BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Essence Cody of Alabama women’s basketball earned Southeastern Conference Preseason honors for the 2025-26 campaign, the league announced Wednesday. Cody will enter her junior season when the Crimson Tide open its year on Nov. 3 versus Stetson.

The Valdosta, Ga., native was named to the Second Team All-SEC list, voted on by the league’s head coaches, which marked her first preseason honor of her career. During her freshman season, Cody was tabbed four times as the SEC Freshman of the Week before also earning All-Freshman honors.

• Started in 66 out of 67 games through her first two seasons with Alabama
• Averaged 11.1 points per game during the 2024-25 season – one of four UA players to average double-figures
• Led the Crimson Tide with 6.3 rebounds per game
• Scored in double digits in 20-of-33 games
• Tied a career-high five blocks twice: versus Norfolk State (Nov. 13, 2024) and LSU (Feb. 27, 2025)
• Paced the Crimson Tide in field goal percentage, shooting 53 percent from the floor