MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Following a historic run to the Conference Carolinas Women's Basketball Championship final last season, the Chowan University women's basketball team enters the 2026-27 campaign looking to build on their postseason success. The Hawks were selected fifth in the Conference Carolinas Women's Basketball Preseason Poll, released Thursday, October 29th, earning 152 points.
Francis Marion University was selected as the preseason favorite, collecting 210 points and six first-place votes. Defending tournament champion Lees-McRae College followed closely in second with 206 points and seven first-place votes, while Belmont Abbey College rounded out the top three with 198 points and three first-place votes.
Barton College placed fourth with 179 points, followed by Chowan in fifth with 152 points. Young Harris College (150), UNC Pembroke (147), King University (135), Emmanuel University (104) and Shorter University (96) completed the top 10.
Ferrum College (95), North Greenville University (73), the University of Mount Olive (68), Converse University (49), Southern Wesleyan University (43) and Erskine College (15) rounded out the 16-team poll. The preseason poll was voted on by the league's head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own programs.
Building on a Historic Season
Chowan enters the 2026-27 season looking to carry the momentum from one of the most successful campaigns in program history. The Hawks finished the 2025-26 season with a 19-9 overall record and a 14-6 mark in Conference Carolinas play, earning a spot in the Conference Carolinas Women's Basketball Championship final for the first time in program history.
Entering the postseason as the No. 6 seed, Chowan began their championship run with a 64-58 victory over Young Harris in the second round. The Hawks continued their run at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in Spartanburg, South Carolina, defeating No. 3 Belmont Abbey, 53-50, in the quarterfinals before securing an impressive 80-60 victory over No. 2 Barton in the semifinals. The victories sent Chowan to their first-ever conference championship final, where the Hawks faced Lees-McRae.
The Hawks' success was supported by a balanced approach on both ends of the floor. Chowan averaged 66.5 points per game while shooting 40.2 percent from the field. The Hawks were particularly effective on the glass, collecting 43.3 rebounds per contest and out rebounding opponents by an average of 9.4 rebounds per game. Chowan also averaged 12.3 assists, 9.7 steals and 3.7 blocks per contest.
Defensively, the Hawks held opponents to just 59.5 points per game while limiting them to 36.3 percent shooting from the field. That defensive presence, combined with Chowan's ability to control the boards and create opportunities in transition, played a significant role in the team's postseason success.
As the Hawks prepare for another season, maintaining that defensive identity and rebounding production will be important. With returning players who have experienced the intensity of championship competition and newcomers looking to make an impact, Chowan will look to build on last year's accomplishments and remain among the conference's top contenders.
Players to Watch
Chowan is represented by three student-athletes on the Conference Carolinas Women's Basketball Players to Watch list: senior guard Wisdom Banks, junior guard Janiya Davis and senior guard Alexandria James-Fearon.
Wisdom Banks | Senior | Guard
A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Banks returns for her senior season after contributing throughout the Hawks' 2025-26 campaign. Banks appeared in all 28 games, averaging 6.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per contest. She also recorded 44 assists and 45 steals, with a total of 169 points on the season.
Banks' defensive activity and ability to create opportunities for her teammates make her an important returning piece for the Hawks. Her experience within the program provides valuable continuity as Chowan integrates new faces into the lineup. Entering her senior season, Banks will look to build on her previous contributions while providing leadership and consistency in the backcourt.
Janiya Davis | Junior | Guard
A native of Austin, Texas, Davis joins the Hawks as a junior transfer from Temple College. The 5-foot-6 guard brings additional depth and experience to Chowan's backcourt as she transitions into Conference Carolinas competition.
Davis' addition gives the Hawks another option at guard, with an opportunity to contribute to the team's ball movement, perimeter play and defensive efforts. As she adjusts to the program and the NCAA Division II level, her previous collegiate experience will be valuable in helping her transition into the Hawks' system.
With an opportunity to establish herself within the rotation, Davis will look to make an immediate contribution and help Chowan maintain its competitive presence in the conference.
Alexandria James-Fearon | Senior | Guard
James-Fearon, a native of Toronto, Canada, returns for her senior season after a productive year with the Hawks. She appeared in 27 games, averaging 7.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest while shooting 46.3 percent from the field.
James-Fearon also contributed defensively, recording 44 steals and 24 blocked shots while adding 37 assists. Her ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game makes her a versatile option for the Hawks.
Entering her senior campaign, James-Fearon will look to build on her previous season and provide an experienced presence in the backcourt. Her defensive awareness, ability to attack the basket and versatility will be important as Chowan works to replace key production from last year's roster.
A New Season, A New Blend of Experience and New Talent
While Chowan returns several players from last year's roster, the Hawks will also feature a number of new faces in 2026-27.
The returning group provides valuable continuity through Banks, James-Fearon, Daneesha Briggs, Sa'ni Savage and sophomores Yawmari Darden, Keilani Johnson and Keilana Johnson. Each brings experience from last season, giving the Hawks a foundation as they work to establish their rotation and team chemistry.
Chowan's incoming roster adds depth and versatility across the court. The Hawks welcome transfers Jordyn Adderly, Janiya Davis, Ja'Mya Muhammad and Philleah Bright, who bring previous collegiate experience from Coppin State, Temple College, Cecil College and West Virginia State, respectively.
