By John "Woods" Armwood III
It wasn’t just a win for Rutgers women’s basketball — it was a moment. The Scarlet Knights opened their season with a commanding, nearly 30-point victory, but the true story of the night was Antonia Bates.
Back in uniform after a long, grueling road of recovery, Bates’ return wasn’t simply about basketball — it was about perseverance, leadership, and love for the game.
“She Played Through Pain” — The Journey Back
For much of last season, Bates played through discomfort, refusing to let her team down. Head Coach Coquese Washington revealed in the post-game press conference just how much Bates endured before making the difficult decision to undergo surgery.
“You know, she played through pain,” Washington said. “She played through a bum knee that would give out on her from time to time. It was really hard for her to make the decision to miss the season last year and have surgery.”
Initially, Bates wanted to push through the injury and delay surgery until after the season. But as her knee worsened, she was forced to confront an agonizing choice — step away from the game she loves to heal properly.
“She wanted to try to play through it and have surgery after the season,” Washington continued. “But she wasn’t able to, and the work that she did — not only just the physical rehab, but the mental and emotional work — was really impressive.”
That commitment paid off. Against all odds, Bates returned to the court this season stronger, both physically and mentally, ready to lead her team once again.
The Emotional Core of the Scarlet Knights
Bates’ impact on Rutgers goes beyond the box score. She’s the team’s emotional anchor — a connector who brings everyone together, especially after an off-season full of roster changes and new faces.
“Quite honestly, I think the most impressive thing was how selfless she has been in welcoming the newcomers,” Edwards said. “She’s that grounding piece, making sure everybody — all the newcomers — understand what Rutgers women’s basketball is about, what this university is about. She’s a connector. And she did all of that while balancing getting herself ready to come back and play.”
It’s that rare combination of leadership and humility that makes Bates invaluable. Even while rehabbing her knee, she remained present — mentoring, supporting, and setting the tone for what it means to wear a Rutgers uniform.
A Team Effort Built on Chemistry
The Scarlet Knights’ dominant win was about more than individual performances — it was about synergy. Rutgers looked cohesive, confident, and deeply connected, a product of the trust built throughout the summer.
“There was a lot of time spent getting to know each other,” Edwards said. “When you do a lot of stuff off the court together, it shows up on the court. And we worked really hard with that.”
Players like Kayla Ivey, who transferred from Boston College, quickly found their rhythm.
“You could tell when teams have chemistry,” Edwards added. “Kayla had eight tonight — that just speaks to the work these girls put in this off-season and how happy they are to play with one another.”
Praising a True Leader
Coach Washington closed her remarks by expressing deep admiration for Bates’ journey and leadership.
“I just take my hat off to how much she has given to this program,” she said. “What she’s done to make everything work for herself and for this team this year — it’s special.”
Bates’ story isn’t just about recovery — it’s about resilience, selflessness, and the quiet kind of strength that makes good teams great.
Looking Ahead
Rutgers’ first win in their new uniforms set the tone for the season: unity, toughness, and belief. For Bates, it was a personal victory years in the making.
Her journey back wasn’t linear, and it wasn’t easy. But her presence — on and off the court — continues to embody everything Rutgers women’s basketball stands for.
“Overall, it was a good win for us,” Washington said with a smile. “And we’re excited.”
And with Antonia Bates leading the charge, it’s clear — this team isn’t just excited. They’re ready.