ACM Women's Basketball Prepares for 2025–26 Season Under Head Coach LaRae Allen
CUMBERLAND, MD – The Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) Women's Basketball team enters the 2025–26 season with renewed energy and focus under the leadership of Head Coach LaRae Allen, now in her seventh year at the helm of the Lady Trojans and competing in NJCAA Division I / Region 20.
The 2024–25 season concluded with a 6–20 overall record, including a 3–14 mark in conference play. Despite challenges, Coach Allen praised her team's resilience and growth:
"The biggest highlights and accomplishments were some of the individual achievements made by our players. They demonstrated mental toughness through adversity and overcame a significant deficit the entire season."
Building for Success
The Lady Trojans faced injuries, illness, and roster challenges last year, but those lessons in resiliency, consistency, and perseverance are shaping this season's approach.
"Resiliency in the face of failure and knowing how to bounce back from defeat is key," Allen said. "We're also emphasizing the importance of sticking with a routine and being consistent."
Goals for 2025–26
- Top defensive performance: Hold opponents below their scoring averages
- Improve offensive efficiency and key team statistics
- Strengthen team culture, communication, and collaboration
Coach Allen is optimistic:
"I'm excited about this fresh new team. Watching their work ethic all preseason and through the first month of practice gets me excited to watch them in action."
Roster Highlights & Player Spotlights
This year's roster blends returning talent, transfers, and multi-sport athletes who bring versatility and leadership:
-
Kalea Ferguson (#24) – Sophomore Guard, Transfer from Lackawanna
Team captain and vocal leader. Brings experience, toughness, and scoring ability.
-
Barna Ghafari (#15) – Sophomore Guard, Transfer from Montgomery College
Skilled ball handler and floor general with strong basketball IQ.
-
Danika Barnes (#23) – Freshman Forward/Center
Dominant rebounder with 500 career boards in high school; adds size and grit inside.
-
Bria Kringe (#10) – Freshman Guard/Forward
Proven scorer with 1,000 career points in high school; brings offensive firepower.
-
Layla Miller (#1), Genesis Alvarez (#14), Kya Bell (#5) –
Multi-sport athletes who also compete in soccer, showcasing athleticism and endurance.
-
Nailevid Lorenzo-Lopez (#35) – Dual-sport athlete (Basketball & Volleyball)
Brings versatility and competitive edge to both sports.
-
Isabella Echeverria (#40) – Basketball & Softball athlete
Adds strength and adaptability to the frontcourt.
-
Ashante Williams (#22) – Transfer from North Country CC
Experienced guard who provides depth and leadership.
Roster: 2025–26 ACM Women's Basketball Roster
| # |
Name |
Pos. |
Ht. |
Hometown |
High School |
Year |
Major |
Previous School |
| 1 |
Layla Miller |
PG/SG |
5-2 |
Westernport, MD |
Mountain Ridge |
Fr. |
Dental Hygiene |
— |
| 5 |
Kya Bell |
SG/PG |
5-5 |
Euclid, OH |
Villa Angela–St. Joseph |
Fr. |
Criminal Justice |
— |
| 10 |
Bria Kringe |
SG/SF |
5-6 |
Drums, PA |
Lincoln Leadership Academy |
Fr. |
Exercise Science |
— |
| 14 |
Genesis Alvarez |
F/PF |
5-11 |
Waynesboro, PA |
Waynesboro |
Fr. |
Multimedia Graphic Design, CERT |
— |
| 15 |
Barna Ghafari |
PG |
5-4 |
North Bethesda, MD |
Richard Montgomery |
So. |
Business |
Montgomery College |
| 22 |
Ashante Williams |
SG/PG |
5-4 |
Baltimore, MD |
Forest Park |
So. |
Culinary & Hospitality |
North Country CC |
| 23 |
Danika Barnes |
F/C |
5-10 |
Germantown, MD |
Seneca Valley |
Fr. |
Arts & Sciences – AOC Psychology |
— |
| 24 |
Kalea Ferguson |
SG |
5-2 |
Harrisburg, PA |
Bishop McDevitt |
So. |
Criminal Justice |
Lackawanna |
| 35 |
Nailevid Lorenzo-Lopez |
F |
5-10 |
Washington, D.C. |
Archbishop Carroll |
So. |
Business Management |
— |
| 40 |
Isabella Echeverria |
PF/C |
5-9 |
Port St. Lucie, FL |
Treasure Coast |
Fr. |
Pre-Nursing |
— |
Key Matchups & Events
- Diehl's Ford Sales Classic Tournament
- Nov. 8 vs. Potomac State
- Nov. 9 vs. Niagara County CC
- Rivalry Games: Potomac State, Garrett, Harford
- Special Events:
- Alumni Night – Jan. 10
- Kay Yow Breast Cancer Game – Feb. 21 vs. Chesapeake
- Sophomore Night – Feb. 24 vs. Hagerstown
Community Engagement
The Lady Trojans continue to make an impact off the court through:
- CSX Stuff the Bear Operation
- Special Olympics Bowling Championships
- Thanksgiving Meal Delivery
- Kay Yow Breast Cancer Fundraiser
Watch & Listen
Catch all home games live on Hudl Fan.
For schedules, updates, and player features, visit acmtrojans.com or follow @acmtrojans on social media.
Go Trojans!