Recap: Katrina Merriweather, Destiny Thomas, Mya Perry, Reagan Jackson Big 12 Media Day Availability
At Big 12 Basketball Media Days in Kansas City, Cincinnati head coach Katrina Merriweather was joined by junior Reagan Jackson, as well as senior Mya Perry, and redshirt junior Destiny Thomas to give an in-depth preview of the team’s progress, expectations, and evolving identity heading into the Bearcats' third season in the Big 12.
Rundown of everything Merriweather and her players said during their media availability, along with quotes.
Year three in Kansas City
Merriweather expressed excitement about returning to the T-Mobile Center:
“It’s such a unique opportunity to be in the same venue you're going to compete in for the conference tournament.”She noted improvements to the media day experience year after year, emphasizing how it benefits the players as well.
Italy Trip and Early Chemistry
The team’s overseas trip to Italy this summer was pivotal.
“It gave us an opportunity for chemistry... and to see what happens in a couple of games.”
With five returners, six freshmen, and two transfers, she highlighted the benefit of extra practices and early game action to build cohesion.
"It was a really good flash to what the season's going to be… we just get along so well, and the chemistry on the court was amazing," Mya Perry told media.
Merriweather singled out Kali Barrett, calling her “one of the most versatile players I’ve ever coached”, expecting her to play positions one through four. On the post position, she stated:
“Our five spot needs to be better than the other team’s five spot,” noting that she got a chance to evaluate all four players vying for that role."
With six freshmen, the question of readiness came up. Merriweather responded confidently:
“They won’t have a choice... they know it and they work really hard to make sure they do every day.”
While injuries may affect early rotations, she expects the young players to mature quickly with game reps.
The Return of Destiny Thomas
After missing last season due to injury, Destiny Thomas is back and embracing a leadership role. Her time away from the court gave her new perspective:
"I had to open my game off the court… get better with the mental part of it… Coming back, I had to get my mindset together and just not take anything for granted."
Her growth hasn’t gone unnoticed, and Coach Trina Merryweather’s trust was clear in bringing Destiny to Big 12 media days:
"This is my fourth year with her, and I'm so grateful… Not playing last year kind of took a toll on me mentally. So, for her to put all the trust in me to come in and represent the team means a lot."
Recruiting Surprises and Standouts
Merriweather praised Kylie Torrance, a late addition to the freshman class:
“She won’t be easy to hide… She’s going to wow you with her effort on both ends of the court.”
She also mentioned freshman point guard Caliyah DeVillasee as“ one of the best point guards in the country regardless of class” and mentioned Joya Crawford, Paige Whitted, Reagan Jackson, and Mya Perry (from the portal) as vital perimeter contributors.
On Star Freshman Dee Alexander
“She’s incredibly decorated… but she knows that preseason awards are high school recognition.”
Alexander was named Ohio Miss Basketball three consecutive seasons, was a McDonald's All American, and won four Ohio State Championships, while also being a consensus top-10 recruit nationally.
Merriweather praised her humility:
“She is one of the most humble basketball players I’ve ever been around… tough, gritty… plays a little bully ball… but one of the kindest, sweetest people I’ve ever met.”
Replacing Jillian Hayes
One of the biggest questions to be answered is how UC will replace the leadership and production ofAll Big-12 Conference forward Jill Hayes who averaged 15.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game last season.
Hayes was described as “irreplaceable,” forcing Merriweather and her team to change its style.
“We’re going to be a little smaller… but I do think we’ll get a lot of productivity out of that spot.”
She mentioned that Kali Barrett, Ramiyah Byrd, Alliance Ndiba, and Kylie Torrance will help fill that gap.
Positionless Basketball and New Style
Merriweather is embracing a more versatile offense this year:
“You’ll see Kali and Dee bringing the ball up… if you get the rebound, you lead the break.”
She’s shifting from a dribble-drive to a motion-based, five-out offense:
“That does something for us… not clogging the paint with our five player.”
Culture, Sisterhood, and Growth
Now entering her third year as a Bearcat, Reagan Jackson spoke about the culture Coach Trina is building in Cincinnati:
"Every time I think of sisterhood… it means I am who I am because of who we all are. We live by that every day. We show up for each other on and off the court."
The team's identity is centered on unity, accountability, and mutual respect—values that Reagan says are visible daily.
"Under her [Coach Trina’s] leadership, I think every day we’re moving forward."
