Arkansas State Women's Basketball Coach Reflects on Successful Season

Destinee Rogers praises administration's support as Red Wolves' season ends in WNIT semifinals

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:53am

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A cubist-inspired painting featuring fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, capturing the dynamic energy and motion of a women's basketball game.The Arkansas State women's basketball team's thrilling postseason run showcases the program's growth under coach Destinee Rogers' innovative, up-tempo style of play.Jonesboro Today

Arkansas State women's basketball coach Destinee Rogers expressed gratitude for the university's administration and her players after the Red Wolves' season ended with a loss in the semifinals of the Women's National Invitation Tournament. In her fourth year as head coach, Rogers has led the program to new heights, including a Sun Belt Conference Tournament title and NCAA Tournament appearance last season.

Why it matters

Rogers' unique coaching style and the team's success have generated excitement around the Arkansas State women's basketball program, drawing large crowds and building momentum for the future. The program's progress under Rogers' leadership highlights the importance of strong institutional support and player development in elevating a mid-major basketball team.

The details

The Red Wolves tied a program record with 27 wins this season and made their deepest postseason run since 1993, when they won the WNIT. Rogers praised her players' heart and commitment, while acknowledging the challenge of replacing several graduating seniors. She emphasized the administration's backing and willingness to provide the resources needed to continue building the program, including through the transfer portal.

  • The Arkansas State women's basketball team's season ended on Wednesday, April 2, 2026 with a 69-62 loss to Marshall in the WNIT semifinals.
  • In the 2024-25 season, the Red Wolves won the Sun Belt Conference Tournament and qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time under Rogers' leadership.

The players

Destinee Rogers

The fourth-year head coach of the Arkansas State women's basketball team, who has led the program to new heights, including a Sun Belt Conference Tournament title and NCAA Tournament appearance.

Wynter Rogers

Destinee Rogers' younger sister, who is one of several graduating seniors the Red Wolves will have to replace next season.

Crislyn Rose

One of the few players on the Arkansas State roster with eligibility remaining, along with Aniyah Ruddock and Allyson Ferguson.

Jaidyn Elam

A junior college transfer who has already committed to play for Arkansas State next season.

Yves Cox

A player who was removed from the Arkansas State roster ahead of the WNIT for violating team standards.

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What they’re saying

“While (Wednesday's loss) hurts, I'm having the time of my life as the head coach here at Arkansas State.”

— Destinee Rogers, Head Coach, Arkansas State Women's Basketball

“In the world of everybody wants a new job and everybody wants this and that, you got to be appreciative when you work for an administration that will back you the way this administration backs me as the head coach.”

— Destinee Rogers, Head Coach, Arkansas State Women's Basketball

What’s next

Rogers and her staff will quickly need to turn their attention to recruiting, with the women's basketball transfer portal set to open on Monday. The Red Wolves have already received a commitment from junior college transfer Jaidyn Elam, but will have to replace several key graduating seniors.

The takeaway

Destinee Rogers' successful tenure as Arkansas State's women's basketball coach has generated excitement around the program and demonstrated the importance of strong institutional support and player development in elevating a mid-major team. The Red Wolves' deep postseason run this season, despite the loss of several key players, suggests the program is poised for continued success under Rogers' leadership.