Women's Basketball 10/31/2025 7:48:00 AM

Women’s Basketball Ready to Rise in 2025–26

Palatine, IL: The Harper Hawks women's basketball team enters the 2025–26 season with renewed confidence and purpose as it continues its transition to NJCAA Division II competition. Under second-year head coach Mari Neberieza and assistant coach Damian Robinson, the Hawks have blended returning experience with a promising freshman class to create a roster built on toughness, defense, and growth. Neberieza believes this group has the potential to "make some noise in Region 4," driven by a collective goal to return Harper to the postseason and redefine the program's competitive identity. With early matchups against physical opponents like Moraine Valley and strong regional tests against Kishwaukee, Bryant & Stratton, and College of DuPage, the Hawks will have every opportunity to climb the ladder and continue building the foundation for long-term success.

Now in her second season leading the Hawks, Neberieza is encouraged by the growth of both her team and the program. "We are in year two of the transition to DII, and I am very excited about the team's and the program's growth," she said. "We've added a solid freshman group to our returners and our transfer. With the experience of the returners and the excitement of the newcomers, I think the Harper Hawks will make some noise in Region 4 this year."

That optimism comes with clear goals, including a return to the postseason. "The biggest goal is to make the playoffs, something that has not been done in a while at Harper," Neberieza said. "Other goals are to win a third of our games, to be competitive each night, and to really bring energy and toughness every day."

Neberieza believes the team's greatest strength lies on the defensive end. "Our strength lies in our defense and ability to dictate the pace of the game," she explained. "As we go on in the season and gain some comfort together, our offense will fall into a nice rhythm." The Hawks' offense, built on decision-based actions, will evolve as chemistry develops. "It takes time to cure and develop," she added, "but once we're firing on all cylinders, we'll be a fun team to watch."

On the court, Neberieza wants her group to embody resilience and unity. "I want us to be a tough-minded team that rolls with the punches, a team that sticks together, takes care of one another, and celebrates the successes of teammates and the team," she said. "To be students of the game and get one percent better every day."

That mentality has already shown in preseason practices. "I have watched this group get better individually and have worked to get better together," she noted. "Once we start competing in contests, I think this team will continue to rise and improve every day."

Leadership development has also been a major focus. "Leadership comes in all shapes and sizes," Neberieza said. "From the captains, to the point guards, to the sophomores who have wisdom, and even the freshmen who show resolve at a young age. Every player is different, and finding their leadership style and method is something I take really seriously."

The Hawks' offseason preparation included a summer league at Moraine Valley Community College, giving players valuable competition against other JUCO programs. "That experience, along with weekly workouts, has shown up this fall in our preseason," Neberieza said. "The offseason work has put us in position to have a better start this year."

As for the upcoming schedule, Neberieza highlighted several key matchups. "I'm looking forward to playing Moraine because of the physical style they play; it matches well with us," she said. "I'm also ready to play Prairie State because their new coach is my coaching mentor. Lastly, I'm looking forward to good battles with Kishwaukee, Bryant & Stratton, and College of DuPage."

Looking across Region 4, Neberieza expects a balanced field. "I think there's going to be a lot of parity this year with so many great athletes moving on to four-year schools from last season," she said. "Rock Valley will continue to be a top dog, but I'm curious to see who will join them."

Above all, Neberieza sees a program on the rise. "Our program is on an upward trajectory with new faces, more experience, and a better understanding of the competition at this higher level," she said. "This group is intelligent and personable, and they have the ability to band together and do some special things. I really think this team can knock out a couple of rungs on the ladder we're climbing."

In his second season with the Hawks, Assistant Coach Damian Robinson continues to be a driving force behind the team's growth on and off the court. His focus this preseason has centered on two key themes: conditioning and culture. "Our primary focus this offseason was first to get in shape," Robinson said. "Next, just having a team-first mentality, that 'we over me' energy, will help us play as one team."

Robinson brings a development-driven coaching style that meshes seamlessly with Neberieza's approach. "Players should be capable of playing any system or any style, basically positionless basketball," he explained. "The way I coach is based on skill development, teaching each player how to do a little bit of everything. I believe it complements Coach Mari's style. She's tough-minded and loves the fundamentals, and we collaborate well in how we teach and challenge our players."

That blend of structure and flexibility has paid off early in the year. "The camaraderie has really improved," Robinson said. "Competitiveness has gone up, which makes practice enjoyable. When we apply something new, the players grasp it quickly; their basketball IQ is growing."

With an emphasis on repetition and situational learning, Robinson has worked to elevate every phase of the Hawks' game. "I've been able to aid in all areas—defense, shooting, and conditioning," he said. "Coach Mari has allowed me the space to work. Repetition along with situational basketball has given our players the experience to get better in those moments."

Leadership has been another bright spot. "Our three returners, Kinsley, Gabriella, and Xzandria, have each made an impact so far," Robinson said. "They still have a few more levels to reach, but they're setting the tone." The freshmen have stepped up as well. "We have two freshmen who lead in different ways," he added. "Marque is more vocal, while Zariela leads by example. As we keep developing those two, they'll provide quality leadership throughout the team."

