Women’s basketball transfer stands out during final season

By Jalen Page

Staff Writer

Trevecca Women’s Basketball has seven new team members this year. Among them is senior guard Jenissa Varela, who transferred from Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Delaware.

Varela, in her final season of eligibility, is eager to make an impact in the Trojan backcourt with her leadership and playmaking ability. Her veteran experience is already proving valuable to the team.

“We knew coming in that she would bring leadership and experience. She has been a great scorer, knowing when to pick and choose her spots,” said Head Coach Karen Booker about Varela.  

A native of Connecticut, Varela’s game is rooted in a fundamentally sound style that contrasts with the faster-paced play often seen in the South. She noted that this difference has challenged her, but she believes it will allow her to showcase her playmaking abilities even more.

“She’s such a skilled player, always making smart decisions on the court. I really enjoy playing alongside her. Her energy and teamwork elevate the entire game,” said Jayda Woods, sophomore point guard.

The transition to Trevecca has not only been on the court for Varela, but also in adapting to a new campus environment. She embraced the change early on, including the homecoming festivities before the season began. The positive experience has stood out to her, particularly the strong sense of school pride at Trevecca.

“The people here have a lot of pride in the school,” said Varela. “Homecoming here was amazing.”

Varela also appreciated the fan engagement at Trevecca’s games, which she says is a step up from her experience at Goldey-Beacom.

As the Trojans begin their first season in the Gulf South Conference, Varela is one of the key pieces to this reloaded roster. Her veteran leadership and playmaking ability are expected to have a significant impact on the team’s success.