Bryant Women’s Basketball Picked Fourth In America East Preseason Poll, Mancini Earns Preseason Honor

Bryant University Press Release

BOSTON, MASS. – Mia Mancini of the Bryant University women’s basketball team was selected to the America East Preseason All-Conference Team, the league announced Monday afternoon during its annual media day.

In addition, the Bulldogs were picked fourth in the coaches’ preseason poll. Defending champion Maine was selected first, while UAlbany and Vermont were selected second and third, with the Great Danes also receiving first-place votes.

Mancini begins her Sophomore campaign after being named the AE Rookie of the Year and earning spots on the All-Rookie and third teams. Mancini averaged 13.3 points and 2.7 assists per game while tallying five 20+ point games and converting a conference-best 74 three-point field goals. She had 25 games with a made triple and 19 with at least two. She also registered a career-high 28 points in the victory against Sacred Heart.

The Bulldogs are coming off a stellar 15-win season, during which they earned eight conference wins and hosted their first playoff game in ten seasons in Lynne-Ann Kokoski‘s first season as head coach.

Martina Boba, Nia Scott, Alejandra Ferreirós, and Jessica Berens return to the team, while the Black and Gold added five transfers, Ali Brigham, Jada Leonard, Mimi Rubino, Brielle Williams, and Maranda Nyborg, and three freshmen, Jana Aubà, Gabrielle Sweeney, and Olivia Fernandez. The Bulldogs begin the 2024-25 season on November 4th against Merrimack.

2024 Women’s #AEHoops Preseason Poll

Women’s #AEHoops Preseason All-Conference Team

Kayla Cooper, UAlbany – Gr., Guard

• Fourth in the conference in scoring (15.9 ppg) and second in rebounding (7.3 rpg)
• Two-Time First Team All-Conference.
• 2021-22 Second-Team All-Conference.
• Career averages of 12.6 points 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game in 106 contests with 70 starts.

Mia Mancini, Bryant – So., Guard

• Averaged 13.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game with a league-best 74 three-point field goals.
• 2023-24 Third-Team All-Conference
• America East Rookie of the Year.
• Post five games with 20+ points.

Anna Olson, Vermont – Gr., Forward

• Averaged 11.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists while shooting a league-best .559 percent from the field.
• 2022-23 First-Team All-Conference
• 2023-24 & 2021-22 Second-Team All-Conference
• Career averages of 11.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 106 career contests, with 104 starts.

Adrianna Smith, Maine – Sr., Forward

• 2022-23 #AEHoops Player of the Year
• Second in the league averaging 16.4 ppg while ranking 1^st in rebounding (10.8) and 1^st assists (4.7) per game.
• Two-Time First-Team All-Conference
• Will miss 2024-25 season due to injury

Jadyn Weltz, Binghamton – Jr., Guard

• Averaged 10.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, , 4.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game.
• 2023-24 Second-Team All-Conference
• One of two players in #AEHoops to average 10 ppg, 4 rpg & 4 apg in 2023-24.
• Member of 2022-23 All-Defensive Team.