Erianna Gooden brings grit and promise to Colorado

Freshman Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball guard Erianna Gooden is poised to thrive in coach JR Payne's team-first system after a decorated prep career. (Photo by Remi Krupinski/Sko Buffs Sports)

Of Colorado Buffaloes women’s basketball’s five freshmen in 2025, only one earned state MVP, a state championship and MaxPreps state Player of the Year — all with a torn labrum. 

Head coach JR Payne had a 10-player roster turnover for the second straight season. But with only two freshmen guards, the program’s next game-changer is at the forefront. 

Hailing from Fort Smith, Arkansas, Erianna Gooden earned all those state honors and more in high school. She was a state runner-up in 2024 and played with elite AAU squads, including Proskills, Texas U and the Nike Girls EYBL Missouri Phenom. She averaged 15 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists her senior season. 

As a four-star, Gooden had offers to more than 20 schools, but she chose CU due to her relationship with coach Payne. 

“[Payne] knows basketball really, really well,” Gooden said. “She has a passion for it, and I saw that passion in myself.” 

Payne’s most successful guards have been passionate ones. In 10 years with CU, she has coached program greats to NCAA Tournament runs, such as Jaylyn Sherrod and Frida Formann. Throughout her recruiting process, Payne saw that same fire in Gooden, and their relationship flourished. 

“I’ve loved her since the moment I talked to her, our very first phone call,” Payne said. “I love that she’s one of the loudest kids in the gym, especially in the point guard position. She’s unafraid to speak up.” 

Erianna Gooden played through a torn labrum throughout her senior year of high school in Arkansas, displaying the resilience JR Payne looks for in recruits. (Remi Krupinski/Sko Buffs Sports)

However, playing through a torn labrum as a senior causes setbacks. After repairing the cartilage this offseason and having to rock a non-contact vest in practice, she remains motivated for her freshman year.

“It’s not been very fun because I’m very competitive, and I like to dive for balls and get rebounds, but I can’t really do all that right now,” Gooden said. “But I just, I got to realize it’s a slow process and that eventually I'll give it a couple days a week, I’ll be right back into it.” 

Gooden was raised in a football family, where her father played for Kansas State, so toughness is in her DNA. That grit translated into playing four sports in high school, competing in football, track and field, wrestling and basketball. While college basketball is still a step up, the variety helped Gooden prepare for it. 

“You’re always busy. You’re always in the gym…I’m already used to that,” Gooden said. “Just being tired comes with the territory. You’re going to be tired, you’ll be sore, so just getting used to it.” 

While her four-sport background is behind her, Gooden plays on the hardwood to Payne’s level of intensity. Her game has glimpses of the same program-altering skill, but that starts with playing for others.

“I like to play fast and I like to move the ball,” Gooden said. “My favorite part about basketball is making a really good pass, and then that player getting a really nice shot. That’s my favorite part about playing the game.” 

In a packed guard room, including transfers Desiree Wooten, Zyanna Walker and returner Kennedy Sanders, her reps could be limited. But with undeniable talent, Gooden can recover and earn a key role, which in turn will have a profound impact on the team.

But for now, she knows what she has to do to gain that role as the Buffaloes gear up to start their season on Nov. 6.

“I think I can have a pretty big role on this team,” Gooden said. “I have to get healthy. I have to learn the plays a little bit better. I have to communicate with the coaches … And no more for the pink pinny.”