Watch: Katrina Merriweather Discusses Upcoming season

As Cincinnati enters year three in the Big 12, head coach Katrina Merriweather met with the media one final time before the start of the 2025/26 season.

During Wednesday's media session, Merriweather struck an optimistic but grounded tone in , emphasizing athleticism, chemistry, and the importance of collective growth as the Bearcats continue to rebuild with a young roster.

“I’m excited about our athleticism and our talent,” Merriweather said. “It’s difficult year to year when you replace seniors — you just lose so much experience. I’m thankful for non-conference because I do think we need it… but I’m very happy with the way they work together. I’m happy with our chemistry.”

Navigating Injuries: Dee Alexander Update

A major topic was the absence of Dee Alexander, who recently underwent surgery for an ankle injury and was announced as being out indefinitely. Merriweather praised Alexander’s spirit and influence despite being sidelined.

"Dee Alexander is one of the most likable people I’ve ever been around,” she said. “It’s hard to put into words when someone hasn’t played a game yet how much they mean to your team… She’s already been in practice less than a week out of surgery, cheering and being around the team. That says a lot about her and definitely boosts our morale.”

With several key veterans gone, Merriweather highlighted Reagan Jackson, Destiny Thomas, and Mya Perry as the program’s new leaders.

“Without question, Reagan Jackson [is our leader]. She’s our vocal leader, and she works hard every single day,” Merriweather said. “Destiny Thomas brings toughness and strength — she doesn’t talk as much, but when she does, everyone listens. And Maya Perry, as a transfer, has come in and made a huge impact with her experience.”

Program Culture

Merriweather stressed how much she values loyalty and commitment in the modern era of the transfer portal.

“You have to make a big deal out of loyalty in 2025,” she said. “Every kid can find a reason to go somewhere else. These three [Jackson, Thomas, and Perry] — they stayed, they bought in, and that’s the most important part of being a Bearcat: having perseverance and sticking with it.”

Caliyah DeVillasee

Freshman point guard Caliyah DeVillasee earned special praise after her first exhibition game, where she scored 17 points with seven assists and just two turnovers.

“I was really proud of her,” Merriweather said. “She was hard on herself for missing some early free throws, but once she settled down, she showed what we expect — she can score, she can create, and she even takes pride in defense, which you don’t always see from freshmen.”

Players to Watch: Ramiyah Byrd and Kylie Torrence

Merriweather singled out Ramiyah Byrd as a player poised for a breakout year after battling through multiple shoulder surgeries.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t say Raaya Bird,” Merriweather noted. “She’s been through a lot physically, but she’s unselfish, she works hard, and that showed with her double-digit rebounding in the exhibition game.”

She also praised freshman forward Kylie Torrence for her energy and defensive presence.

“Kylie brings incredible energy on both ends. She had three blocks in the exhibition game and just plays hard and fast,” Merriweather said. “We need her to be really good and hold it down until D [Alexander] and Cali get back.”

Adjusting Roles After Injuries

With both Alexander and Kali Barrett sidelined, Merriweather explained that leadership and ball-handling duties are being redistributed across the roster.

“We lost two point-forwards in the last couple weeks,” she said. “That’s put more responsibility on Reagan and Mya to handle the ball more. We were pleasantly surprised with Joya — her decision-making and ability in the open floor really stood out.”

Youth Movement and Team Mentality

The Bearcats will rely heavily on underclassmen this season, with several freshmen expected to play significant minutes.

“You’re going to see freshmen start, you’re going to see freshmen be the first off the bench, playing 20 to 30 minutes,” Merriweather said. “The only way for them to grow is to play.”

Despite the challenges, Merriweather said the team’s energy makes the grind enjoyable.

“It’s more fun because they’re fun,” she said with a smile. “Their personalities, the way they interact — it doesn’t change the pressure, but there’s such a thing as enjoying the stress. I’m absolutely doing that with this group.”

Final Takeaway

Merriweather’s message centered on growth, loyalty, and chemistry. Despite key injuries and a youthful roster, she expressed deep confidence in her players’ work ethic and resilience as Cincinnati looks to continue establishing itself in the Big 12.

“This team is going to have to be a team,” Merriweather concluded. “Every single person in the circle needs every single person in the circle — and if we do that, we’ll be as successful as I believe we can be.”