Buffs Take Center Stage at Big 12 Media Day
October 20, 2026 | Women's Basketball
KANSAS CITY - Head coach JR Payne and student-athletes Zyanna Walker, Logyn Greer and Aniya' Foy represented the Colorado women's basketball team at the Monster Energy Big 12 Media Day on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the T-Mobile Center.
Throughout the day, Payne focused on two words to describe this season: "toughness" and "versatility."
"I really love how this roster came together," Payne said. "We wanted to add versatility, people who can play the style we want to play: tough, physical, aggressive. So, we did that."
Foy, a sophomore guard, is new to the team this year after playing her rookie season at Kansas State. A big part of her recruitment process came from Walker, who also played at Kansas State before joining CU for the 2025-26 season.
"Zy was a big piece of me coming to Colorado," Foy said. "Since I've been here, I have learned a lot not only from Zy but from my teammates and Coach J."
She added that Payne, alongside her fellow teammates, helped build her confidence over the offseason—something she wanted to develop as she stepped into a larger role at Colorado.
Both Walker and Greer learned to use their voices more during the offseason and became more efficient on the court.
"Being more efficient all around, making the right plays, the right reads," Walker said. "I am a leader, more experienced. So I need to be able to give my best every night."
"Perimeter shooting was a big thing for me and being more efficient. Also, just growing my voice as a young person on this team," Greer added.
Colorado's offseason was defined by a team trip to Portugal during which the team not only had 10 extra practices, but gave the Buffs invaluable time together where they were able to build team chemistry. The players emphasized the opportunity to experience a new culture and build new and more meaningful relationships with their teammates.
"Our team really bonded. It's one thing to be able to play basketball together, but when you travel to a different part of the world, the bonding that happens is really hard to replicate anywhere else," expressed Payne
For the first time, Payne took to the main stage alongside men's basketball Head Coach Tad Boyle at the Monster Energy Big 12 Media Day to talk about the history and reputation of Colorado basketball.
"The historical success that the women's basketball program had with Ceal Berry, then the challenge of being able to build our program back into a contender over those years was really special to us," Payne said.
Up Next: Colorado women's basketball will take the court on Tuesday, Oct. 27 in an exhibition against Adams State at the CU Events Center at 6 p.m. before opening the regular season by welcoming Morgan State to the CUEC on Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. Season tickets, mini plans, and single-game tickets for every women's basketball game are on sale now.
Throughout the day, Payne focused on two words to describe this season: "toughness" and "versatility."
"I really love how this roster came together," Payne said. "We wanted to add versatility, people who can play the style we want to play: tough, physical, aggressive. So, we did that."
Foy, a sophomore guard, is new to the team this year after playing her rookie season at Kansas State. A big part of her recruitment process came from Walker, who also played at Kansas State before joining CU for the 2025-26 season.
"Zy was a big piece of me coming to Colorado," Foy said. "Since I've been here, I have learned a lot not only from Zy but from my teammates and Coach J."
She added that Payne, alongside her fellow teammates, helped build her confidence over the offseason—something she wanted to develop as she stepped into a larger role at Colorado.
Both Walker and Greer learned to use their voices more during the offseason and became more efficient on the court.
"Being more efficient all around, making the right plays, the right reads," Walker said. "I am a leader, more experienced. So I need to be able to give my best every night."
"Perimeter shooting was a big thing for me and being more efficient. Also, just growing my voice as a young person on this team," Greer added.
Colorado's offseason was defined by a team trip to Portugal during which the team not only had 10 extra practices, but gave the Buffs invaluable time together where they were able to build team chemistry. The players emphasized the opportunity to experience a new culture and build new and more meaningful relationships with their teammates.
"Our team really bonded. It's one thing to be able to play basketball together, but when you travel to a different part of the world, the bonding that happens is really hard to replicate anywhere else," expressed Payne
For the first time, Payne took to the main stage alongside men's basketball Head Coach Tad Boyle at the Monster Energy Big 12 Media Day to talk about the history and reputation of Colorado basketball.
"The historical success that the women's basketball program had with Ceal Berry, then the challenge of being able to build our program back into a contender over those years was really special to us," Payne said.
Up Next: Colorado women's basketball will take the court on Tuesday, Oct. 27 in an exhibition against Adams State at the CU Events Center at 6 p.m. before opening the regular season by welcoming Morgan State to the CUEC on Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. Season tickets, mini plans, and single-game tickets for every women's basketball game are on sale now.
Players Mentioned
Monday, October 12
Tuesday, June 02
Wednesday, April 15
Sunday, April 12