The Culture of Winning
The Bearcats added multiple players who had won at a high level during their high school careers.
Dee Alexander was a four-time Ohio State Champion.
Caliyah DeVillasee was ranked the No. 1 player overall in Maryland according to Prep Hoops and finished at No. 62 in the final 2025 class rankings by ESPNW. She was also named an Adidas All American in 2023 and 2024.
Kylie Torrence contributed to her team's undefeated run to the Adidas Nationals championship in 2023.
Joya Crawford was a finalist for Tennessee Miss Basketball, won Tennessee Offensive Player of the Year twice, and was also named State Tournament MVP following a run to the 2024 TSSAA Class AAA State Championship.
Kali Barrett was ranked the No. 4 player in Florida according to Prep Hoops, was the all-time leading scorer at Cardinal Mooney High School, and helped lead her team to the Class 3A State Championship in 2024-25, first title in school history.
Merriweather's recruiting strategy was focused on players from successful high school programs:
“Winners do things a certain way… They do not like to lose.”
She expects their competitive edge to translate well into Big 12 play.
Biggest Adjustment for Freshmen
Merriweather noted the lifestyle and physical demands of college basketball as the steepest learning curves:
“You were able to play not eating well… not sleeping 7–8 hours… this is going to be different.”
She credited her performance team for helping players adjust to the new standards of nutrition, recovery, and time management.
Despite the adjustments ahead, Mya Perry is confident this will be a great group of young Beearcats.
"I've never been around a freshman class this talented… They're really hardworking, very coachable. They come out and show up every day."
Veterans like Mya and Reagan Jackson are embracing mentor roles, especially with the intensity of Big 12 play on the horizon:
"The speed and physicality of the game is a big learning curve… but they’re talented and we’ll be there for them."
Merriweather didn’t hesitate:
“Under the radar to me is Kylie Torrance… the plan is she’ll be starting.”
She compared her to Kevin Durant for her smooth mid-range game and praised her athleticism, effort, and versatility.
Transfer Addition: Mya Perry
Mya’s versatility and scoring are expected to help replace Tineya Hilton's production from last season:
"She is a great three-point shooter… but we’re asking her to do more than that — defend, get to the rim, get to the line.”
Though Maya will play off the ball, Merriweather stressed her composure and value.
Perry was named AAC All-Conference Second Team last season at FAU, while averaging 15.5 points per game, also making 35.5% of her attempts from deep.
For Mya Perry, this offseason has been particularly meaningful, as she returns home to Cincinnati. The former FAU standout transferred in and quickly felt at home with her new squad and staff:
"It's been amazing. The support staff is way above what I thought it would be," Perry said. "My teammates are amazing. I couldn't have wished for a better team… Even though I'm home, like it feels like home with these people."
Being back in Ohio brings added support and expectations, but Mya embraces both. She acknowledged the local pressure, especially for those from the area like herself and standout freshman Dee Alexander:
"Especially being from Ohio, there's a lot of people around that we know and a lot of people that put a lot of pressure on us. But just go out there and play basketball. You're here for a reason."
Big 12 Philosophy
Despite the league's diversity in playing styles, Merriweather aims to stay grounded:
“If you try to morph to compete with one or two teams, you’ll be at a disadvantage against others… we’ll stay true to who we are — toughness, tenacity, gritty, rebounding.”
Her Coaching Evolution and Personal Why
Merriweather’s growth as a coach is rooted in serving her players:
“They are sacrificing… I want it to be worth it.”
Her mission remains:
“Marrying my passion for helping and impacting young women and basketball.”
Leadership From Reagan Jackson
With Jillian Hayes gone, Reagan Jackson is embracing the Bearcat culture:
“It has been a pleasure watching Reagan evolve… She still has that same edge, same competitiveness… but with more balance.”
Her leadership mirrors Hayes's — tough, vocal, and committed.
Final Outlook
With a young but talented roster, a versatile style of play, and an unshakable identity of toughness, Merriweather’s Bearcats are ready to take the next step in their Big 12 journey. As she summed it up:
“I think you're going to see us be better in every single way," said Merriweather.
"Fans should expect to see the hard work we've put in, the chemistry… you're going to see it on the court," Destiny Thomas echoed.
The season tips off November 4th against Lehigh and the Bearcats will be one of the most intriguing young teams to watch in the Big 12. With seasoned leaders, a standout freshman class, and a unified locker room, Cincinnati is ready to turn heads this season