With only a single returning sophomore, the Yaks women’s basketball program needed to learn on the fly during its 2024-25 season.
That learning curve was even steeper with Head Coach Lanette Hooper taking over the program’s leadership only in late summer with the beginning of the basketball season only a couple months away.
Through the ups and downs of the season, including injuries and getting used to new coaching styles, Hooper said she was proud of the team’s resilience on its journey, ending the season with an overall record of 8-19, going 3-11 in conference play.
“The nine girls that finished the season were a group of young women who are very competitive and make no excuses,” Hooper said. “Each individual player learned so much about what college basketball is like and adjusted to the speed and strength of their opponents really quickly. Watching the players at the beginning of the season to the end — they each developed a confidence and poise on the court.”
TOP: Freshman forward Madisen King drives for a shot during a February 5 victory over Blue Mountain. ABOVE: Freshman wing Sofia Alvarado prepares for a pass during a February game versus Treasure Valley.
The Yaks were paced offensively during the season by freshman forwards Britany Phillips, who averaged 15.2 points per game, and Madisen King, who contributed 13.4 points per game. Phillips also was one of the Northwest Athletic Conference leaders in rebounds, pulling down 8.7 per game. Sophomore Abby Gilbert led the team in assists with 2.9 per game while also contributing 11.5 points per game.
Hooper noted the importance of Gilbert, as the team’s only returning player, in sharing her experience with the other teams and players in the NWAC. Meanwhile, the team received a boost from two dual-sport athletes who joined the team after their fall seasons — sophomore wing Jada Mendoza, who also played for the Yaks’ soccer team, and freshman post player Mikayla Christiansen, a member of the college’s volleyball squad.
“Each game was exciting to see the growth of players,” Hooper said. “We as coaches encouraged the players to step out of their comfort zone, whether it’s becoming a three-point shooter, a tougher post player or play a completely different position. Each one stepped up to the challenge.”
Sophomore wing Clarissa Schrock with a ball after a rebound.
Throughout the season, Hooper said the team enjoyed lots of mini-celebrations, and not just during games.
“It's surprising how many free throws [our players] could make in a row if the reward was a Jolly Rancher,” she said.
Among other highlights from the 2024-25 season, Hooper called out team dinners before every game, a lasertag bout won by Mendoza and freshman wing Sofia Alvarado, the team’s travels together during away games, and celebrating Sophomore Night during the final game of the season, with freshmen players giving balloons and gifts.
“This group of athletes never, ever gave up,” said Hooper. “We will have several girls returning next year as true sophomores and that will be a huge help to the incoming freshman class, which we’re very excited to welcome to YVC.”
Story by Dustin Wunderlich, director of community relations. Photos by Juan Padilla, public relations student assistant, and Wunderlich.