Make way for the Tanisha Wright era.

On Monday, Penn State women’s basketball head coach Tanisha Wright spoke to the media about the upcoming season as she makes her return to Happy Valley. 

Here’s a compilation of what Wright had to say about her Lady Lion squad.

On Team Chemistry

With a team riddled with freshmen and transfers, Wright has placed a heavy emphasis on chemistry and encourages her players to “build the culture that they want.” 

Wright explained how the team’s relationship extends beyond the court, and how team connection being player-driven has made her job easier. 

“I got lucky with the athletes that we have. They’ve decided that they wanted to be a close-knit team. It is really player-centric,” Wright said. 

On Player-To-Coach Influence

Wright is no stranger to Penn State, playing for the Nittany Lions from 2001 to 2005. With multiple Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year titles and an Elite Eight appearance under her belt, her experiences as a player drive her to build a strong program as a coach. 

“It’s just trying to relay what this place has been, what this place can be, and what this place will be moving forward,” Wright said. 

Wright also praised her recruiting staff for finding athletes that are dedicated and ready for the opportunity to represent the program and, “get it back to what people who’ve lived around here for a very long time have known it to be.”

On Post Player Skillset

Wright expressed her plans to use her post players thoroughly in multiple different assets and get the ball in their hands for more than just rebounds. 

“We want all players on the court to be playmakers,” Wright said. “We want to use them to their full potential.”

Throughout practice, Savannah White, Petra Božan, Irene García, and Cristen Carter worked on several finishes around the basket, jumpers inside the paint, and the classic pick-and-roll. 

“Our players have done a great job showing that they could be trustworthy with the ball in their hands, so we’re going to allow them to make plays,” Wright said. 

On Vitória Santana’s Leadership

Wright gave kudos to Vitória Santana, the only returning player on the roster, for leading by example and working hard as she enters her third season as a Lady Lion. 

“Her veteran-ness has definitely shown,” Wright said. “She just knows certain things because she’s been a collegiate student and a collegiate athlete.” 

The graduate student joined the Nittany Lions ahead of the 2024-2025 season and experienced the transition from former head coach Carolyn Kieger to Wright. 

On Player Highlights

Wright shared how she plans to use all 11 players as she sees fit throughout the season.

Božan and Cristen, both standing at 6-foot-4, are the tallest members of the team, and Wright said they could see court time together. 

“We’re going to take advantage of our full bench and use it to the best of our ability,” Wright said. “We’re going to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves.” 

Wright also expressed her excitement for the futures of freshmen guards Kamrah Banks and Skylar Durley.

Wright noted Durley’s competitiveness and her ability to show out at a higher level. 

“I’m excited to see her compete on the big stage,” Wright said.

As for Banks, Wright shared her continuous growth and improvement throughout the weeks and how she can make her way into the point guard legacy Penn State holds. 

“I’m really excited for her to become one of the next great point guards out of this place,” Wright said. 

The Lady Lions will see their first action of the season at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, in Rec Hall in an exhibition match against the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.