DOVER, Del. — The dawn of a new era is officially on the calendar. Head Coach Khadijah "KD" Rushdan and the Delaware State University women's basketball program have unveiled their 2026-27 schedule, as detailed in the "Delaware State University Women's Basketball Schedule 26-27.pdf". Featuring prominent non-conference matchups and a rigorous Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) slate, the schedule sets the stage for a transformative season.
"We're excited about the opportunity to compete this season and the challenges this schedule presents," said Coach KD. "Every game is an opportunity for us to grow, be tested, and continue establishing the foundation of our program. For us, it's bigger than any one opponent. It's about who we're becoming, how we compete, and the standard we're building every day. Our message remains simple: Be Intentional. Own It. Respond. We're committed to the process, playing the right way, and representing Delaware State with pride every time we step on the floor."
The Hornets tip off their 2026-27 campaign on the road against Georgetown on November 2 before returning to Memorial Hall for their home opener against Georgian Court on November 4. The non-conference schedule is highlighted by road trips to face formidable Power Conference opponents including Pitt (Nov. 10), Rutgers (Nov. 21), and Wisconsin (Dec. 17). DSU will also host American, Washington Adventist, Fairleigh Dickinson, Fordham, and College of Notre Dame before the new year.
The demanding slate is exactly what the players are seeking as they buy into the culture Rushdan is establishing.
"I am the most excited about the opportunity to compete with my teammates," said Maya McCorkle. "We have a great group this year and we are here to win. We want to have W's associated with DSU's name. ... The fact that we can have fun and laugh but also go hoop and compete makes the environment more like a family. There's an open line of communication all the time. We can ask questions, speak freely and collaborate to win games as a unit. That doesn't happen everywhere."
Mahogany Cottingham echoed that competitive spirit and emphasized the team's drive. "I'm most excited about the opportunity to win and compete for a championship. We have a group that's hungry and has something to prove, and we have what it takes to do something special this season," Cottingham stated. "I'm looking forward to seeing all the hard work we've been putting in translate into wins."
Conference play tips off on January 2 with a road clash against Coppin State, launching a 14-game MEAC stretch. The Hornets will navigate early conference road challenges against Howard (Jan. 7) and Norfolk State (Jan. 9) before hosting South Carolina State (Jan. 21) and North Carolina Central (Jan. 23). The regular season concludes with a home finale against Maryland Eastern Shore on March 4.
For players and coaches alike, the schedule is more than just a list of games; it's a platform to unite the community, honoring the generations of alumni and devoted season ticket holders who have passionately supported the red and blue.
"There's a responsibility that comes with wearing Delaware State across your chest," Coach KD emphasized. "We want to represent this university, our community, and everyone who believes in this program with pride, purpose, and a competitive spirit. We're excited to give Hornet Nation a team they can connect with and be proud of. We want people to feel the energy surrounding this program, see how hard these young women compete, and be part of what we're building here at Delaware State."
The team's veteran leaders emphasize how Rushdan's leadership is driving that energy. "I love playing for Coach KD," McCorkle said. "She's always super transparent and direct with us. We always know she wants the best for us and because of that, we want to get wins for her too."
"She holds everyone accountable and pushes us to be better every day," Cottingham added. "I respect that she has such high standards for us, not just as basketball players but as people. She challenges us, but you can also see that she genuinely cares about us and wants to see us succeed. Hornet Nation can expect a team that's hungry, competitive, and willing to fight for each other. We're building a culture where effort and accountability are nonnegotiable, and that's going to show when we step on the floor."
