New Faces with New Fire: The Pitt Women's Basketball Team's Quest for Wins
Staff writer Rithika Praturu previews the 2025–26 season for Pitt's women's basketball team, highlighting a roster filled with new talent and renewed energy.
Coach Tory Verdi's Vision and Recruiting Philosophy
Head coach Tory Verdi, entering his third season with the Panthers, builds his program around the motto, “If you want to be great, you come to the University of Pittsburgh.” Verdi aims to leverage last season's momentum, where the team achieved 13 wins—the highest in recent memory—to establish consistent success.
A Revamped Roster and Its Strengths
This season, Pitt features 10 new players, including seven first-years and several transfers, alongside four returning athletes. The roster boasts enhanced athleticism, versatility, and skill—traits Verdi identified as lacking in previous years.
“Our roster is better today than it was the last few years,” said Verdi at ACC Tipoff, highlighting the team's growing chemistry and development.
Challenges and Optimism in a Tough Conference
Competing in the highly competitive ACC, the Panthers understand that each game will challenge their progress. However, their renewed energy, deeper bench, and commitment to a strong team culture inspire optimism for the upcoming season.
“If you want to be great, you come to the University of Pittsburgh.”
As the season begins, the key focus is how quickly this fresh group can unite and turn their potential into results on the court.
Summary: Pitt women's basketball enters 2025–26 with a revitalized roster and a strong cultural foundation under Coach Verdi, aiming to build consistent success in a challenging ACC environment.
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