Thursday, October 1, 2026
Copiague’s girls’ basketball team is off to a phenomenal start in 2024-25. After winning just two games last season, the Eagles have already doubled that win total in their first seven games.
For head coach Kia Wright, her connection to the program runs deep. A former standout player for Copiague, she began her varsity career in eighth grade and played from 1999 to 2003. During her playing days, Wright helped the team secure its first-ever New York State championship, an achievement that continues to serve as a benchmark of excellence for current players.
Now, as head coach, she is focused on continuing the tradition. “I want to continue maintaining the standards,” she said. “The best way to do that is with consistent hard work.”
Though the standards remain unchanged, the current roster features a new generation of players stepping up to fill key roles and carry the torch forward. One of the most important players is Madison Mais, a dynamic point guard who is starting as an eighth grader and already proving to be a leader on the court. “It has been awesome to see her step into a leadership role right away,” said Wright.
Also playing pivotal roles are the versatile forward/guard combo of junior guard Ja’Nyah Martin and the very reliable, as Wright calls her, freshman forward Janiya Morris. “She has been an essential part of the team’s frontcourt,” Wright said. “Together, Martin and Morris provide the balance the team needs to compete at a high level.”
Senior guard Chloe Allen-Jackson stands out not only for her talent but for her vocal leadership. “While we do have a lot of young players who have become leaders, Allen-Jackson is just as important in that category,” Wright said. She is one of only three seniors on the roster, along with guard Ashani Barnes and forward Keila Corona.
Another key contributor is sophomore guard Kamryn Fells. “She has shown her ability to step up when the team needs it most,” said Wright. “She is very versatile and has played multiple positions for us which is huge.”
Despite the early success, with wins over William Floyd, Amityville, Ward Melville and West Islip, the mindset has not changed. "We're going into every game full throttle," Wright said. "This team is committed to pushing hard, no matter what position we’re in or who’s on the floor."
The challenges of coaching high school athletes, especially in today’s environment, are ever-present. Wright acknowledges the difficulties of connecting with each player individually and keeping them motivated. "Everyone has different personalities, different ways to get motivated," she said. "Reaching all 12 kids at the same time has been the biggest challenge for me."
To address these issues, Wright is focused on creating incentives and building a team culture that keeps players engaged and focused on their goals. “Avoiding distractions can be difficult,” she said. “But by providing individualized support and finding creative ways to overcome those distractions, it ensures that the team will remain motivated throughout what is a long yet exciting season ahead.”
