EL PASO, Texas – UTEP graduate guard Ivane Tensaie continues to earn recognition as one of Conference USA's premier players, as she was named to the Preseason All-CUSA Team ahead of the 2025-26 season as announced by the league office Thursday.
Tensaie, a returning Second Team All-CUSA honoree, emerged as UTEP's offensive engine last year, starting all but one game and pacing the Miners with 12.6 points per contest, a 37.8 three-point percentage, and an 85.0 percent mark at the line. She also led the team in minutes played (970) and minutes per game (32.3) while shooting 38.2 percent from the floor.
Nationally, she ranked among the top 100 in four statistical categories – three-pointers per game (2.63, 20th), three-pointers made (79, 40th), three-point attempts (209, 62nd) and three-point percentage (37.8, 65th). Tensaie scored in double figures 19 times, including five 20-point performances, and led UTEP in scoring on 13 occasions.
She posted a career-high 27 points against UTSA (Nov. 16, 2024), tying the UTEP program record with seven made threes in a single game. Over the course of the season, she made at least three three-pointers in 17 contests, including four games with five or more, and shot 50 percent or better from the floor in eight outings.
"Ivane's game really flourished last year, and she showed what kind of player she can be" UTEP head coach Keitha Adams said. "What makes her special is the kind of person she is, great for our culture, great for our locker room, and an incredible example on and off the court. She's always in the gym getting up extra shots, gives amazing effort and commitment every day, and we're excited to have her."
In the Conference USA Preseason Poll, UTEP was picked to finish tied for eighth with Kennesaw State. The Miners return 10 players from last season's roster, including key contributors Portia Adams, Ndack Mbengue, Delma Zita, and Irene Asensio, along with newcomers Sirviva Legions (LIU) and Tatiana Collazo (San Jose City College).
UTEP opens the 2025-26 season on Nov. 3, hosting Prairie View A&M at the Don Haskins Center.
2025-26 CUSA Women's Basketball Preseason Poll
1. LA Tech (5) 128 pts
2. Liberty (5) 125 pts
3. MTSU (2) 123 pts
4. Missouri State 107 pts
5. WKU 96 pts
6. FIU 74 pts
7. Sam Houston 59 pts
T-8. UTEP 57 pts
T-8. Kennesaw State 57 pts
10. NM State 51 pts
11. Delaware 36 pts
12. Jax State 23 pts
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