Seattle U’s Women’s Basketball team held an open practice Oct. 2, allowing supporters to get a first glimpse of the team as they start a new era: their first season competing in the West Coast Conference (WCC). Young sees the switch to the WCC as a statement rather than just a change in competition. 

The Seattle U Women’s Basketball Team gathers for a cheer. (Lesli Perez)

“I truly believe it’s the best basketball conference on the West Coast,” Seattle U Women’s Basketball Head Coach Skylar Young said. “We’re going in there to compete because that’s what you do in that league.” 

The Redhawks roster has changed significantly. A number of international recruits and experienced transfers join the three players who return from last season. Young claimed that the combination of skills, backgrounds and personalities has already made the team solid despite the turnover. 

“We’ve got a veteran squad,” Young said. “Even though some of them are new to college basketball, a lot of our international players have played on club or pro teams. Their basketball IQ and work ethic will set us apart.” 

Chloe Emanga, a freshman guard, is one of those newcomers. After playing in the European Championship, Emanga arrived in Seattle later than her teammates, but she claimed that her peers made the adjustment simple. 

“I’m so excited that the games start soon,” Emanga said.”We’ve been practicing hard, and I love Seattle and this team. It really felt like family when I met the coaches.”

Her goal for her first college season is to play hard, adjust quickly and make an impact wherever she can. Emanga was unable to visit campus before committing, but she said she chose Seattle U because of the connections she built during the recruiting process. 

“When Coach Young reached out, he seemed like such a genuine person, and once I got here, everything just felt right,” Emanga said. 

Lucy Larson, a returning sophomore guard, said the team’s chemistry is the biggest difference from last year. After a challenging previous season, Larson said the new group has brought a contagious energy.

(From left to right) Tamia Stricklin, Jana Vesic, Andjela Bigovic and Lucija Milkovic pose
for a picture after practice. (Lesli Perez)

“I love this group of girls,” Lason said. “We’re having so much fun, and we’re gonna take over the WCC.”

Larson believes that moving into a new conference has motivated the team to raise their level of play. Practices are faster, communication is sharper and the sense of purpose is clear. 

“It’s going to be really competitive,” Larson said. “Our new players are tall, can shoot and play well together. My goal is to win games, accomplish our team goals, and enjoy the ride as a group.” 

Dylan Mogel, a freshman guard, shares that team-first mentality. According to Mogel, the program’s values of trust and selflessness were what most impressed her about Seattle U. 

“The system we play in is super fun; it lets everyone share the ball and play freely,” Mogel said. “Everyone’s unselfish, and I think our chemistry off the court is going to show on it.”

Mogel said her relationship with Young and the intimate feel of the university, due to its smaller size, were key factors in her decision to commit. Her goal is to do whatever it takes for the team to win.

As a coach, Young said that kind of chemistry can’t be forced; it develops naturally when players genuinely enjoy being around one another. 

“When I try to plan activities, they’ve already done them together,” Young said. “That’s the kind of continuity that shows up on the court.”

Seattle U Women’s Basketball players gathered on the court. (Lesli Perez)

With only three returners, including Senior Forward Tamia Stricklin, leadership will be crucial. The returning players are determined not to repeat last year’s struggles and have already set a higher standard for accountability and effort. 

There is a lot of hope as the team gets ready to start their first WCC season. Young prioritizes being consistent, competitive and proudly representing the university and city. 

“Our main goal is to compete every single game and put a product out here that makes Seattle U proud,” Young said. “We’re the university of this city, and we want to represent that every single day.”

A new conference. A new roster. A new feeling of purpose. The Redhawks are not only starting over, but they’re starting something new.