Get ready, basketball fans! The upcoming season is shaping up to be a fascinating one for San Diego's Division I women's basketball programs. Last season's triumphs and transitions have set the stage for an exciting year ahead. Let's dive into what's happening with the Aztecs, Tritons, and Toreros.
San Diego State University (SDSU) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) are looking to build on the momentum of their successful 2024-2025 seasons, both having clinched conference tournament championships and earned spots in the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, the University of San Diego (USD) welcomes a new head coach, Blanche Alverson, after a challenging 7-23 season.
Interestingly, Coach Alverson already shares some key connections with her counterparts at SDSU and UCSD. They've known each other for quite some time. Moreover, all three programs are in a state of rebuilding to some extent as the 2025-2026 season approaches. This is especially true for Coach Alverson, who arrived at USD after a six-year stint as a top assistant at Georgia Tech. She's bringing in five freshmen and two transfers who are expected to play significant roles for the Toreros.
Both the Aztecs and the Tritons face the challenge of filling some significant gaps. SDSU, the Mountain West Tournament champions, saw the graduation of their three regular bigs: Kim Villalobos, Adryana Quezada, and Cali Clark. Adding to their challenges, point guard and leading scorer Veronica Sheffey transferred to TCU.
UCSD, despite returning key players from their 20-16 team that won the Big West Tournament, will miss Big West Tourney MVP Sumayah Sugapong, who also led the team in scoring, assists, and steals, as she transferred to the University of Arizona.
"While we’re returning several talented holdovers from last year’s USD roster, it’s like we have 14 new players," Coach Alverson noted. "Those who aren’t totally new to the school are new to me and what we’re doing. We had a lot of introductions."
Fortunately, introductions weren't necessary between Coach Alverson and the veteran coaches at UCSD (Heidi VanDerveer, entering her 14th season) and SDSU (Stacie Terry-Hutson, in her 13th season). Alverson mentioned she has known Terry-Hutson for a long time, and considers VanDerveer a great friend.
Now, let's take a closer look at each team:
San Diego State Aztecs
- 2024-25 Record: 25-10, Mountain West Conference Tournament Champions.
- Key Returnees: Naomi Panganiban, Nat Martinez, Bailey Barnhard, Kaelyn Hamilton.
- Top Newcomers: Nala Williams, CJ Latta, Maria Konstaninidou, Sofia Kelemeni, Kennedy Lee.
- Overview: Coach Hutson believes last season "changed the standard for the Aztecs." They plan to run a three and four-guard offense and play at a faster pace. She anticipates a season of growth, acknowledging there will be "bumps along the way," but emphasizing the solid talent within the team.
- Season Opener: November 3 vs. UCLA in Anaheim.
UC San Diego Tritons
- 2024-2025 Record: 20-16, Big West Tournament Champions.
- Key Returnees: Sabrina Ma, Gracie Gallegos, Erin Condron, Junae Mahan.
- Top Newcomers: Makayla Rose, Dymonique Maxie.
- Overview: The Tritons are also adjusting to the loss of versatile guard Parker Montgomery and the graduation of Kayanna Spriggs. They have added four freshmen to the roster.
- Season Opener: November 3 at Pacific.
University of San Diego Toreros
- 2024-2025 Record: 7-23.
- Key Returnees: Malia Tharpe, Dresha Moore, Erica Carr, Eva Ruse, Jayden and Hallie Rhodes.
- Top Newcomers: Kylie Ray, Helen Holley, Olivia Owens, Ayla Williams, Jessica Ajayi, Ysabella Von Seipler, Ryanne Bahnsen-Price.
- Overview: Coach Alverson has brought in five freshmen and two transfers, highlighting the team's speed, athleticism, depth, and versatility. The team is lacking in size and experience, with at least three freshmen expected to play regularly.
- Season Opener: November 3 vs. Bethesda.
But here's where it gets controversial... With significant player turnover for all three teams, will the Aztecs, Tritons, and Toreros be able to maintain their competitive edge?
What are your predictions for the upcoming season? Do you think the new additions will make a significant impact? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