Compared to last season, Robinson has seen a noticeable shift in confidence. "There's not as much shock or uncertainty this year," he explained. "Having a few returners helps, and our freshmen are fearless, which is good. Last year, we had players who were unsure of what to expect. This year, we'll handle those moments better as a team."

That fearlessness, Robinson said, is the foundation for what Harper is building. "Our freshmen haven't been fully introduced to Region 4 competition yet, but they're confident and fearless," he said. "As a coach, you can live with that energy and build on it throughout the season."

For sophomore Xzandria Turner, this season represents more than just another year of basketball; it's a chance to play with purpose, health, and heart. After battling a health setback in the offseason, Turner enters 2025–26 with renewed energy and appreciation for the game. "I'm excited, lots of new faces," she said. "We have an actual team!"

Turner and her teammates have set clear goals focused on accountability and effort. "To give our best, have no attitudes, and hold everyone accountable," she said with a smile. "We're all learning to work together."

Turner has grown significantly since joining the program, both as a player and a person. "I think I've grown by my attitude, strength, keeping a level head, better ball-handling skills, and learning to trust the team," she reflected. "It's been a process, but a good one."

Team chemistry has been a work in progress, but Turner believes it's trending in the right direction. "It wasn't the best at first, but we're working on it," she admitted. "It's progress." What makes this year's group special, she says, is their shared belief in one another. "We all have potential and are willing to play as a team."

Turner credits the coaching staff for guiding her transformation. "They've helped me move mountains," she said. "I was the only returning ball handler, so not only did I get better as a player because of them, but I've also improved as a leader. The coaches stuck by my side and never gave up on me."

When it comes to players fans should watch, Turner doesn't hesitate. "Kinsley and Marque," she said, highlighting two teammates who have stood out in early practices for their energy and leadership.

For Turner, game days are all about connection and joy. "My favorite part about game day is seeing my family come and support me, or seeing everybody's smiles in the locker room," she said. That support fuels her drive every time she steps onto the court. "My family and myself motivate me most," she said.

Her message to Harper fans this season is simple but powerful:

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." – Michael Jordan

For sophomore forward Gabriella Swanson, the 2025–26 season is all about growth, grit, and togetherness. After a strong first year with the Hawks, Swanson is eager to help lead Harper into a new chapter of competitiveness and confidence. "I am super excited to start the season and start stacking some wins," she said.

Swanson has set ambitious goals for herself and her team. "My personal goals are to average a double-double and to make at least three three-pointers this season," she said. "As a team, our goal is to play as one, communicate and trust each other, and learn how our teammates play so we can support them best."

Her offseason work mirrored that mindset. "I worked on getting stronger both physically and mentally," Swanson said. "I spent time in the gym, learned meditation and breathing techniques, and worked on my ball handling and free throws." That focus has helped her grow into a more complete player. "I think I've grown a lot," she said. "I've become a better player and teammate throughout last season and especially in the offseason."

As one of the team's returning leaders, Swanson recognizes the importance of chemistry. "The chemistry is definitely developing," she said. "There are a few miscues, but overall it's headed in the right direction and we're learning to work better together."

She also credits the Hawks' bond and the atmosphere around the program for making this group unique. "The connection we have on and off the court is different than anything I've experienced before," Swanson said. "The minimal toxicity and drama is also way different from past teams I've been on."

That supportive culture starts with the coaching staff. "Working individually on skills has helped me improve a lot," she said. "As a team, we've focused on weaknesses identified from our summer jamborees, and that has helped us grow."

When asked which teammates fans should watch for, Swanson immediately pointed to two names. "Marque and Ari will definitely be impactful on both sides of the floor. They're going to be fun to watch."

Game days bring their own kind of excitement for Swanson. "My favorite part about game day at Harper is Steve announcing the games," she said. But beyond the atmosphere, her motivation runs deeper. "What motivates me most is just wanting to be better for the team and for myself," she said.

Her message to Hawks fans this season is clear:

"We are ready to fight this season."

With returning leadership, fresh energy from the newcomers, and a coaching staff committed to development and culture, Harper women's basketball is positioned to take a major step forward in 2025–26. The Hawks have the depth, toughness, and belief to compete in every game and continue climbing within Region 4. As Neberieza put it best, this team is "on an upward trajectory," and the season ahead promises to show just how high the Hawks can soar.

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Players Mentioned

#4 Kinsley Stillman: F/C; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#33 Gabriella Swanson: F/C; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#21 Xzandria Turner: G/F; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#24 Marque Taylor: F; 5' 10"; Freshman

#5 Zariela Myles: G; 5' 6"; Freshman

#20 Ariana Buss: G; 5' 8"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#4 Kinsley Stillman
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: F/C

#33 Gabriella Swanson
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: F/C

#21 Xzandria Turner
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: G/F

#24 Marque Taylor
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: F

#5 Zariela Myles
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: G

#20 Ariana Buss
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: G