2025-26 SWC Women’s Basketball Season Preview
No one is going to confuse the displeasure of a 6-22 record in 2024-25 for a good season. However, Southwestern is progressing and collected six times the number of wins than the previous winless season. Women's basketball continues to successfully move beyond the campaign of two years ago in which soccer players, many with no prior basketball experience, masqueraded as a college basketball team.
But one thing can be said.
The women's basketball program may not be where it wants to be, but it is certainly not where it used to be. Last year's team took a step forward and was more about building culture and establishing standards rather than hoping for immediate success. The Jaguars have a new and improved roster headed into the 2025-26 season and have shown signs of development and progress. Whether or not this year's team will flirt with a .500 or better record is yet to be determined.
The 2025-26 season marks the second year under head coach Tyrone Shelley and there is plenty of reason to be enthusiastic as the team continues the climb back to respectability. There has been a concerted effort to elevate women's basketball and Southwestern believes they are headed in the right direction and the future is bright.
2024-25 Record: 6-22, 2-12 Pacific Coast Athletic Conference
2024-25 PCAC Finish: Tied for Seventh
NEW HIRE
Joining Coach Shelley on the sideline will be Associate Head Coach, Citlalli "Lalli" Gurrola. Coach Lalli will enter her 5th year of coaching (Lincoln and Mount Miguel High Schools, Elite Basketball Organization) following a collegiate career at the UNLV, Miles Community College, and Whittier College where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology.
KEY RETURNERS
Small forward, Markaysia Rhymer is a player who excels at the defensive end of the court and will be relied upon to guard opponents, limit scoring chances, and create turnovers. She is a skilled on-ball defender who is able to pressure ball-handlers and disrupt the opposing team's offense.
Power forward, Angelica McBride and shooting guard, Danalia Brown return to Southwestern after extended off-seasons. Angelica is expected to have an impact as a rebounder and scorer whether spotting up or on the move. Danalia will have an offensive role and be relied upon as a shot creator and playmaker.
KEY ADDITIONS
Aliyah Perry is a point guard with advanced ball-handling, willing and precise passing and court vision complemented by shooting ability from various locations, athleticism, and leadership. Aliyah can create driving lanes and should be able to dish and rack up assists. She is an on-ball defender who can use her speed and footwork to stay in front of opponents.
Shooting guard, Ari Mason is a transfer from Arizona Western College who should get every opportunity to showcase her ability and make an immediate impact. She has one of the highest upsides of the group of new additions and will have lots of on-ball usage to get to her spots to score or make plays. Ari is a fluid shooter with the ability to make short pull ups, mid-range jumpers and three-pointers, both off the dribble and off the catch as well as drive the ball straight to the basket.
Alina Martinez is a shooting guard with ball-handling skills to control the offense and protect possession of the ball, the court vision to make accurate and well-timed passes to generate scoring opportunities. Alina anticipates well and can play right through contact. She brings leadership and is very active and physical on the defensive end of the floor.
Asia Marie Dixon is a standout recruit, scorer and most valuable player at El Cajon Valley H.S. who has the size, length and versatile skill set to create match up issues for opponents. Asia has the talent and face-up touch to be a consistent offensive contributor with moves and counter-moves from the paint. A vertical athlete with lateral quickness for post play, rebounding and interior defense. Asia possesses a reliable shot from various distances and can be a lob catcher, screen setter, pass out of double teams as well as shot block.