At the season midpoint, the Emory University women’s basketball team has positioned itself as one of the most solid teams in Division III, sporting a 12-5 overall record despite a 2-4 mark in the competitive University Athletic Association (UAA).
Averaging 75.9 points per game, the Eagles have showcased their offensive power, but head coach Misha Jackson believes the team is still scratching the surface of its potential.
“We’re doing really well … but I think we can still be doing better,” Jackson said. “I don’t think we’ve hit our peak yet.”
Despite early season hundred-point games, Jackson said that the Eagles are not interested in only having their best games in November. Instead, the team is looking toward even bigger wins for the rest of the season.
The Eagles’ offense has been efficient, fueled by unselfish ball movement and perimeter shooting. According to Jackson, the team’s scoring ability — especially from beyond the arc — has been its biggest strength so far.
“Our scoring ability, having so many weapons — especially from the perimeter, the three-point shooting — is a big, big piece for us,” Jackson said. “Our strength is definitely our scoring in the way we share the ball.”
Leading that success is standout freshman guard Tatum Olson, who has quickly become one of the most impactful players in the country. Olson leads the team in scoring, averaging 15.2 points per game, and is shooting an impressive 49.4% from three-point range, putting her near the top of national rankings. Her immediate impact has been evident throughout the season, something Jackson called “phenomenal” given Olson’s first-year status.
Olson credits the team’s success this season to their collective mindset.
“When we’re at our best, it’s when we’re all passing the ball around, taking great shots and being unselfish,” Olson said. “There’s just so much talent on the floor.”
The Eagles’ philosophy emphasizes paint touches and kick-outs for open looks, maximizing their versatility. Junior guard Alexandra Loucopoulos, an All-UAA First Team selection last season, continues to be a dominant presence on the floor. In the Eagles’ first home UAA game against Case Western Reserve University (Ohio), Loucopoulos scored a career-high 30 points, earning UAA Athlete of the Week honors.
Freshman Mia Strazza has also become a team leader as the team’s starting point guard, running the offense and setting the tone through her communication and poise. She said the team is at their best when everyone is playing relaxed and in sync.
“When we’re just having fun and when we stick together and communicate at a high level, we’re a top team in the country,” Strazza said.
In the frontcourt, junior guard and forward Mary Mullinax has led the rebounding effort, leading the team with 117 boards. Mullinax’s scoring may fluctuate, but Jackson said her rebounding has a crucial impact on the game and the Eagles’ success.
“She’s been so steady and consistent,” Jackson said. “If her points have been off, Mary has still been rebounding. … She rebounds, she passes and she scores.”
Despite the strong start, Jackson said rebounding consistently, securing the ball and playing connected remain points of emphasis in practice. Jackson encourages her players to stay engaged with one another, whether through a high-five after a mistake or quick communication during play.
“At times it’s easy to look internal when you mess up and you drop your head or something like that,” Jackson said. “We want to make sure to connect to talk about it, like, ‘How do we fix it?’ and then move on. By connecting and acknowledging it, it allows you to move on.”
The Eagles’ growth will be especially important as they navigate the toughest stretch of their conference schedule. Although they have had mixed results in UAA play so far, there are still eight games remaining for them to gain some ground on their opponents.
Since only regular-season standings determine the UAA’s automatic NCAA tournament bids, every game down this next stretch matters. The Eagles face pivotal upcoming games, including matchups against Washington University in St. Louis (Mo.) on Feb. 6 and the University of Chicago on Feb. 8, but Strazza said the team’s confidence remains high.
“We know what it takes to win, and we know what we have to do,” Strazza said. “That’s also really important going into the second half of the season, just sticking together and doing what we have been doing.”
