You’re standing in the Health & Sports Center in Miami Shores, and the air is thick with that specific gym smell—equal parts floor wax and adrenaline. For fans of Barry University women’s basketball, this is home. It’s not just a Division II program; it’s a grind. Honestly, people often overlook the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) because they’re blinded by the bright lights of D1 programs like Miami or FSU. That’s a mistake.
The Bucs are playing a high-stakes game of chess every season in one of the most brutal conferences in the country. Right now, in early 2026, the team is navigating a season of massive transitions. They’ve got a record that doesn't quite tell the whole story yet—5-10 overall and 2-6 in the conference as of mid-January. If you just look at the scoreboard after their recent 34-51 loss to Lynn on January 14, you might think they’re struggling. But look closer.
Why the SSC is a Meat Grinder
The Sunshine State Conference is basically the "Conference of Champions" for a reason. There are no "off" nights here. When Barry University women’s basketball takes the court against teams like Embry-Riddle or Tampa, they aren't just playing a game; they’re fighting for oxygen in the standings.
Take the December 13 game against #14 Embry-Riddle. The Bucs dropped that one 52-96. It was a reality check. But then, they turned around and opened the new year by taking down Rollins 62-48. That’s the nature of this team. They're gritty. They're young. They're trying to find an identity under Head Coach Allison Bustamante.
Bustamante isn't just some coach; she’s a local legend who knows the Miami hoops scene better than almost anyone. She’s flanked by assistants Jacob Powell and Michael Spiliopoulos, trying to mold a roster that features players like Izzy Brenzil, who recently put up 14 points against Lynn, and Jazz Cook, who has been a force in the paint with a shooting percentage that would make most guards jealous—we’re talking north of 60% in certain stretches.
Breaking Down the Current Roster
The 2025-26 squad is a mix of international flair and local talent. It’s kinda the Barry way.
- Izzy Brenzil: Currently leading the charge. She’s a workhorse, often logging 30+ minutes a game.
- Jazz Cook: The interior presence. She’s shooting .624 from the field, which is essentially a layup every time she touches the ball near the rim.
- Kornelia Ignerska: The sharpshooter threat who keeps defenses honest, even when the shots aren't falling.
The Legacy Most People Forget
If you want to understand Barry University women’s basketball, you have to look back at the giants. We aren't just talking about recent years.
Maria Teal still holds the single-season scoring record with 654 points from the 1990-91 season. Think about that. That’s over 30 years ago, and her 13.7 rebounds per game average remains untouched. Then you have Angie Williams, who dominated the late 90s with a field goal percentage of .604. These aren't just "good for D2" stats; these are elite numbers.
More recently, Audrey Jennings has been the name on everyone’s lips. In the 2024-25 season, she dropped 586 points, the third-highest in school history. She was a scoring machine, and her departure left a vacuum that the current roster is still trying to fill.
Pro Bucs: Where Do They Go?
Barry isn't just a four-year stop. It’s a pipeline. Players like Mariesa Greene and Princess Bailey didn't hang up the sneakers after graduation. They went to Germany, France, and even the WNBA's Miami Sol (back in the day) or professional leagues in South America. Barbara Cousino took her talents to Chile; Ida Anderson headed to Australia. It’s a global program.
What it’s Like at the Health & Sports Center
Let’s talk about the "Cage." The Health & Sports Center seats about 1,500 people. It’s intimate. In a big arena, you're a spectator. At a Barry University women’s basketball game, you’re part of the noise.
You can hear the sneakers squeaking. You can hear Coach Bustamante calling out "Blue 2" or "Vegas." The student section might not be the size of the Cameron Crazies, but they’re loud, and they’re loyal. There’s something special about watching a team fight for a conference tournament berth in a room where you can actually see the sweat on the players' faces.
The 2026 Outlook
Looking at the remaining schedule for January and February 2026, the road is uphill. They have a three-game road stretch starting January 17 at Saint Leo, followed by Florida Tech and Palm Beach Atlantic.
Honestly, the Saint Leo game is a pivot point. Historically, Barry leads that series 51-26, but the Lions have been tough lately. If the Bucs can steal a win on the road there, the momentum shifts.
Practical Next Steps for Fans and Recruits
If you’re looking to get involved or just want to keep tabs on the team, don’t just check the ESPN app—it doesn't give you the nuance.
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- Watch the Live Streams: Barry broadcasts most home games through the Sunshine State Conference Digital Network. It’s free and the quality is surprisingly high.
- Check the Stats Depth: If you're a nerd for numbers, the Barry Athletics website has "Game Books" that break down every single play. It’s better than a box score.
- Attend a Camp: For younger players, Coach Bustamante runs clinics. This is the best way to see the culture firsthand.
- Follow the Socials: Instagram is where you see the "behind the scenes" team chemistry—the bus rides, the pre-game rituals, and the community service.
Barry University women’s basketball is currently in a "rebuilding" phase, but in the SSC, a rebuild can turn into a championship run faster than you think. Keep an eye on Jazz Cook’s efficiency and Izzy Brenzil’s scoring load. If those two stay healthy and the bench depth improves, the second half of the 2026 season could be a very different story than the first.
Actionable Insight: If you're planning to attend a game, arrive 30 minutes early to the Health & Sports Center. Parking in Miami Shores can be tricky during evening events, and you'll want a seat near mid-court to really appreciate the defensive rotations.