Full Breakdown
Oregon State Women’s Basketball Named Preseason Favorites in WCC
10/24/2025, 3:01:47 PM
Overview of the Preseason Rankings
The Oregon State Beavers women's basketball team enters the 2025-26 season with significant expectations, having been named the preseason favorite to win the West Coast Conference (WCC). This designation comes after a successful previous season where the Beavers clinched the WCC Tournament Championship and participated in the NCAA Tournament. In the preseason poll conducted by the WCC's 12 head coaches, Oregon State received nine out of twelve first-place votes, totaling 119 points. Gonzaga followed closely with three first-place votes and 111 points, while Washington State was ranked third with 94 points.
Key Players and Injuries
Oregon State's success is bolstered by the recognition of three players on the preseason All-WCC team: Tiara Bolden, Kennedie Shuler, and Catarina Ferreira. Ferreira, however, will miss the entire season due to a knee injury. Last season, Ferreira was instrumental in the Beavers' success, averaging 9.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, and was named the WCC Tournament MVP. Bolden and Shuler are expected to play pivotal roles this season, with Bolden averaging 8.1 points and 3.9 rebounds last year.
Gonzaga and Washington State's Outlook
Gonzaga, under head coach Lisa Fortier, is adapting to a roster that has seen significant turnover, including the departure of two-time WCC Player of the Year Yvonne Ejim. The Bulldogs will rely on returning players like Allie Turner and Zeryhia Aokuso, both of whom were named to the All-WCC preseason team. Turner, last season's WCC Freshman of the Year, aims to enhance her leadership and defensive skills this year.
Washington State, coached by Kamie Ethridge, is also looking to build on its previous season's performance. The Cougars return six players and have added new talent, including a promising transfer, MacKenzie Chatfield. Ethridge expressed optimism about the team's competitive spirit and chemistry, which she believes will contribute to their success.
Official Statements & Responses
Oregon State head coach Scott Rueck emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards and building on last season's achievements. Meanwhile, Gonzaga's Lisa Fortier highlighted the need for her team to adapt and find the right combinations on the court. Ethridge from Washington State noted the positive atmosphere in their gym, stating, "It's really, really competitive and people really want to win."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite Oregon State's strong preseason ranking, some analysts question the team's ability to maintain its momentum after losing key players. Critics point out that the Beavers' success last season was somewhat reliant on a late-season surge in the WCC Tournament. Similarly, Gonzaga's roster changes raise concerns about their ability to compete at the same level without Ejim.
What's Next
Oregon State will kick off its season with an exhibition game against Alaska Fairbanks on November 2, followed by an official opener against Corban on November 7. Gonzaga and Washington State will also begin their seasons shortly thereafter, with Gonzaga facing Carroll College in an exhibition on November 2 and Washington State playing Eastern Oregon University on October 26.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have good interior players, good perimeter players and good defenders, so we have the pieces, we just have to figure out which ones will be most productive with each other and we are working on that every day.” — Lisa Fortier, Head Coach, Gonzaga
- “It's a real different feel in our gym right now.” — Kamie Ethridge, Head Coach, Washington State
- “It's really, really competitive and people really want to win, and so I think with that kind of vibe in the gym, I think we can do a lot with this team.” — Kamie Ethridge, Head Coach, Washington State
