"Our expectation is to continue taking steps forward as a program," Dupree said. "We want to compete at the top of the league and position ourselves to play our best basketball when it matters most. This is a young group, but it's a hungry one."

Player development is at the heart of Dupree's approach.

"Every day, our players are challenged to get one percent better—whether that's in the weight room, on the court, or through film study," she said.

Each workout is designed to sharpen skills, improve decision-making, and deepen understanding of the game. But Dupree's focus extends beyond the physical.

"Development for us isn't just physical; it's also mental and emotional," she said. "We want our players to build confidence, resilience, and basketball IQ that translate when the lights come on."

That commitment to growth carries through a roster blending returning leadership and new energy. Sophomores Somah Kamara and Erin Martin will anchor a core that includes returners Aaniya Webb, Xai'Onna Whitfield, and Genesis Harris, alongside a promising group of newcomers led by Icesis Thompson, Kaliyah Montoya, and Zoe Young.

Dupree's approach to culture is straightforward and demanding.

"Our culture is built on accountability, discipline, and communication," she said. "Those three things drive everything we do. We talk a lot about showing up with intention—being on time, doing the little things the right way, and competing with purpose."

The Lady Tigers aim to turn those principles into habits.

"Consistency comes from habits, and habits come from standards," Dupree said. "We hold one another to those standards daily, whether that's in practice, the classroom, or the community. Ultimately, we want our players to understand that who they are when no one's watching determines who we become as a team."

The 2025-26 season also marks the debut of a strengthened coaching staff featuring Sam Pearson, Ashley Bruner, and Mariah Chandler—each bringing a unique dynamic to the program.

"Sam is an elite communicator and tireless worker," Dupree said. "He's detail-oriented, connects incredibly well with players, and has a sharp basketball mind—especially on the defensive end."

"Ashley brings tremendous energy and a player's perspective, having competed at a high level," Dupree continued. "She's passionate about player development and sets a strong example for our frontcourt players."

"Mo is a culture-builder," she added. "She has a servant-leader approach and does a great job keeping our players locked into the bigger picture, both on and off the court."

Together, the trio complements Dupree's leadership and strengthens every layer of the program.

The Lady Tigers open the season on November 3 at Middle Tennessee, a perennial postseason program and one of several non-conference tests designed to sharpen TSU early.

"Those early challenges are critical for our growth," Dupree said. "Playing teams like that early allows us to measure ourselves against high-level competition, see where we are, and identify where we need to improve."

TSU returns to the Gentry Center for its home opener on November 7 against Wright State, before heading to Texas for back-to-back matchups at TCU (Nov. 12) and UT Arlington (Nov. 14). The Tigers close November with home games against North Alabama (Nov. 19) and William & Mary (Nov. 29), and road trips to Vanderbilt (Nov. 23) and Lipscomb (Dec. 7).

The pre-conference slate continues in Nashville with Chattanooga (Dec. 11) before OVC play tips off against UT Martin (Dec. 18) and SEMO (Dec. 20) inside the Gentry Center.

Tennessee State's conference schedule begins with a late-December trip to Tennessee Tech (Dec. 30) and includes a challenging January road swing at Little Rock (Jan. 3), Western Illinois (Jan. 8), and Eastern Illinois (Jan. 10).

The Lady Tigers host Morehead State (Jan. 15) and Southern Indiana (Jan. 17) before a return road set at SIUE (Jan. 22) and Lindenwood (Jan. 24).

February features a strong home stretch with matchups against Eastern Illinois (Feb. 5), Western Illinois (Feb. 7), Lindenwood (Feb. 19), and SIUE (Feb. 21)—balanced by key away dates at Southern Indiana (Feb. 12), Morehead State (Feb. 14), SEMO (Feb. 26), and UT Martin (Feb. 28).

The Ohio Valley Conference Tournament returns to Evansville, Indiana, from March 4–7, where TSU aims to make a statement in year two of Dupree's tenure.

For Dupree, this season is about more than a record—it's about raising expectations and establishing a culture that endures.

"If we stay connected, defend, and commit to doing the little things consistently, we'll put ourselves in position to surprise people," she said. "Our goal is to build something sustainable, a standard that lasts beyond one season."

With an upgraded staff, a maturing roster, and a tough non-conference slate designed to test and teach, the Lady Tigers are determined to take the next step in 2025-26.

"Every day, we're focused on getting one percent better," Dupree said. "We want our growth to show when the lights come on."

Up Next: Tennessee State opens the 2025-26 season at Middle Tennessee on Monday, November 3, at 10:30 a.m. in Murfreesboro. The Lady Tigers will host Wright State in their home opener on Friday, November 7, at 7 p.m. inside the Gentry Center.