JR Payne at Colorado Winter Sports Media Day
Women's Basketball Ready for 2026-27 Season
October 12, 2026 | Women's Basketball
BOULDER – The Colorado women's basketball team discussed their offseason preparation after reaching the NCAA tournament last season, with head coach JR Payne emphasizing the team's productive summer at the annual CU Winter Sports Media Day on Oct.12.
"We're excited. Basketball season is coming so quickly," Payne said. "Our girls are getting ready. And we basically started training Jul. 1, so this was an exceptional offseason for us."
The Buffaloes retained seven players from last year's squad, including senior guard Zyanna Walker, who was named to the 2026 All-Big 12 Preseason Team, and sophomore forward Logyn Greer, who was tabbed to the Big 12 All-Freshman team at the conclusion of last season. CU welcomed seven newcomers for the 2026-27 campaign, featuring five transfers and two freshmen.
"With seven returners, it was not just great for continuity, but it was great for spring recruiting, because we had a group that really wanted to continue the success we've had," Payne added. "So those seven returners, along with our coaching staff, did a great job of signing five really good transfers to go with the two excellent freshmen."
Greer, last season's leader in blocks with 0.7 per game, commented on the squad's chemistry.
"During the summer, we did a lot of team bonding," she said. "We went to Portugal and had a lot of mandatory bonding, so it's definitely fun getting to know the group."
Greer reflected on her transition into her sophomore season and the familiarity with Payne's coaching system after earning All-Big 12 freshman honors last year.
"Coming in, I already know what to expect, how the team is going to be, the system, the offense," she said. "So yeah, definitely a lot more comfortable."
Payne spoke highly of Greer's potential and talked about her hopes for the forward's development.
"Logyn does have a tremendous amount of potential, and our job is to help her reach that potential," she said. "Truly, the sky is the limit. She is one of the most talented players that have ever come through here."
The new faces also shared their excitement about the upcoming season. Guard Brooke Walker, a transfer from Utah, discussed how she fits into the team as she prepares for her first season in Boulder.
"I think their system and just their overall demeanor here fits my personality a little bit more," she said. "Defensively, they really lock in, and that's something that I wanted to bring into my game more."
The Buffs open the year with an exhibition game against Adams State on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. at the CU Events Center before starting the regular season on Nov. 4 as CU hosts Morgan State for another 6 p.m. tip-off.
"We're excited. Basketball season is coming so quickly," Payne said. "Our girls are getting ready. And we basically started training Jul. 1, so this was an exceptional offseason for us."
The Buffaloes retained seven players from last year's squad, including senior guard Zyanna Walker, who was named to the 2026 All-Big 12 Preseason Team, and sophomore forward Logyn Greer, who was tabbed to the Big 12 All-Freshman team at the conclusion of last season. CU welcomed seven newcomers for the 2026-27 campaign, featuring five transfers and two freshmen.
"With seven returners, it was not just great for continuity, but it was great for spring recruiting, because we had a group that really wanted to continue the success we've had," Payne added. "So those seven returners, along with our coaching staff, did a great job of signing five really good transfers to go with the two excellent freshmen."
Greer, last season's leader in blocks with 0.7 per game, commented on the squad's chemistry.
"During the summer, we did a lot of team bonding," she said. "We went to Portugal and had a lot of mandatory bonding, so it's definitely fun getting to know the group."
Greer reflected on her transition into her sophomore season and the familiarity with Payne's coaching system after earning All-Big 12 freshman honors last year.
"Coming in, I already know what to expect, how the team is going to be, the system, the offense," she said. "So yeah, definitely a lot more comfortable."
Payne spoke highly of Greer's potential and talked about her hopes for the forward's development.
"Logyn does have a tremendous amount of potential, and our job is to help her reach that potential," she said. "Truly, the sky is the limit. She is one of the most talented players that have ever come through here."
The new faces also shared their excitement about the upcoming season. Guard Brooke Walker, a transfer from Utah, discussed how she fits into the team as she prepares for her first season in Boulder.
"I think their system and just their overall demeanor here fits my personality a little bit more," she said. "Defensively, they really lock in, and that's something that I wanted to bring into my game more."
The Buffs open the year with an exhibition game against Adams State on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. at the CU Events Center before starting the regular season on Nov. 4 as CU hosts Morgan State for another 6 p.m. tip-off.
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