ALAMOSA, Colorado — With the Adams State Women's Basketball season fast approaching, there is some real buzz around what the Grizzlies are capable of accomplishing this upcoming season. The Grizzlies currently are receiving votes in the WBCA NCAA Division II Preseason Coaches Poll, which was released on October 28th. The Grizzlies received 24 total votes after a season in which they went 19-12 while also making their second straight regional in the 2024-25 season. Along with the recognition as a team, Taejhuan Hill was recently mentioned in an article posted by the NCAA regarding the 9 returning forwards to watch in DII women's basketball going into the 2025-26 season. Hill is a Preseason All-RMAC selection and looks to build on an unbelievable freshman year in which she was one of the best freshmen in the nation.
Highlighting Hill further, she finished the 2024-25 season averaging 13.7 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. She was the only freshman in the nation to finish in the top 10 for double-doubles last season, with 17 double-doubles, tying her for 7th in the country. Hill had an incredible stretch at the end of her season, recording 11 straight double-doubles starting on January 25th, which played a major role in her ranking in the top 10 for double-doubles. Her outstanding statistical season extended beyond double-doubles, as she also finished tied for 22nd nationally with 310 total rebounds, averaging 10.0 rebounds per game over her 31 games, good for a tie for 28th in the nation. Hill's 2024-25 season was truly remarkable. Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Hill aims to build on her impressive freshman year with an even stronger sophomore year, giving the Grizzlies a real chance to achieve something special this season.
Diving into the Grizzlies' 2025-26 team, they return 4 women, three of whom are returning starters for the Grizzlies. This includes Taejhuan Hill, Kiiyani Anitielu, and Elaina Watson. Hill and Anitielu were mainstays in the starting lineup for the 2024-25 season, as Hill started 30 games last year while playing in all 31, and Anitielu started 29 while also playing in all 31 games for the Grizzlies. Watson started in the 11 games she appeared in last year before unfortunately suffering an injury that led to a medical redshirt in the 2024-25 season. Watson will look to return from her injury and continue to be a pivotal piece in the Grizzlies' offensive and defensive scheme, as she has played a massive role for the Grizzlies since her freshman year.
Along with the 4 returners for the Grizzlies, Coach Caetano added 6 transfers and 2 freshmen. Of the 6 transfers, 2 are graduate students, and the other 4 are juniors, providing the Grizzlies with a wealth of experienced leadership, as 8 of the team's 12 women will be upperclassmen this season. With a veteran roster and the guidance of 3 returning starters, Coach Caetano aims to build on his success at Adams State by hopefully winning their first RMAC Conference Title in the 2025-26 season.
The Grizzlies will start their quest for a third consecutive regional bid on Friday, October 31st, when they open their season against Northwest Missouri State. Their opener will be part of the D2CCA Tipoff Classic, held in St. Joseph, Missouri, with game time set for 12 PM MST on Friday. Beyond their preseason schedule, the team aims for an RMAC title and a regional spot when they begin conference play on December 4th against Colorado School of Mines. Stay tuned as the Grizzlies look to accomplish great things this upcoming season.
