We are less than 5 weeks away from the tip-off of a new college basketball season, which means that we have plenty of time to start preparing for the action ahead. We will do so via a series of season previews featuring the best players/coaches in the country. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel continues our coverage with Alabama F Essence Cody, who talked about making the NCAA tourney last March and her expectations for this season.
In 2023 you were named a McDonald’s All-American: which of your fellow honorees impressed you the most (MiLaysia Fulwiley/Hannah Hidalgo/JuJu Watkins/other)? Everybody! I played with MiLaysia before, but they are all very good players. It was a great experience to learn from them.
What made you choose Alabama for college? The family atmosphere/coaches/team chemistry. The coaches support us in everything we do.
You play for Coach Kristy Curry: what makes her such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have learned from her so far? She has been amazing since Day 1 and had recruited me since I was in the 6th grade. She is here for us and I love how much she is into the game: she will fight for us, for sure.
You are 6’4”: how much of an advantage is your size on the court? It is getting better as I work both inside/outside the post.
In 2024 you started all 34 games as a freshman and were named to the SEC all-freshman team: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? I learned a lot from my teammates: they helped me so much by encouraging me every day at practice.
We all know that the SEC is the best conference in men’s basketball: do you think it is also the best in women’s basketball? Most definitely! It is very competitive because all the players are skilled.
Last season your FG%/FT% both increased dramatically: how were you able to improve your shooting so much from Year #1 to Year #2? Just getting into the gym every day and getting extra shots up before/after practice.
In the 2nd round of the 2025 NCAA tourney, you scored 18 PTS and your teammate Sarah Ashlee Barker set a school record with 45 PTS in a 3-PT 2-OT loss to Maryland (who overcame a 17-PT 3rd quarter deficit): what are your memories of such an incredible game? Everybody on the team stepped up and contributed because we were all into the game. I am so proud of how we came together and pushed through everything.
Your sister Jayla played basketball at Alabama A&M: who is the best athlete in the family? I have always looked up to her and we each pushed each other while playing 1-on-1. She is more of a defensive player, and I am more of an offensive player.
What are your goals for the upcoming season, and what are your expectations for the upcoming season? I want to get more shots and continue to expand my game outside the paint. I expect us to keep pushing/working together as a team with good communication and skill development.
