JERSEY CITY, N.J. - In just six days, the Saint Peter's University women's basketball team tips off the 2025-26 season on Tuesday, Nov. 4, when the Peacocks travel to Seton Hall in the season opener. Tip off between the Peacocks and the Pirates is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at the Walsh Gymnasium.
The last time the Peacocks and Pirates faced off was in 2022, where the Pirates would defeat the Peacocks 73-39. However, a lot has changed since the 2022 season for the Peacocks. While the staff hasn't changed, the players certainly have.
Jennifer Leedham is entering her fourth season as head coach of the Saint Peter's women's basketball program, and she is joined by four other coaches on her staff. The assistant coaches for the 2025-26 Peacocks are
David Jollon,
Johannah Leedham-Warner,
Tay Hughes, and
Olivia Tucker.
Much of the Peacock roster from the previous season remains intact. In fact, while the roster number is smaller from last year, there is a more veteran-led presence on the team, with nine upperclassmen making up the 13 player roster. Returning for the Peacocks are
Jineen Ayyash,
De'Naya Rippey,
Emily O'Connell,
Carys Roy,
Nikola Zdenkova,
Louella Allana,
Reilly Sunday,
Laila Grant, and
Layla Laws.
In 2025, the Peacocks added four new players to the squad. Transfers
Jada Mills and
Eszter Turi along with two true freshman,
Jayshlynn Vega and
Sierra Patricio.
Saint Peter's this season has added smart veterans to go along with the existing vets from the previous year. Coach Leedham continues to preach intensity and focus. With a razor sharp staff surrounding her bringing plenty of experience to the Peacocks.
Saint Peter's will begin the 2025-26 season with four consecutive road games. Beginning at Seton Hall before moving to Fordham on Nov. 10, Lafayette on Nov. 13, and NJIT on Nov. 19 and then returning home to make their home debut against Lehman on Nov. 25 at Run Baby Run Arena. All capping off with a trip to Rutgers on Nov. 30 to end off the month of November.
The Peacocks will play their three final nonconference games at home against Army (Dec. 3), Monmouth (Dec. 7), and FDU (Dec. 10) leading into conference play for the remainder of the season. Saint Peter's kicks off conference play in mid December, competing against MAAC opponents Canisius (Dec. 19) and Niagara (Dec. 21).
