Rock Hill, SC, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The Winthrop University women’s basketball team has been picked to finish fourth in the Big South Conference Preseason Poll. This ranking marks their second consecutive year in the top four after a strong performance last season. Key player Amourie Porter was recognized as the Big South Newcomer of the Year, significantly contributing to the team’s success. With expectations high for the upcoming season, the team looks to improve upon last year’s record and aim for a deeper postseason run.
Rock Hill, SC – The Winthrop University women’s basketball team has been selected to finish fourth in the Big South Conference Preseason Poll for the 2025-26 season. This marks the second consecutive year Winthrop has secured a top four ranking; they have not ranked in the top four since the 2015-16 season.
In the previous season, 2024-25, Winthrop concluded their campaign with an overall record of 16-15, achieving a 9-7 record in conference play, which placed them fifth in the Big South tournament. They made headlines with their first tournament win since 2014 against fourth-seeded Charleston Southern, won in dramatic fashion at the buzzer.
Standout player Amourie Porter earned notable recognition as she was named the Big South Newcomer of the Year and was selected for the Preseason All-Big South Conference First Team. As the team’s leading scorer during the 2024-25 season, Porter averaged 13.1 points per game while starting all 31 games. She demonstrated impressive shooting accuracy with 46.1% from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc. Furthermore, Porter contributed to the team with an average of 6.3 rebounds per game and accumulated a total of 77 assists, 22 blocks, and 66 steals. She also achieved the 13th best free throw percentage in the country, at .890, leading the Big South in this category, and was named Big South Player of the Week on November 18, 2024. Notably, Porter is the first Winthrop player to receive first team honors since Erica Williams in 2017.
As Winthrop prepares for the upcoming season, head coach Semeka Randall Lay enters her fifth season with the team. She received a contract extension during the offseason, emphasizing the confidence in her leadership. The team will see the return of five players from last season, which includes Jada Ryce—a former Big South All-Conference Honorable Mention guard who contributed 11.1 points per game.
The complete preseason poll indicates High Point ranked first, followed by Longwood, then Radford, with Winthrop rounding out the top four in the conference rankings. The Big South Conference is filled with competitive programs, and Winthrop’s aspirations for the season ahead will focus on building upon their recent success and aiming for greater postseason achievements.
Key Statistics
- Overall record (2024-25): 16-15
- Conference record (2024-25): 9-7
- Amourie Porter average points: 13.1 per game
- Porter rebounds: 6.3 per game
- Porter assists: 77 total
- Porter blocks: 22
- Porter steals: 66
- Free throw percentage (Porter): .890
- Preseason poll ranking: 4th
Background Information
The Winthrop University women’s basketball team has been part of the Big South Conference for several years, with a history that includes both successes and challenges. Rankings in the preseason polls can provide crucial insights into the team’s expected performance and overall strength in the upcoming season. This year’s ranking reflects a positive trajectory and renewed hopes for the program as it prepares for competitive matchups in the Big South Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Winthrop University’s ranking in the Big South Conference Preseason Poll for the 2025-26 season?
- Winthrop University women’s basketball team has been selected to finish fourth in the Big South Conference Preseason Poll for the 2025-26 season.
- How did Winthrop perform in the previous season?
- In the 2024-25 season, Winthrop finished with an overall record of 16-15 and a 9-7 record in conference play, earning the fifth seed in the Big South tournament.
- Who was recognized as the standout player for Winthrop in the past season?
- Amourie Porter was named the Big South Newcomer of the Year and was selected for the Preseason All-Big South Conference First Team.
- What achievements did Amourie Porter have during the 2024-25 season?
- Porter was the leading scorer for Winthrop, averaging 13.1 points per game during the 2024-25 season, and she had notable contributions in rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals.
- What is the full preseason poll ranking for the top four teams?
- The full preseason poll saw High Point ranked first, followed by Longwood, Radford, and then Winthrop in fourth place.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ranking | 4th in Big South Conference Preseason Poll |
| Previous Season Record | 16-15 overall, 9-7 conference |
| Standout Player | Amourie Porter, Big South Newcomer of the Year |
| Team Achievements | First tournament win since 2014 |
| Coach | Semeka Randall Lay, entering fifth season |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winthrop University Honors Avery Jolley as Scholar Athlete
South Carolina Football Coach Discusses Offseason Progress
Winthrop University Eagles Prepare for Big South Tournament
Winthrop Eagles Prepare for Big South Conference Tournament
Tamarion Watkins: Northwestern High School’s Star Defensive Back
NC State University Announces New Basketball Coach and Updates on Sports Programs
South Carolina Women’s Basketball Roster Faces Changes Ahead of 2025-26 Season
Young Basketball Stars Set to Shine in Rock Hill, S.C.
Elijah Strong Joins South Carolina Men’s Basketball Team
Rock Hill High School Basketball Teams on the Rise
Additional Resources
- Winthrop Eagles: Women’s Basketball Ranked Fourth
- Wikipedia: Winthrop University
- Winthrop Eagles: Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll
- Google Search: Winthrop University Basketball 2025
- ESPN: Winthrop vs High Point Game
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Fox Sports: Winthrop in Big South Tournament
- Google News: Big South Basketball 2025
- The Rotunda: Longwood vs Winthrop Recap
- Google Scholar: Big South Basketball
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
