THE UNI V ERSIT Y OF TE X A S AT EL PA S O
AS SAY ER OF STUDENT OPINION
November 4, 2025
THEPROSPECTORDAILY.COM
OPINION Page 2
NEWS Page 3
ARTS & CULTURE Page 7
A new beginning
UTEP Athletes who defined the modern legacy
One game, Two names
FINDING A
SPARK
B JEWEL OCAMPO Y STAFF REPORTER • THE PROSPECTOR
The buzz is building at the Don Haskins Center as basketball season draws near. With a renewed sense of energy and a roster that blends experience, new talent and international flair, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Miners women’s basketball team is gearing up for what they hope will be a standout season. After a challenging 2024-2025 season that ended with an 1119 overall record and 4-14 in Conference USA (C-USA), the Miners are determined to bounce back. Under Head Coach Keitha Adams, the players emphasized that their focus is on chemistry, depth and a faster tempo as they prepare for the season ahead. This season’s roster includes one transfer, two freshmen, two graduate students, five seniors and international athletes from Spain, Italy, Uganda and Mozambique. All of the players bring something new to the court. Graduate student guard Ivane Tensaie and senior guard Portia Adams, both returning members of the team, said the atmosphere feels different. Tensaie said that while last season had its struggles, that experience has become motivation. “We definitely struggled [last season]. That’s no secret but remembering that is what’s gonna push us over the edge to win more games,” Tensaie said. Adams added that those challenges helped the team redefine who they are.
“Last year we kind of struggled finding our identity as a team. This year, we’ve been on a hunt to find what works best for us, and make sure everybody is on board,” Portia Adams said. “The chemistry and the vibes when we all get on the court together, it’s just so much different than last year.” That energy could help UTEP close the gap that hurt them last season when they averaged 60.5 points per game compared to opponents’ 66.1. Depth and versatility are shaping up to be key strengths as returning players and newcomers push each other. “We have people who can contribute to different areas. Most of us know our roles. If we’re going to be a scorer, then we’re going to score. If we’re going to be defensive players, we’re going to get a stop,” Adams said. “Depth is a big part of this year’s team versus last year’s team. Everybody is going to be able to have the opportunity to play and produce on the court and contribute to wins.” Tensaie echoed that, noting the team’s speed and adaptability, which may give them an edge during upcoming games. “We have a lot more guards this year,” Tensaie said. “We can score in and out multiple different ways and just play a really up tempo and fun style of basketball.” Adams already has two matchups circled on her calendar: New Mexico State University and Kennesaw State University both of which handed UTEP tough losses last season.
See SPARK on page 6
UTEP women’s basketball opened their 2025-26 season with a dominate win over Prairie View A&M securing an 84-60 victory over the Panthers. Photos by Dustin Perez & Erick Olguin /The Prospector
VOL. 111, NO. 3 SPORTS Page 9
Spotlight shines on UTEP’s new dance coach Crystal Ortiz