Game Details 
Who: Florida A&M at Troy 
When: Thursday, Nov. 11 | 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT
Where: Troy, Ala. | Trojan Arena
Watch: ESPN+
 
The Florida A&M women's basketball team officially enters the Shalon Pillow era Thursday (Nov. 11), as it opens its 2021-22 season on the road at Troy. 
 
Coaching Debut
It's been a long time coming, but basketball has finally returned to the highest of the seven hills. And the Rattlers, under the direction of first-year head coach Shalon Pillow, will make their much-anticipated debut after opting out of the 2020-21 season.
 
Pillow arrived in Tallahassee in May of 2020, carrying along 15-plus years of coaching and skill development experience. Prior to FAMU, she served as an assistant coach at Middle Tennessee State, where she helped the team to five straight postseason appearances. 
 
The Return(ers)
The Rattlers' 2021-22 roster features several new faces; however, Staysha Allen, Caylan Jones, and Mikyah Mack return veteran experience.  
 
#22 Staysha Allen | F | 6-2 | Jr. | Dawson, Ga. / Terrell County HS
2019-20: Appeared in 24 games during the year … recorded a season-high 13 points versus Trinity Baptist … contributed eight rebounds at South Carolina State … finished the season with 65 points, 69 rebounds (25 offensive), and 11 blocks 
 
#25 Caylan Jones | G | 5-9 | Jr. | Tallahassee, Fla. / North Florida Christian HS
2019-20: Played in 23 games … notched a season-high six points at Norfolk State … finished 10-for-17 at the free-throw line
 
#12 Mikyah Mack | F | 6-1 | Jr. | Ocean Springs, Miss. / Ocean Springs HS
2019-20: Appeared in 23 games with one start … finished the season with 46 points and 49 rebounds … recorded a season-high nine boards at South Carolina State 
 
On the Road Again 
The Rattlers kick off their upcoming season on the road for six straight games: Troy (Nov. 11), Tulsa (Nov. 17), Memphis (Nov. 20), Ohio (Nov. 29), Dayton (Nov. 30), and Jacksonville (Dec. 4). Meetings with Texas A&M International (Dec. 11) and North Florida (Dec. 30) mark the lone home events before the new year.
 
SWAC Preseason Poll
Florida A&M, previously a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), announced its intentions to join the Southwestern Athletic Conference on July 1, 2021. The team was selected to finish 11th in the SWAC's 2021-22 preseason poll, and Jackson State was expected to repeat as conference champions. 
 
The top five was rounded out by Alabama State, Southern, Alabama A&M, and Grambling State.