Last season, Seton Hall posted a 19-13 record, went 12-8 in the Big East, and reached the Big East Tournament semifinals.

The Pirates open the 2026-27 season Tuesday, November 3, hosting Mercyhurst at 7 p.m. at Walsh Gymnasium.

Despite losing a bulk of scoring and production, which totals 42 to 43 points in Jordanna Codio (12.5), Maria Valenzuela (12.3), Jada Eads (10.6), and Zahara Bishop (8.4), the Pirates have their leading scorer in senior Savannah Catalon (13.1) back, along with junior Ja’Kahla Craft (6.9). 

In addition, Shailyn Pinkney, Saniyah King, Ari Woodward, Samari Bankhead, Savanna Jones, Jada Crenshaw, and Jada Snow return. Seton Hall also has five freshmen on this year’s roster.

Seton Hall held an intense, passionate practice that lasted almost two hours before members had the opportunity to speak with players and Head Coach Tony Bozzella about the upcoming 2026-27 season.

Bozzella on the potential for this year’s squad: “Expectations are very high, and we have a lot of talent, great people, and the most enjoyable group I have had in many years.” “This group has a special quality. Savannah Catalon is our captain, Ja’Kahla Craft is a great leader, and Shay Pinkney and Savanna Jones have been here five years and do everything for us to be successful.”

“Ja’Kahla is going to have a breakout year and be first-team all-conference.” “Ksenija (Scepanovic) is a huge part of this program. She is a tremendous passer and player, and she’ll help the post players and guards.” “We have five talented freshmen, and it’s going to be hard for me to keep everyone happy.”

Head Coach Tony Bozzella on opening the season with the first four games at home and the remainder of the schedule: “We didn’t make the NCAA Tournament the last two years because we didn’t win those non-league games in Columbia, Princeton, and NC State, even though we led most of them.”

“Mercyhurst is a great three-point shooting team and was picked first in their league. Indiana State is very aggressive and physical. We struggled against Fairfield last year, and NC State is obviously a challenge. We have to start well at home.” “Our goal is not to lose a game in this gym.”

Last season's leading scorer, Savannah Catalon, is on this year’s group: “We have a very solid group of returners who are helping the newcomers get really comfortable with this system, and we have three transfers who are very familiar with the game and know what they are doing.” “They have great IQ and freshmen who are willing to learn from me and from being an upperclassman and the coaches.” “Every time I come into the gym in the mornings, one of them is working out, and if they stay in the system, they can really develop and grow, which will help us in the long run.”

“Leadership isn’t something new to me, but this group is new. I try to feel out how people want to be led, while not shying away from the leader I am. I love seeing people adapt and not take it personally.”

“A lot of people see this season as pressure, but I have expectations. I’ve been working in the offseason with extra workouts and have developed even more as a player, so I’m pretty confident I can meet those expectations.”

“I love playing for Coach B. When I first got to campus, he was very fiery, but playing for the same coach all four years has meant a lot.” “I’ve built a great relationship with him outside of basketball. He’s treated me amazingly and sees me as a person, not just a basketball player.” “He even texts my family, and he’s just a great man.” 

“We need to win at home, and we have a great crowd behind us. This team has worked very hard, and we need a good record going into conference play.” “I see our team as a top two contender in the Big East. If we get off to a hot start and stay together, we’re going to be a very hard team to beat.”

Ja’Kahla Craft, in her third year with the Pirates, said, “I’m really grateful for the group we have. They are hardworking individuals, and they remind me of myself.” “I’ve worked really hard in the summer to improve my game, and my role has increased. I’m learning to embrace that and keep working toward my goals for myself and the team.”

 “The coaches did a great job of recruiting. We brought in a lot of talented transfers and freshmen with the same mindset as the returners, and they fit right into what we were doing.”

“I’m very grateful for Coach B. and how he put the schedule together and challenged us. The non-conference teams we play are very difficult, and we cannot overlook anyone.” “We’re super excited to get the season going.”

“I love our fans. It gets loud in Walsh Gymnasium, and opposing teams hate playing here because the atmosphere is amazing.”

Sophomore Ari Woodard on her second season with Seton Hall: “I’m excited to get out there and play with my teammates and just show everything that I have and offer.” “I’ve learned always to keep your head up and obviously didn’t play until the end of last year, and when I did get my shot, I wasn’t down on myself, and I went in there and showed everyone what I can do and to always be positive.” 

“Basketball is a game of runs and ups and downs, and I’ve learned to stay positive through it all.” “It means a lot to me to be out there and have a chance to play for my mom and family.” 

“We’re going to play a lot better this year because we want to do it together, and nobody is really worried about their own accolades.” “Walsh Gymnasium gets really loud and makes it harder for opponents to win, and the support gets us going.”

“These games aren’t going to be easy, but we will see how we handle adversity. I feel the work we’ve put in over the summer and preseason has prepared us for the fight.”

“Coach B. is very passionate, and he really wants the best for you. He and the rest of the coaches want you to do your best.”