CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The 2025-26 Queens University of Charlotte women's basketball season tips off on Monday, November 3, as the Royals host Gardner-Webb University inside Curry Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will serve as the program's annual Neon Out.

GAMEDAY GUIDE 
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 
Time: 7:00 PM 
Location: Curry Arena (Charlotte, N.C.) 
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The Royals are coming off a milestone-filled 2024-25 campaign that featured the most points scored in a game in program history (108), the most field goals made in a game (46), and the most overall wins since 2018-19. It also marked just the second season with double-digit victories since 2012-13 and the program's most ASUN Conference wins since joining the league.

Queens returns seven players from last season while welcoming a talented class of transfers and freshmen who add depth, size, and athleticism across every position.

The returning group combined for over 40 starts and contributed across the board, with Ana Barreto logging a team-best 29.1 minutes per game, Dayuna Colvin leading in free throws made, Magda Freire shooting 41 percent from the field, and Jermany Mapp finishing second on the team in made threes.

Head Coach Brown entering her fifth season leading the Royals highlighted the growth of two key returners in Ana Barreto and Magda Freire, both of whom spent their summers competing with their national teams overseas.

"Ana and Magda have been putting in great work in the gym, really focusing on improving their individual games," said Brown. "The experience they've gained with their national teams over the summer has elevated their confidence and skill level. Having the opportunity for more 5-on-5 play this summer against some of the top players in the world has been a huge advantage. You can see the growth in their performance and approach every day."

Barreto appeared in 29 games and made 27 starts last season, averaging 8.3 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 30.0 percent from three-point range. The Lisbon Portugal native recorded a career-high 21 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists at Gardner-Webb on December 20 for her first career double-double. Barreto made at least one three-pointer in 21 of 29 games, including a career-high five threes at USC Upstate, and reached double figures in ten contests.

Sophomore guard Magda Freire, who appeared in 28 games and made 13 starts last season, averaged 3.8 points and 2.1 rebounds while shooting 41 percent from the field. Freire scored a career-high 21 points against Western Carolina and added 20 steals on the year.

Graduate guard Jermany Mapp enters her final season as the veteran leader for Queens after averaging 8.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while making 17 starts in 2024-25.

"Jermany has really stepped into her role as a true leader this season," Brown said. "She's playing with a chip on her shoulder, knowing this is her last year. You can see that intensity in everything she does. She's competing with a lot of confidence and setting the tone for the rest of the team."

Joining Mapp in the backcourt are returners Dayuna Colvin, Alyssa Lewis, and Shanelle Smith. Colvin appeared in 27 games last season, averaging 6.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while scoring in double figures seven times, highlighted by an 18-point outing at Jacksonville.

In the frontcourt, Tamar Kopilevech provides length and versatility after appearing in 24 games last year.

Queens also adds a wave of new talent through the transfer portal and freshman class, highlighted by a versatile and athletic post group.

"The additions of Hannah, Breah, Imani, and Brenae have taken our post group to another level," said Brown. "This is the most athletic, longest, and most versatile we've been at Queens. Each of them brings a unique skill set and a competitive edge that elevates our practices and makes us better every day."

Hannah Hicks, an in-conference transfer from West Georgia, started one game and played in 22 last season, averaging 3.6 rebounds per game. Brenae Jones Grant joins the Royals from Cleveland State after appearing in 12 games and provides playmaking ability inside. Imani Morris, a transfer from Southern, offers size and depth in the post, while Breah Franks, a freshman from Greenville, South Carolina, adds strength and rebounding after averaging 13.3 points and 8.0 rebounds at J.L. Mann High School.

On the perimeter, Queens welcomes Mia Moore, a two-time NJCAA All-American from Rock Valley College, who averaged 20 points, six rebounds, and three assists per game over two seasons. Moore left Rock Valley as the program's all-time leader in both points (1,214) and steals (180).

Freshman guard Robynn Thompson adds another scoring option for the Royals after an accomplished career at Trezevant High School in Memphis, where she surpassed 1,200 career points and earned multiple All-Region and All-Tournament selections.

Alongside a revamped roster, Brown will lead a coaching staff that blends experience and familiarity. Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Kenneth Blake and Assistant Coach Toia Giggetts both return for their second seasons with the Royals. New to the staff this season are Assistant Coach Taylor Todd-Williams, who guided Cape Fear Community College to a 25-4 record and top regional honors last year, and Assistant Coach Kasey Kidwell, a former Queens guard and professional player in Germany's Damen Basketball Bundesliga who returns to her alma mater after two seasons overseas.

"Every game is an opportunity to grow. We're focused on raising our standard every day, and our schedule sets the tone for that," said Brown.

The Royals will remain at home following Monday's contest to host Mars Hill on Thursday, November 6, before traveling to James Madison University Nov. 9 for a special homecoming game for head coach Jen Brown and assistant coach Toia Giggetts, both former members of the JMU women's basketball program.

Fans can purchase season and single-game tickets in advance by clicking this link.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow Queens Women's Basketball on Twitter and Instagram for news and updates throughout the season. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media to stay up to date on all the Royals sports in action.