It's not just about transfers. The 2025 recruiting class brought in some serious height and local flavor.
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- Ace Austin: The 5'7" pride of Spring Garden, Alabama. She’s a freshman, but she plays with the confidence of a fifth-year senior.
- Lourdes Da Silva Costa: A 6'3" forward from Stockholm, Sweden. She’s got that European skill set—great passing for her size and a soft touch around the rim.
- Tianna Chambers: A 6'1" guard from Colorado. She’s long, lean, and can guard multiple positions.
- Joy Egbuna: Another 6'3" presence in the post. Between her, Cody, and Da Silva Costa, the Tide finally has the length to compete with the giants of the SEC like South Carolina or LSU.
Why This Roster Mix Works (and Where it Might Fail)
Basketball is a game of chemistry, and Alabama's current squad is a chemistry experiment in progress. You've got the physical dominance of Essence Cody paired with the perimeter shooting of Ta’Mia Scott and Waiata Jennings.
On paper, it’s balanced.
In reality? The SEC is a meat grinder. The biggest question mark for this Alabama women's basketball roster is who takes the "big shot." When the clock is winding down and the Tide is down by two in Thompson-Boling Arena, who is the alpha?
Last year, it was Barker. This year, it might be a committee. That’s scary for a coach, but it’s also harder for opponents to scout. If you double-team Cody, Jennings might burn you. If you stay home on the shooters, Ramsey will punish you on the glass.
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Coaching Stability under Kristy Curry
Entering her 13th season, Kristy Curry is the steady hand. She’s survived the ups and downs of the program and has finally reached a point where Alabama is a consistent NCAA Tournament team. Her staff, including Associate Head Coach Brooks Donald Williams and Kelly Curry, has become one of the best at identifying "undervalued" talent in the portal.
They don't just go for the five-star names; they go for the players who fit the "Bama Way"—toughness, defensive intensity, and a high basketball IQ.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch For
If you’re heading to Coleman Coliseum this season, keep your eyes on the transition game. With guards like Eris Lester and Ace Austin, this team wants to run. They aren't going to win many 50-48 slugfests. They want to get the score into the 80s.
The non-conference schedule will be the ultimate litmus test. Look for how the freshmen handle the physicality early on. If Lourdes Da Silva Costa can provide 10-15 solid minutes off the bench to give Cody a breather, Alabama is going to be dangerous.
Key Tactical Insights for Fans
- Rebounding Margin: Watch if Alancia Ramsey and Essence Cody can win the battle on the boards. Alabama struggled against elite size in 2025; this year's roster is built to fix that.
- Three-Point Consistency: Without Aaliyah Nye, the Tide needs Karly Weathers and Ta'Mia Scott to hit at least 35% from deep to keep the floor spaced.
- The Point Guard Battle: Does the freshman Ace Austin take the starting job, or does the veteran Waiata Jennings run the point? This decision will define the team's tempo.
Basically, this isn't your older brother's Alabama team. They are athletic, they are tall, and they are deep. While losing star power is never easy, the sheer depth of the 2025-26 Alabama women's basketball roster might actually make them a more well-rounded threat in the long run.
To stay ahead of the curve this season, start tracking the box scores specifically for "points in the paint" and "bench scoring." These two metrics will tell you exactly how well the new additions are integrating. If the bench production stays high, expect another 20-win season in Tuscaloosa.