The newcomers provide additional options in the backcourt and frontcourt, while their previous collegiate experience offers another layer of depth as the Hawks prepare for the demands of Conference Carolinas competition.
The freshman class also brings new opportunities for the program, with London Barber, Nevaeh Cannon, Jamyah Parker, Samara Williams and Alexia Henry joining the Hawks. Their development and adjustment to the collegiate game will be important as they work alongside the returning players and experienced transfers.
With a combination of veteran leadership, collegiate experience and emerging young talent, Chowan will look to establish its identity early and continue developing the chemistry needed to compete for another postseason opportunity.
Coaching Staff
Head coach Lenise Frazier enters her seventh season leading the Chowan women's basketball program after continuing to establish the Hawks as a competitive presence in Conference Carolinas. Since taking over the program in 2020, Frazier has guided Chowan through consistent postseason appearances and continued program development.
The 2025-26 campaign marked another milestone in Frazier's tenure as she led the Hawks to a 19-9 overall record, a 14-6 conference mark and the program's first-ever appearance in the Conference Carolinas Women's Basketball Championship final. Chowan also secured its fifth consecutive postseason appearance under her leadership. Frazier collected her 108th career coaching victory and 94th win at Chowan during the season.
Frazier's ability to develop student-athletes and establish a strong defensive identity has been an important part of the program's success. Her experience as a collegiate player and coach provides a foundation for the Hawks as they look to build on last season's championship run and continue competing at a high level.
Joining Frazier on the sideline is first-year assistant coach Sean Daniels, who enters his first season with the Hawks after serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Bemidji State University. Daniels brings experience at the NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA levels, with an emphasis on recruiting, player development and defensive coaching.
During his three seasons at Bemidji State, Daniels helped develop one of the conference's top defensive teams, including a unit that ranked among the nation's top 50 in steals during the 2023-24 season. His experience and background in defensive development will provide another valuable resource for the Hawks as they work to maintain their defensive identity.
Graduate assistant coach Gianni Boone also joins the staff after completing an impressive collegiate playing career at Campbell University. A former team captain, Boone finished her career with more than 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. She earned All-CAA Third Team recognition during the 2024-25 season and was named to the Preseason All-CAA First Team in 2025. Boone also earned CAA All-Freshman Team honors in 2022.
A native of Washington, D.C., Boone brings firsthand Division I playing experience and a strong background in leadership and player development. At Chowan, she assists with player development, scouting and the day-to-day operations of the program while pursuing her graduate degree in Organizational Leadership.
Together, Frazier, Daniels and Boone provide a combination of coaching experience, collegiate playing knowledge and player-development expertise. Their collective efforts will be important in helping the Hawks integrate newcomers, strengthen their returning roster and prepare for another competitive season.
Ahead of the 2026-27 Season
Chowan's 2026-27 schedule features a competitive slate of non-conference matchups before the Hawks turn their attention to Conference Carolinas competition.
The Hawks played in an exhibition game on November 2 on the road against William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Chowan officially opens the season with a visit to Virginia Union on November 9, followed by a trip to Winston-Salem State on November 13 and Coker on November 17 before opening conference play at Erskine on November 21.
The Hawks return to Murfreesboro for their home opener against Fayetteville State on Saturday, November 28, at 2 p.m. at the Hawks Athletic Center. Chowan will continue its home schedule in December with conference matchups against Shorter on December 5 and Ferrum on December 12, both scheduled for 2 p.m. The Hawks will also travel to Norfolk State on December 8 and King on December 15 before closing out the month with a home contest against Mount Olive on December 19.
Conference play continues in January with a road matchup against Virginia State on January 1 before Chowan returns home to host Francis Marion on January 6 and Southern Wesleyan on January 9.
The Hawks will then embark on a three-game road stretch against UNC Pembroke, North Greenville and Barton on January 13, 16 and 20, respectively. Chowan returns home to face Converse on January 23 before traveling to Francis Marion on January 26. The month concludes with a home matchup against Belmont Abbey on January 30.
February brings another important stretch of conference competition, beginning with a home contest against UNC Pembroke on February 3. The Hawks then travel to Young Harris on February 6 and Mount Olive on February 10 before returning home to host Lees-McRae on February 13.
Chowan closes out its road schedule with visits to Ferrum on February 17 and Emmanuel on February 20 before hosting Barton on Wednesday, February 24. The 5 p.m. contest will also serve as the Hawks' Senior Day, providing an opportunity to recognize the program's graduating student-athletes.
Conference Carolinas Championship
The 2027 Conference Carolinas Women's Basketball Championship begins with preliminary-round games on February 28 and March 1. The fourth-, fifth- and sixth-seeded teams will host the opening rounds, with the seventh through 12th seeds competing for the opportunity to advance.
The championship quarterfinals are scheduled for Friday, March 5, at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The semifinals will follow on Saturday, March 6, with the men's and women's championship games scheduled for Sunday, March 7.
After reaching the championship game for the first time in program history last season, Chowan will look to carry that experience into the 2026-27 campaign and compete for another opportunity to contend for the Conference Carolinas title.
