UTA Lady Mavs Debut in UAC with New Coach and Stars
Head coach Shereka Wright and players Amiyah Reynolds and Faith Carson represent the Lady Mavericks at the inaugural UAC media day.
Key points
- UTA Lady Mavs begin their first season in the United Athletic Conference in 2026-27.
- Coach Shereka Wright brings a 94-83 career record and a 2022 Sun Belt title to the team.
- Juniors Amiyah Reynolds and Faith Carson join the roster for the upcoming campaign.
Allen, Texas. The UT Arlington women's basketball program steps into a new conference era. Head coach Shereka Wright, junior Amiyah Reynolds, and newcomer Faith Carson attend the inaugural United Athletic Conference (UAC) Basketball Media Day. The event takes place Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center.
The 2026-27 season marks a pivot for the Lady Mavericks. They begin their first year competing in the United Athletic Conference. Wright enters her seventh season leading the team. She has guided the program since 2020, building a career record of 94-83.
A new conference chapter begins
Wright’s arrival in 2020 reshaped the team’s trajectory. She helped secure a 2022 Sun Belt Tournament Championship. That win earned the Mavericks their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2007. Her coaching path includes stints at Texas Tech, Alabama, and Vanderbilt.
Before coaching, Wright played at Purdue from 2000 to 2004. She became the program’s only three-time All-American. Her legacy is cemented in the Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame. Now, she steers a fresh roster toward a new identity.
Returning talent and fresh faces
Amiyah Reynolds returns as one of two players from last season. The junior transferred from Purdue before the 2025-26 campaign. She split time between both programs last year. Her combined stats include 129 points, 130 rebounds, and 67 assists.
Reynolds also recorded 34 steals and 22 blocks. Her best performances included 10 points against Utah Tech. She grabbed eight rebounds against Rice. She also dished out four assists on three separate occasions.
Faith Carson joins the squad as a newcomer. The Buchanan, Michigan native previously played at Ohio State and Grand Canyon. At Grand Canyon in 2025-26, she appeared in 18 games. She averaged 2.1 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.
Carson shot 41.5 percent from the floor last season. She pulled down 36 total rebounds, including 12 offensive boards. Her season-high was seven points against San Jose State. She is a four-time All-Conference selection and Conference MVP.
Embracing grit and grind
The team adopts a "Grit in the Grind" mentality. This philosophy guides their preseason preparation. They work to establish a new identity. The goal is to build strength before the season opener.
