Florida Gulf Coast University’s 2025-26 men’s and women’s basketball seasons tip off in early November, bringing a marquee women’s matchup with the University of South Carolina, a huge, in-state clash with Florida Atlantic University and a new Thanksgiving week tournament for the men.

The biggest change is the women’s inaugural season under new leadership. Head coach Raina Harmon inherited a successful brand: nine straight Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament titles; 11 NCAA Tournament appearances; 30 or more wins in three of the last five seasons and 25 or more wins for 15 straight years; and the reputation for “Raining 3s.”

Season tickets, mini-plan packages and single-game tickets for both teams are available online or by calling 866-342-8849.

Harmon begins new era for women’s program

By Michael Ziegler

The 2025-26 season marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Eagle women, as Raina Harmon steps into the head coaching role for one of the most successful mid-major programs in the nation.

Fresh off her tenure as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa, Harmon brings a wealth of experience from one of the country’s most competitive conferences and a reputation for developing well-rounded student-athletes.

At Iowa, Harmon played a key role in building one of the most dynamic and efficient offenses in college basketball, while also helping shape the culture of a program that reached national prominence. Known for her emphasis on discipline, communication and detail, she brings a clear vision that blends FGCU’s long-standing commitment to excellence with a renewed focus on player development and defensive toughness.

The Eagles enter this season fresh off another championship run that showcased their consistency and competitive fire. Last year, the Eagles captured their ninth straight ASUN Tournament Championship and earned another berth in the NCAA Tournament. Under Harmon’s leadership, the team will look to maintain its trademark fast-paced style and perimeter shooting while integrating new approaches and defensive principles from her Big Ten background.

“This program has a standard of excellence, and I can’t wait to build upon that legacy as I commit to developing our student-athletes on and off the court,” Harmon said.

The season brings a strong blend of returning experience and fresh talent, providing the foundation for another competitive campaign. Cerina Rolle, Karina Gordon, Maca Retamales, Jordan Campbell and Anna Mortag return from last year’s championship team to provide leadership and stability, giving the Eagles a reliable core that understands what it takes to win at a high level. With the mix of dynamic returners and additions, FGCU looks poised to continue its tradition of success under the new regime.

The Eagles’ 2025–26 schedule offers several early tests that will help define the team’s growth. FGCU opens the season at home Nov. 8 against Davidson College. Later in the month, the Eagles host Big Ten powerhouse Indiana University for a major nonconference matchup Nov. 25. The schedule also features a marquee showdown against the national runner-up University of South Carolina Dec. 20, giving the Eagles an opportunity to measure itself against the nation’s best. Once conference play begins in January, the Eagles will again face the familiar grind of ASUN competition.

Men debut Coconut Hoops tourney, host FAU

By Grayson Blalock

Get ready for a dynamic season as FGCU’s men’s basketball team tips off at home against New College of Florida Nov. 3.

The Eagles’ first road test will be at Big Ten contender Illinois. Georgia Southern University and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga are then set to make mid-November trips to the Sunshine State, facing off with FGCU Nov. 11 and 15, respectively.

Coconut Hoops, a high-profile Thanksgiving week tournament, debuts at Alico Arena Nov. 24-26 and will feature FGCU, Oral Roberts, Rice and Kennesaw State universities, among others. Road trips to Florida International University and New Mexico will also test the mettle of the Eagles away from Alico Arena early in the season.

December brings a marquee in-state matchup for the Eagles, as Florida Atlantic University travels to Alico Arena Dec. 7.

FGCU looks to continue its success against in-state foe FAU after earning a thrilling buzzer-beating victory on the road last year.

A post-Christmas contest against the University of Fort Lauderdale Dec. 28 wraps up the nonconference slate.

“Our nonconference goal is to challenge our guys, face different styles and compete in hostile environments so we’re fully prepared for ASUN play,” head coach Pat Chambers said.

Atlantic Sun play begins in January, with the championship tournament set for Jacksonville in March.

Entering his fourth season at the helm of the Eagles, Chambers will look to returners junior point guard Rahmir Barno (8.0 points per game), redshirt senior forward Michael Duax (4.5 rebounds per game) and senior forward Rory Stewart (40% from 3-point range) for leadership.

Newcomers include University of Notre Dame transfer J.R. Konieczny and University of Richmond transfer George Washington III, along with freshmen Jordan Ellerbee and Chase Konieczny.