By Malcolm Butler
The calendar may say the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters have just started official practice.
But to head coach Brooke Stoehr, it feels like they have been at it for a while.
After eight weeks of summer workouts and the transition into the NCAA’s preseason practice schedule, Stoehr and the Lady Techsters officially began preparations this week for the 2026-27 season.
“I think we’ve had a great eight weeks of summer access with our team,” said Stoehr. “Really got a chance to get to know them. They’ve worked extremely hard. I feel like we’ve been practicing for a while now.”
There is plenty of familiarity for Stoehr and her staff with seven players returning from last year’s team. But it is hardly the same team.
Stoehr said the combination of a veteran returning core and a group of newcomers with different skill sets has given the Lady Techsters plenty of competition during the summer and into the opening week of official practice.
“We’ve got a lot of competitive spots on our roster this year, and we’re looking forward to it,” Stoehr said. “I think they’ve had a hunger and a desire to get better. They know it’s a new season, new year, new team and new dynamic, and so it’s been fun to work with them.”
The seven returners are Alexia Weaver, Hillary Dawson, Jordan Marshall, Isla Airey, Kennedy Evans, Joy Madison-Key and Kaleigh Thompson.
Stoehr has already seen growth from that group in areas beyond basketball, specifically pointing to Weaver, Thompson and Marshall as players who have become increasingly comfortable taking ownership of the team.
“From a leadership aspect, I think you see Lex, KT, Jordan, they’re really comfortable in who they are and using their voices to direct and lead,” Stoehr said. “But I think the biggest thing is them holding each other accountable and calling each other up and not being afraid to do that.”
Marshall is one player whose development has particularly impressed Stoehr.
After producing throughout her first two seasons in Ruston, the junior forward has taken another step during the offseason, according to her head coach.
“I think we’ve seen Jordan Marshall take the next step with her game,” Stoehr said. “It’s been really cool to see her development of just being so steady and consistent and not having one or two good days and then a day where she’s not as focused. Her consistency and focus this summer has been really good.”
Stoehr said Marshall’s growth has extended well beyond what she does on the floor.
“Her ability to be coached, take direction and then coach someone else in that same respect has been really neat,” Stoehr said. “It’s rewarding. It’s why we do what we do of still seeing young people develop and grow over a period of time.”
While Tech has plenty of returning experience, Stoehr believes the newcomers will allow the Lady Techsters to play differently in some areas.
“We brought back a lot of really good players, and we added some pieces that I think are going to give us a different dimension, an added dimension,” Stoehr said. “We’re going to be able to play something similarly, but we’re going to have an added dimension that we didn’t have last year.”
Stoehr believes that will be particularly noticeable on the defensive end.
“I think we’re more physical,” Stoehr said. “I think we’re more athletic. I think we’ve got a chance to be really special defensively. We’re not there yet, obviously, but I think we’ve got a chance to be really, really good defensively.”
Offensively, Stoehr sees additional versatility as well.
Weaver has spent more time at her natural shooting guard position, while newcomer Brittani Wells also gives Tech additional players capable of creating opportunities for teammates.
Stoehr also mentioned Alana Obianozie’s ability to attack the basket and shoot from the perimeter, while freshman E’Marriha Johnson has shown the ability to stretch the floor despite playing primarily in the post during her prep career.
“We’ve got some different weapons, players that can really manipulate a ball screen and create for others and do some things with our versatility,” Stoehr said.
The Lady Techsters are also awaiting the full return of Kennedy Evans, who missed last season with an injury. Stoehr said Evans had been cleared before experiencing a setback but has returned to practice.
“She gives you an opportunity with some length and athleticism to go rebound, too,” Stoehr said. “I think that’s a dimension that is going to be a really good asset for us.”
All of it comes as Louisiana Tech prepares for its first season as a member of the Sun Belt Conference.
Stoehr, who played in the Sun Belt during her career as a Lady Techster before Tech moved to the Western Athletic Conference, knows the physical challenges the league will present.
“We know we’re going into a league where rebounding is really key and some great offensive rebounding teams in the Sun Belt,” Stoehr said. “We’ve got to be prepared for that from a physicality standpoint.”
Tech will have opportunities to test itself before conference play. The Lady Techsters’ nonconference schedule includes road games at Ole Miss, Georgia and Arkansas, along with a home matchup against Memphis.
Tech will also participate in three preseason scrimmages, with the first scheduled for Oct. 11.
“We want to be gritty, we want to be tough, we want to be a connected group that’s in search of excellence every day,” Stoehr said. “I think we’ll see our identity develop as we go.
“We’re kind of blue-collar. We’re going to show up. We’re not worried about winning a press conference or the style points. We want to find a way to be the best team that we can be when it gets to February and March.”
