NEWPORT NEWS - The Apprentice School women's basketball schedule for the 2025-26 season has been released Thursday as new head coach Ieshia Small Gainey gets set to lead her team into action.

The season starts off with an exhibition contest just down the road at Hampton University on November 5 before the Builders go to the Penn State Beaver Tip-Off Classic for the second consecutive year. The home slate opens up on November 12 as Apprentice welcomes Patrick & Henry to Newport News for Alumni Day. After trips to William Peace and Tidewater CC, the Builders start a four-game homestand against Christendom (Dec. 6), Tidewater CC (Dec. 10), UC Clermont (Dec. 12) and Berkeley (Dec. 14).

The New South Athletic Conference schedule opens up on December 20 against South Carolina Central Christian one day before another NSAC matchup against Barber-Scotia, both on the road, close out the 2025 portion of the schedule.

After the new year rolls over, the Builders have another four-game homestand, playing three conference games in that span. January 7 sees Trinity Washington come to town for NSAC action before stepping out of conference play for a weekend showdown with Cheyney. The MLK Classic will see Apprentice play SC Central and Barber-Scotia in NSAC action on January 17-18.

January wraps up with trips to Christendom and Pfeiffer before a home game on January 30 against Johnson & Wales. The month of February is filled with NSAC opponents, starting with Trinity Washington on the road on February 1, MACU on the road February 3 and the Mustangs again at home on February 12. The regular season wraps up with a non-conference showdown against Warren Wilson.

The Builders will then host the 2026 NSAC Tournament starting on February 19 with the championship game set for February 22.