RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Following the last practice of the eight-week summer workout window, UTRGV women's basketball head coach Lane Lord had high praise for his 2026-27 squad. 
 
"I couldn't be more confident in the group that we have," Lord said. "This was the best summer we've had and I think it's the best collection of talent that we've had in nine years. The ceiling is really high with this group." 
 
The Vaqueros started the summer focused on three major goals: getting faster and stronger, learning the system, and most importantly, bonding as a team. They keyed in on installing a strong culture, gameplan, and goals. Lord said the summer reveals a lot about what type of team he'll have and where they can be at the end of the year, and this summer's eight weeks told him the 2026-27 squad will be a tight-knit, athletic unit eager to take UTRGV women's basketball to the next level. 
 
"We're so excited about our season because of the character that our players have and the spirit they play with," Lord said. "They're competitive, but when practice is over, they're all hanging out together and they're having a blast." 
 
The summer's mission started with a group of returners who contributed to the winningest season in program history in 2025-26. Getting a taste of a postseason tournament and being a top-four team in the Southland Conference (SLC) had the returners hungry to get back in the gym, and their spirit quickly spread to the new additions. 
 
Lord praised leaders like redshirt senior Erin Maguire, senior Madison Huhn, junior Gianna Angiolet and sophomore Chazlyn Dettor for setting the expectations high from Day 1. The Vaqueros went to work every day with determination, making the most of every lift, sprint, and rep. 
 
The athleticism and skillsets were never in doubt. UTRGV has shooters galore and improved its speed and length in the offseason. With some new drills brought in from associate head coach Danny Hughes and a lot of detailed skill work throughout the last eight weeks, Lord knows his team has the ability to play with anyone in the conference. 
 
What excited Lord most, though, was how quickly the squad picked up the offensive and defensive schemes. He said the Vaqueros really understood the concepts and got through installation faster than expected, which gave the team a chance to really hone-in on small things and test the IQ of the student-athletes. 
 
Maguire was one of the main standouts of the summer. She spent some time away as she competed in 3x3 action for Ireland, but made her presence extremely felt when she was in the gym. 
 
"Erin probably had the biggest jump I've seen in my eight years in one summer, just in confidence. She always was confident, she was a starter last year, but to see her really grow this summer, her confidence really stood out and was off the charts. I'm expecting a huge year from Erin." 
 
The student-athletes and coaching staff are getting some well-earned time off during the last few weeks of summer before reporting back for the start of the academic year in late August. But the work doesn't stop. The Vaqueros were sent home with personalized workout and rehab plans and their own set of skills they're still striving to perfect. 
 
Lord knows the group won't rest on their laurels when they're on their own. This was a stellar summer and the Vaqueros are in a great spot to keep the momentum rolling from last season after the work they put in. They'll stay focused, stay working, and come back ready to keep the trajectory trending upward. 
 
"They're too competitive and too good of a group not to keep putting in the work. They've seen the gains they made this summer, and they don't want to slide back a little bit on conditioning or strength," Lord said. "I believe they'll all take personal responsibility and do what they need to do to be ready when they get back." 

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