Excelling On and Off the Court: Bryanna Preston
Tommy Beebe
1/23/2025
Hailing from Jonesboro, Georgia, Texas Women’s Basketball freshman, Bryanna Preston, has always dreamed big. Raised in a household that exhibits a passion for sports while also emphasizing the importance of hard work, Preston discovered her love for basketball at an early age. While she dabbled in other sports, basketball was her true passion, and it soon became clear that her talent was something special.
“When I first started playing, I never thought I’d be this good,” Bryanna humbly shared. But as Power Five schools began extending offers, she started to realize just how far her skills could take her. While several institutions offered full-ride scholarships, Texas stood out for its authenticity and community. “The atmosphere, the players, the coaches—everything felt real. There was no fake energy. I knew this was somewhere I wanted to be,” said Preston when reflecting on her official visit. Choosing Texas also held a personal connection, as her mother grew up in the state and played basketball down the road at Texas State.
Now settled on the Forty Acres, Bryanna has embraced every resource available to her as a Texas student-athlete. When asked about the academic and athletic support systems she has access to, Preston smiled and described, “I use them to the fullest, and why wouldn’t you? Everything is set up in a way to try and help us succeed.” Preston went on to explain her positive experience thus far in study hall, and how she has enjoyed making headway in her coursework while also forming connections with fellow student-athletes. Bryanna especially appreciates the Texas Athletics Nutrition Center (TANC), where meals are tailored to fuel peak performance. “You can eat whatever, whenever, and the chefs in there are the making the best food I’ve ever had on a daily basis. That’s the Texas difference, the best is the standard.”
After getting everything she needs off the court thanks to the generosity of Longhorn Foundation donors, Preston is able to excel on the court. Through her first 20 collegiate games, the four-star recruit has already demonstrated her passing ability by logging 38 assists, good for the third highest mark on the team through that span. In addition, Bryanna is averaging just under 6 points per game on over 50 percent shooting. The 5’9” point guard is benefiting from learning behind All-American candidates Rori Harmon and Madison Booker, and is poised to continue the success of Texas Women’s Basketball in the years to come.
Academically, Preston has started on a kinesiology track by beginning coursework in exercise science, but is considering a pivot to communications. “I’ve been told by my academic advisors that I’m a good public speaker, so maybe that’s something I’ll pursue,” she noted. Despite the challenges of balancing her rigorous schedule, Bryanna remains committed to maintaining her own standard of at least a 3.5 GPA. “The ball doesn’t dribble forever,” Preston said. “I’m focused on figuring out where I want to be and what I want to do in the next 20 or 30 years, and preparing myself for whatever my life after basketball will look like.”
Bryanna’s appreciation for the Longhorn Foundation and its members shines through in her words. “Nothing goes to waste. I’m making the most of everything given to me, and I could not be more thankful for their kindness.” She continued elaborating on her gratitude by saying, “The love and support I’ve received from our donors means everything to me. They are the reason I’m able to go on this journey here at Texas.”
That’s the Texas difference, the best is the standard.Bryanna Preston
Bryanna Preston embodies what it means to be a Longhorn, and her motor has led to her success both on and off the court. As the Texas Women’s Basketball season continues, Preston plans on maximizing every opportunity she is given while having a cheerful attitude along the way.
