A season of transition has pushed Coppin State Women’s basketball into a rebuilding phase, where the focus has been on growth, chemistry, and finding its identity under head coach Darrell Mosley.

“We may look like underdogs, but we’re going to earn respect”, said head coach Darrell Mosley. “Because no matter what, anything can be taken away from us, with a tough schedule or not”.

Mosley comes from previous stints at Lincoln as a head coach, and Arizona State as the associate head coach

Coppin State opened the season with non- conference matchups as the program adapted to a reshaped roster while continuing to develop rhythm early in the season.

Former Coppin State guard Jaia Alexander, who played during the 2021- 22 and 2022-23 seasons and graduated in 2024, said her experience in the program still means a lot to her. Now working as a teacher, she remains connected to the program as an occasional guest analyst at home games. She has even practiced with the current team.

Alexander described the pride of being part of Coppin State basketball and how the program’s identity still stands out to her.

“I’m impressed by that group. I wish I could be out there with them”. She said. “I think they’ve gone through a lot of adversity. They’re also adjusting because they have so many new players”.

Alexander played at Clemson and Butler before finally settling into Coppin State, and winning MEAC Conference Player of the Year

That adversity has shown on the court early in the season, as Coppin State opened the year with several non- conference losses while still trying to build chemistry with a new- look roster. Those early games showed just how much the team was still learning to play together and adjust new players into key roles.

When talking about the program’s culture, Alexander pointed to preparation and discipline as things that have always been part of Coppin, even as the roster continues to change.

“I think an aspect of the game that is looked over is the preparation that’s put in, “Alexander said. “This team does a really good job of being prepared for their opponents. They also stick to their strengths and always play together. There’s rarely any selfish play. I think that just speaks to the culture that Coach Mosley is building.”

That culture, she added, is also tied to a deeper understanding of the program’s identity. She also pointed to the importance of understanding the school’s history as the program continues to grow.

Alexander also spoke about what defines Coppin’s program culture and the type of players who succeed within it.

“Players at Coppin have a reputation of being gritty and hard-working. I don’t see that changing. We just need kids that will buy into the program and the community. We not only take pride in hoops, but graduating and being a part of the community as well.”

Her own career reflects that culture and pride. One of her most memorable moments was being named the MEAC Player of the Year.

“It was a feeling that I honestly will cherish forever.” Alexander said, “ I felt like I didn’t win it; my team and my whole school won it.”

Looking back, she encourages current players to embrace the full experience and stay present in the moment.

“If I could offer some advice to my younger self and the current Coppin team, I would tell them to simply enjoy it,” Alexander said. “Enjoy the moment, put the work in, and give it all you have. Because one day, it’ll be over, and why not give yourself something to be proud of?

That message reflects a program navigating a season of change.

The team has a mix of returning players and new additions, with eight new players joining the roster and stepping into expanded roles as they continue to adjust. Those changes have been evident early in the season as the team continues to build chemistry. Coppin State has shown moments of improvement in ball movement and overall effort, but the team has not had consistent results so far this season.

On the court, Coppin State has been working through its early- season struggles while continuing to grow as a team. In MEAC play, the Eagles have spent much of the season in the lower half of the standings as they continue trying to find consistency with a young, evolving roster.

Against Maryland Eastern Shore, Coppin State picked up a 71- 65 overtime win on February 21, 2026. The Eagles showed resilience after coming back from a late deficit in regulation to force overtime, where they finished strong at the free-throw line to secure the win. Hussain Williams led the team with 13 points and helped fuel the Eagles' late push in a close conference matchup.

Mosley played at Lincoln during his college years, which made it a natural place for Mosley to begin coaching.

This season has marked a period of adjustment for Coppin State as the program continues to develop under Mosley’s leadership. With a roster still coming together, the team has focused on improving communication, building chemistry in practice, and translating that progress into conference play.

For Alexander, that same identity and pride still stand out when she thinks about Coppin State Women's basketball today.

“That was always the goal when I was at Coppin to play hard and play for each other”, she said.

Even now, Alexander says the pride of being an Eagle is something that stays with you, and she believes that same mindset continues to shape the team as they grow, build chemistry, and adjust through this season of transition.

“Wearing a Coppin Jersey meant everything to me.”