The nets are officially down in Statesboro.
Last night, the Georgia Southern women’s basketball team celebrated its Sun Belt regular-season championship with a traditional net-cutting ceremony. But even as the nylon was snipped and the hardware was hoisted, the overarching message from both the players and the coaching staff was crystal clear: the job isn’t finished.
Leading the charge is Head Coach Hana Haden, who was recently named Sun Belt Coach of the Year in just her second season with the Eagles. True to form, Haden deflected the individual praise, crediting the structure and dedication of her entire team.
“It’s very gratifying… but I think it’s just a testament to our staff,” Haden said. “We did the coordinator route this year. So, you know, we have our offensive, defense, special teams coordinator and all of our support staff. You don’t get that type of reward without having just really incredible people around you.”
Building with the right people has cultivated a winning culture on the court. For standout player Destiny Garrett, the foundation of this championship season was laid before the first whistle even blew.
“When we first met each other… knowing that we all had a good chemistry and trusted each other,” Garrett reflected on her favorite memory of the year.
Haden echoed that sentiment, describing the team’s identity as a “tenacious sisterhood” that fans have come to recognize for its “elite effort and attitude.”
Now, that sisterhood faces a new challenge: postseason basketball. Earning the regular-season crown granted the Eagles a highly coveted bye all the way to the tournament semifinals in Pensacola, Florida, where they will take the court this Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
“Conference tournament time, it’s survive and advance for everybody,” Haden noted. “It’s really important for us this week to really be sharp in practice, since we are kind of going off a week without playing, so that we can show up on Sunday… and put our best foot forward.”
Garrett and her teammates are fully aware that the dynamics have shifted now that they wear the crown. Earning the title means they carry the weight of being the team to beat.
“We know we got a target on our back, and we’re not complacent,” Garrett stated. “We’re gonna be ready for anything that comes our way.”
As the Eagles prepare to pack their bags for Pensacola, both coach and player took a moment to reflect on the surging energy in Statesboro.
“It seems like we finished the year with maybe a lot more support than we started out with. So we really, really appreciate that,” Haden said of Eagle Nation. “I think that they can expect from us what they’ve got all year, which is elite effort and attitude.”
Garrett offered a similar, heartfelt message to the fans: “Thank y’all for coming out and trusting us through the whole season. We are grateful for your support. GATA.”
Looking ahead past the playoffs, Haden’s vision for the program remains steady. When asked how this early success impacts her goals for upcoming seasons, she kept it simple.
“I think a big thing is just continuing to win and do things the right way,” Haden said, “and build with the right people.”
