BRISTOL, R.I. — The Roger Williams University women's basketball team enters the 2026–27 season looking to build on a solid foundation, returning an experienced core from a squad that finished 13–13 overall and 9–7 in Conference of New England (CNE) play last season.
Head Coach Kelly Thompson enters her 16th season at the helm of the Hawks, leading a veteran group determined to take the program forward. Alongside Associate Head Coach Michelle Spreda and Assistant Coach Dr. Chantrell Frazier, Thompson will look to build on last year's progress with a roster featuring experienced leaders, established contributors, and players ready to take on expanded roles.
"This is a veteran squad that is extremely hungry and ready to get the program to where it was historically," Thompson said.
RETURNING PRODUCTION
RWU's returning group features several players expected to play key roles this season, led by senior guard Chloe Richardson, a four-year starter who brings energy, leadership, and strong shooting ability to the backcourt. After averaging 8.7 points per game last season, Richardson will be called upon to continue providing a scoring presence and leadership as the Hawks look to take the next step.
Senior forward Lilli Clark also returns after averaging 8.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Known for her offensive ability, Clark has continued to expand her game, adding three-point shooting to her skill set and giving the Hawks another dimension on the offensive end.
Junior forward Ava Azzaro returns after averaging 7.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 46.3 percent from the field. Junior guard Maia Riccio also returns after contributing 5.3 points per game, adding depth and experience to the Hawks' backcourt.
On the defensive end, senior forward Meg Qualey will be a key presence for RWU. A defensive standout and program leader, Qualey recorded 33 blocks last season and will help anchor the Hawks' defensive effort as they look to remain strong in the paint.
Junior guard Natalie Santiago, junior forward Hailey Bassett, senior guard Julia Ball, junior guard Sakoya Sweeney, sophomore guard Meghan Husson, and sophomore center Sydney Drinan round out the returning group.
As a team, RWU averaged 59.7 points and 41.2 rebounds per game last season. The Hawks also recorded 124 blocks, averaging 4.8 per contest, while holding opponents to 55.3 points per game. With experienced leadership on both ends of the floor, the Hawks will look to build on their defensive identity while expanding their offensive production.
CHALLENGING SCHEDULE AWAITS
The Hawks open the 2026–27 campaign on the road against Babson on Friday, November 6, at 5 p.m. before traveling to Wheaton (Mass.) on Tuesday, November 10, for a 7 p.m. matchup.
RWU will then compete in the Morin Memorial Tournament at Williams College on November 14–15, facing Williams in its opening contest before taking on either SUNY Geneseo or William Paterson in its second game. The early-season schedule also includes matchups against Tufts and UMass Dartmouth.
Conference play begins Wednesday, November 18, when the Hawks visit Endicott for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff. RWU will welcome Hartford to the Campus Recreation Center Gymnasium on Tuesday, December 1, at 5 p.m. for its first home CNE matchup.
The non-conference schedule also features a road contest at Emmanuel and the Smith Holiday Tournament, where the Hawks will face Susquehanna on December 30 and Bridgewater State on December 31.
CONFERENCE PLAY TAKES CENTER STAGE
RWU finished 9–7 in CNE play last season, including a first-round conference tournament loss to Western New England, 72–64. The Hawks will look to use their experience, leadership, and home-court advantage as they navigate another competitive conference schedule.
The conference slate features home matchups against Johnson & Wales, Suffolk, the University of New England, Endicott, Nichols, Gordon, and Wentworth, along with road contests against the same conference opponents.
The Hawks close the regular season at home against Wentworth on Saturday, February 20, at noon. The CNE Tournament is scheduled to begin with first-round action on Tuesday, February 23, followed by the semifinals on Thursday, February 25, and the championship game on Saturday, February 27.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Roger Williams opens the 2026–27 season on Friday, November 6, with a 5 p.m. road matchup against Babson in Babson Park, Mass.
