The Ithaca College women’s basketball team is set to begin its 2025-26 season on the road against Division I opponent Colgate University. Head coach Dan Raymond, entering his 26th season, will lead the team alongside assistant coaches Jim Mullins and Elizabeth Thompson. The Bombers are coming off a strong 2024-25 season, finishing 19-8 overall and 17-1 in Liberty League play, but Raymond emphasizes that this season is a fresh start.
The team will face a challenging schedule, playing 10 of their first 11 games on the road, including a six-game stretch to open the season. This run features early Liberty League matchups against Vassar, Skidmore, and William Smith. Raymond welcomes the challenge, stating that it will help determine the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
The Bombers have a young roster, anchored by two seniors: Zoraida Icabalceta and Avery McPeek. Juniors and sophomores will be expected to step into new and more significant roles on and off the court. Returning contributors, such as Tori Drevna and Madison Gill, are expected to play pivotal roles after strong performances in last year’s Liberty League Championship.
Other key returnees include All-Liberty League First Team selection Zoraida Icabalceta and Third Team selection Elizabeth Majka. Icabalceta averaged 9.1 points and 3.3 assists per game last season, while Majka averaged nine points, 4.3 rebounds, and tied for a team-high with 20 blocks.
Raymond’s vision for the season goes beyond wins and losses, focusing on building relationships among the team centered around trust, communication, passion, and discipline. The Bombers will compete in the Brockport Tip-Off Tournament on November 21-22 and close the regular season with 15 straight Liberty League games, including four of the final six at home in Ben Light Gymnasium.
The season opener against Colgate will be the ninth all-time meeting between the schools and the first regular season contest since the 1983-84 season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+. With a young and talented roster, the Ithaca College women’s basketball team is looking to make a strong impression in the 2025-26 season.