5 Shocking Facts About Tennessee Tech Basketball's 2025-2026 Season And The Women's Dominance
Contents
The 2024-2025 Season: A Tale of Two Triumphs for the Golden Eagles
The previous season laid a strong foundation for both Tennessee Tech basketball programs, showcasing resilience and championship-level play within the Ohio Valley Conference. While the men's team demonstrated character and competitive spirit, the women's team delivered a historic, title-winning performance.Women's Basketball: OVC Regular Season Champions and All-Conference Stars
The 2024-2025 women's basketball season was a masterclass in consistency and dominance for the Golden Eagles. Under the guidance of Head Coach Kim Rosamond, who is now in her ninth season, the team posted an exceptional 26-6 overall record, including a near-perfect 18-2 mark in OVC play, securing the regular-season championship outright. This championship marked the program's 19th OVC title, solidifying its place as a perennial power in the conference. The success was powered by a core group of talented athletes who earned significant individual accolades:- Reghan Grimes: The junior guard was the standout performer, earning a prestigious spot on the All-OVC First Team roster, recognizing her elite-level play throughout the season.
- Peyton Carter & Keeley Carter: The two players were instrumental in the championship run, with both earning a place on the All-OVC Second Team, highlighting the team's depth and widespread talent.
Men's Basketball: Building Blocks and the OVC Sportsmanship Award
The Tennessee Tech men's basketball team, coached by John Pelphrey (now in his seventh season), finished the 2024-2025 campaign with a competitive 15-17 overall record and a 10-10 finish in the OVC. While they fell short of a championship, the team earned a major distinction that speaks volumes about the program's culture: they were named the winner of the Ohio Valley Conference's Team Sportsmanship Award. This award, a first for the program since its inception, underscores the values and character that Coach Pelphrey has instilled in his players. Key players from the 2024-2025 roster included Mekhi Cameron, Ray Glasgow, JaJuan Nicholls, and Ola Ajiboye, who provided the core leadership and talent for the Golden Eagles.The 5 Biggest Takeaways for the 2025-2026 Tennessee Tech Basketball Season
The current season is underway, and there are several compelling storylines for fans and observers to follow, from the men's non-conference performance to the environment of their historic home court.1. The Men's Team's Non-Conference Grind Sets the Tone
As of December 2025, the Tennessee Tech men's basketball team holds a 5-6 overall record. This non-conference schedule is designed to challenge the Golden Eagles and prepare them for the fierce competition within the OVC. Coach Pelphrey's squad is focused on improving their road performances and defensive consistency before the conference slate begins, where they will aim to improve upon their 10-10 OVC finish from the prior year.2. Women's Team is the OVC Title Favorite to Defend Their Crown
Following their dominant 2024-2025 championship season, the Tennessee Tech women's team is widely considered the favorite to repeat as OVC Regular Season Champions. The return of All-OVC players like Reghan Grimes, Peyton Carter, and Keeley Carter ensures that the Golden Eagles possess a potent mix of scoring, defense, and championship experience. The team’s success is a major draw for the Cookeville community and a key pillar of the university's athletics program.3. The Hooper Eblen Center: Home of "The Hoop"
The home court for the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles is the Hooper Eblen Center, a multi-purpose arena on the campus of Tennessee Technological University. Opened in 1977, the Eblen Center is often referred to by fans and students simply as "The Hoop." With a seating capacity that has been cited between 9,280 and 10,200, it provides a formidable home-court advantage for both the men's and women's teams, especially during crucial OVC matchups. The facility has undergone numerous renovations since its construction, ensuring a modern and exciting game-day experience.4. The OVC Sportsmanship Award is a Program Standard
The men's team's OVC Team Sportsmanship Award for the 2024-2025 season is not just a footnote; it's a testament to the core values of the Tennessee Tech athletic department. This recognition is highly valued within the Ohio Valley Conference and reflects a commitment to fair play, respect, and integrity, which are foundational to the identity of the Golden Eagles program under Coach Pelphrey.5. Coaching Stability is Key to Long-Term Success
Both the men's and women's programs benefit from significant coaching stability, which is a rare commodity in college athletics. John Pelphrey is now in his seventh season leading the men's team, while Kim Rosamond is in her ninth season with the women's team. This long-term commitment has allowed both coaches to recruit players who fit their specific systems and build a sustainable culture, directly contributing to the women's recent championship and the men's consistent competitiveness.The Future: OVC Tournament Hopes and Player Development
The ultimate goal for both Tennessee Tech basketball teams is to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, which requires winning the OVC Tournament. The 2025-2026 season will test the mettle of the Golden Eagles, particularly the men's team, as they navigate a conference that is always competitive. For the men's team, the focus will be on developing their younger talent and finding a consistent scorer to complement the core roster. Coach Pelphrey has a history of developing players, and the team’s current 5-6 non-conference record shows they are capable of winning tough games. The OVC is a conference where any team can make a run, and the Golden Eagles’ chances will hinge on their performance in January and February. The women's team, on the other hand, is in a prime position to make a deep run. With All-OVC talent leading the charge, their path is clear: secure a high seed in the OVC Tournament and punch their ticket to the NCAA's March Madness. The program's recent championship success has energized the fan base and provided a blueprint for long-term success, ensuring that Tennessee Tech basketball remains a major force in the Ohio Valley Conference for years to come.
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