The Tianni Kelly era tips off Monday. Kennesaw State women's basketball opens its 2026-27 season against Shorter on Monday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. ET at VyStar Arena in Kennesaw, with the game streaming on ESPN+.
Kelly was hired as the program's ninth head coach on March 30 after stops as head coach at Charleston (WV) and associate head coach at Chattanooga. With only four players back from last season, she rebuilt the roster through the transfer portal, junior college recruiting and international talent. Check the full 2026-27 Kennesaw State schedule for the rest of the November slate.
Familiar faces and new ones
Shania Nichols leads the returners after averaging 9.2 points per game last season and setting a program single-season record by shooting 89.1% at the free-throw line. Kaelyn Flowers, who started 24 games, is back along with Emaya Lewis and Madyson Elliott.
The newcomers bring experience. Sixth-year forward Tracey Bershers has more than 500 career points across stops at UAB, Minnesota and Oklahoma State, and was part of a Minnesota team that reached the Sweet 16 last spring. Forwards Kayla Sullivan (Valparaiso) and Toni Warren (Wofford) and guard Riley Talbert (UAB) also came through the portal, while Arissa Jenkins and Lamarah Cleaves arrive from the junior college ranks.
Series history
KSU leads the all-time series with Shorter 20-7 and has won 19 straight meetings, including an 85-36 rout to open last season when Nichols scored 20. The Owls are chasing a third straight opening-night win and a 10th straight home-opener victory. Shorter also debuts a first-year coach, Marcus Hunt Jr.
How to watch
Tip is 11 a.m. ET Monday at VyStar Arena, streaming on ESPN+.
Heading to the arena? Grab a new game-day tee before tipoff.
Source: Kennesaw State Athletics. Read the full story on ksuowls.com.