We’re Back! Women’s Basketball Holds First Official Practice of 2025-26 Season

9/24/2025 | Women's Basketball

OXFORD, Miss. – Prior to hitting the court for the first official practice of the 2025-26 season, head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, sophomore guard Sira Thienou, and senior guard Kaitlin Peterson met with the media at the Tuohy Basketball Center.

In her opening remarks since the summer, McPhee-McCuin expressed her excitement for Team 51 and the Rebels’ diversity in talent and personalities. There’s no doubt in her mind that the Rebels will be extremely competitive and the Oxford community will enjoy their game.

With three core returners and nine elite newcomers being added to the fold, Ole Miss heads into this season with lofty expectations and a strong sense of confidence. The Rebels are coming off their second Sweet 16 appearance in three years, with aspirations to make it deeper into March this season.

One of those key contributors from last year’s squad is All-SEC Freshman honoree, Thienou. Playing in all 33 games with 22 starts in her first year, the Bamako, Mali, native pickpocketed the ball 79 times to earn the second-most by a freshman in program history.

Thienou spent her time in front of the camera reflecting on how she’s aimed to step up as a leader this offseason by improving her communication to help the program grow as well as her teammates around her.

A transfer from UCF, Peterson will bring offensive power to the Rebels, averaging 21.4 points with a .398 clip from the field during the 2024-25 season. On the other side of the ball, the Eufaula, Alabama, native led the Knights in steals during her pair of seasons with the program: 59 in 2023-24 and 54 in 2024-25.

Peterson discussed her journey to Oxford and her intentions to “Give” her all to her teammates and the community, embodying Team 51’s word for the season.

Ole Miss will open the 2025-26 season inside the SJB Pavilion on Nov. 3 against Norfolk State for its annual Kids Day matchup.

Season tickets for the 2025-26 campaign are on sale now. Click here to secure yours today or visit OleMissTix.com.

Follow the Rebels on X at @OleMissWBB, Facebook at Ole Miss WBB and on Instagram at Ole MissWBB. You can also follow head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin on X at @YolettMcCuin.

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Ole Miss Women's Basketball during practice at Tuohy Basketball Center in Oxford, MS on September 24, 2025. Photo by Hayden Carroll/Ole Miss Athletics.

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PRESSER | Yolett McPhee-McCuin - First Day of Practice (09-24-25)

Wednesday, September 24

PRESSER | Sira Thienou - First Day of Practice (09-24-25)

Wednesday, September 24

PRESSER | Kaitlin Peterson - First Day of Practice (09-24-25)

Wednesday, September 24

Get to Know: Lauren Jacobs

Monday, September 01

The University of Mississippi Athletics

We’re Back! Women’s Basketball Holds First Official Practice of 2025-26 Season

Gallery: WBB First Official Practice

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