Spartans Ready to Chase Fourth Straight MEAC Championship

NORFOLK, Va. — First-year Norfolk State women’s basketball head coach Jermaine Woods doesn’t want the Spartans to tiptoe into the new season. He wants the Spartans to attack it and reclaim the MEAC Championship for the fourth consecutive season. 

“Every single day, you’ve got to bring it,” Woods said. “You can’t turn that switch off. You’ve got to keep it on all the time.”

Woods returns home to Norfolk for his first season leading the defending MEAC champions, inheriting a program defined by three straight titles and a reputation for relentless defense and energy. His message to the team remains simple: compete with edge, embrace expectations, and chase greatness every day.

“We’ve been preaching relentless competitive effort since the first day,” Woods said. “You’re the hunted now. Whether you were on the team last year or not, you’re the defending champions. You have to embrace that and understand that every opponent circles you on their calendar.”

Only five players return from last season’s MEAC title run, but Woods believes their leadership will anchor the transition. He expects MEAC Preseason Second Team selection Da’Brya Clark and First Team honoree Anjanae Richardson to elevate their roles, while Ciara Bailey and Jenesis Hill provide key depth and experience.

“They’ve all been great,” Woods said. “AJ and Da’Brya looked strong in our first scrimmage, and Ciara and Jenesis have surprised me in the best way. They all know what a championship standard looks like.”

Woods reloaded through the transfer portal, adding a mix of veteran guards and skilled frontcourt players. Preseason All-MEAC Second Team selection Jasha Clinton will run the offense at point guard, while Third Team selection Jazmine Spencer adds scoring power.

“Jasha controls the game. We put the ball in her hands, and she takes care of it,” Woods said. “Those two, along with A.J. and Da’Brya, give us four guards who could start for any team in the MEAC.”

Woods also added size and versatility in the paint with newcomers Iyanna Rogers, Carmen Kweti and LeAire Nicks.

“If those four give us 15 and 15 every night combined, we’ll be in great shape,” Woods said. “We can stretch the floor, attack the paint, and play multiple styles.”

Two familiar faces followed Woods from Coppin State —Cire Worley and Niyah Gaston — both known for their perimeter shooting.

“They know me, and they know they’ve got the green light,” Woods said. “We’ll move Cire at the four sometimes to give us that four-guard look. It’s going to make us fast and tough to guard.”

Norfolk State’s nonconference slate features three nationally ranked opponents in the first five games, including Ole Miss, Duke, and Iowa State, a deliberate challenge that Woods welcomes.

“We wanted to give ourselves a chance to compete every night,” Woods said. “Playing these games gives us an idea of what March looks like, while also getting us prepared for the MEAC.” 

The Spartans will host Ole Miss and Duke next season in return, part of Woods’ effort to strengthen NSU’s basketball profile and create revenue opportunities.

“We want to build our home environment and sell out Echols Hall,” Woods said. “That revenue helps us take care of our players and elevate the program in this new era of college basketball.”

Woods assembled a new coaching staff he describes as “family.” His group includes associate head coach Lindsey Payton, assistant coaches Asia Williams and Brandon Plummer, director of operations Mossi Staples, and returning assistant coach Chanette Hicks — all people with deep personal and professional ties to Woods.

“They’re not just my staff — they’re my people,” Woods said. “We laugh and we push each other every day. I’ve never had a group like this, and I wouldn’t want to do this without them.”

Returning to Norfolk has carried deep meaning for Woods. Now he leads one of the region’s most successful programs while raising his family in his hometown.

“The community has embraced me from the moment I got back,” Woods said. “My kids get to see their grandparents, their cousins — that means everything. Norfolk is home.”

Woods praised the support he’s received from Norfolk State’s administration, including Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb.

“Dr. Webb has been phenomenal,” Woods said. “I can walk into her office, shut the door, and talk about anything. That kind of leadership from the top down makes all the difference.”

As the Spartans prepare to open the 2025–26 season at Ole Miss, Woods keeps the focus on daily growth and championship consistency.

“We don’t put a percentage on it — we just want to get better,” Woods said. “Some players might improve faster than others, but we can’t regress. We have to keep the switch on all the time.”

He understands the legacy he’s stepping into — and the responsibility that comes with defending a title.

“You can’t run away from the greatness that came before you,” Woods said. “We have a responsibility to carry that on. We want to be the best in the MEAC, one of the best in the country, and eventually a top-10 program among mid-majors. That’s the standard.”

The Spartans will take the court for the first time this season on Monday, Nov. 3, on the road against No. 12 Ole Miss. Tipoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. EST in Oxford, Miss.