Roster Revamped: Women's Basketball Newcomers Establishing Cohesion
11/17/2025 2:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -Â When the North Florida women's basketball team took the court this season, fans likely needed a roster sheet to put names to all the new faces. With six transfers and four freshmen, the Ospreys' lineup looks almost entirely new from last season, but to the players, the chemistry is clicking faster than expected.
It didn't take long for UNF's newcomers to feel at home in Jacksonville, Fla. For freshman guard Abby Knauff, staying local was a big part of her decision to join North Florida.
"I love my family. I like being home on the weekends," Knauff said. "It's nice to have a community around you while you're playing."
For junior transfer guard Alonya Waldon, the move to UNF was about being closer to home and finding a program that felt more personable.
"I came here on my visit and just knew it was my niche," Waldon said. "Coach Erica [Lambert] was really direct about what she wanted from me, and I never had that before. Having a coach like that, you have no choice but to be successful."
And the results have been evident on the court. Waldon is leading the team this season with 12.0 points per game on 52% from the field with a team-high 10 total assists. The Samford transfer, Waldon, scored a team-high 17 points in North Florida's season-opening victory against Palm Beach Atlantic on Nov. 5.
Junior guard Elle Blatchford, a third-time transfer, echoed that the family dynamic within the program drew her to North Florida.
"It was a good opportunity for me, and the coaches made me feel really comfortable," Blatchford said. "They believe in us even when we don't believe in ourselves."
However, self-belief seemingly hasn't been an issue for Blatchford early into UNF's 2025-26 season. Blatchford is averaging 2.8 points and 3.5 rebounds in just 21 minutes per game this season. She's also been a force defensively, ranking third on the team with four total steals.
From the first team meetings, the chemistry came naturally, even if it took some players longer to open up. Knauff admitted she was quiet at first but quickly found her footing.
"We all have different personalities that fit really well together," Knauff said. "Coach Erica [Lambert] is like a second Mom, she knows when to be tough and when to show she cares."
Waldon, or as her UNF teammates call her, "Dub", said fitting in wasn't an issue as a newcomer.
"I didn't really have a shell to break out of," Waldon said. "We bonded right away, and I just knew I was in the right place.
That bond was strengthened during summer workouts, where the new Ospreys had time to adjust before the season began.
"Getting here in June really helped," Knauff said. "If I came in now, I'd be overwhelmed. Having that time helped with team chemistry.
The togetherness created through months of hard work during the offseason has paid dividends for Knauff on the court this season for North Florida. Knauff has provided valuable minutes off the bench for UNF, shooting an efficient 45% from the field and scoring just under 3.0 points per game.
For the transfers, the move to UNF was more than just a change of scenery, it was a reset. Waldon even acknowledged the transition was sometimes scary, but refreshing. "I needed that leap of faith," Waldon said. "That's how you grow as a person."
Ellie agreed, admitting that the transfer portal process was messy at times, however, the result at North Florida has been great.
The trio laughed about early surprises, such as discovering how much the team loves beach days or how often they hang out off the court.
When it comes to the court, the incoming Ospreys have been finding their identity quickly. When asked about their play style, Waldon's response was concise and direct.
"Fast," she said. "We're fast, energetic and hyper in a good way."
Knauff added that the team's size and speed make them a threat in transition. Despite so many new faces, the Ospreys stated the returning veterans, especially junior guard Alexa Washington, have been key in helping them adjust.
"She's been here longer than anyone," Knauff said of Washington. "I was intimidated by her at first, but now I love her. She really guides us."
North Florida's energy is another defining feature as its 2025-26 season is underway.
"You're going to hear us before you see us," Waldon said with a grin. "We're just a bundle of energy. We make sure people feel seen and we bring joy wherever we go.
Their attitudes extend beyond practices. Whether it's beach days or bowling nights dressed as Soulja Boy, the Ospreys' connection off the court has carried to the court.
"We're really positive," Blatchford said. "Everyone's committed to what Coach Erica [Lambert] wants."
As for the 2025-26 season ahead, confidence is high which will be key for UNF.
"Our chemistry is crazy," Knauff said. "When you have that kind of connection, good things happen on the court."
Waldon agreed, adding the team is ready to prove itself.
"Nobody in the ASUN knows what we've got," Waldon said. "Only the people in [our] gym every day do. So we're ready to shock everyone."
And that might just be the story of this year's Ospreys, a brand-new group with something to prove, bonded by energy, faith and family.
