ARLINGTON, Texas - The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) has announced its preseason coaches' poll for the 2023-24 season today. The Southern Utah University women's basketball team was selected to finish second overall, receiving 87 total points, which included five first-place votes.

"I'm really excited about this group and the upcoming season," said SUU Head Coach Tracy Mason. "This is a great conference with terrific coaches so we really try not to focus on preseason predictions. You have to be ready to play every single game. We just keep working to be the best team we can be and get a little better every single day."

The Thunderbirds will aim to defend their crown after achieving a 23-10 record last season, which included a historic 16-2 conference finish, earning SUU the WAC regular season title.

Tomekia Whitman was recognized on the 2023-24 Preseason All-WAC Team. Whitman was a driving force for the Thunderbirds last season, where she finished second on the squad in scoring with 11.8 points per game.

Southern Utah will begin its title defense as the team returns to the America First Event Center to open the 2023-24 season on Nov. 8 against Eastern Washington. The first WAC matchup of the year will be on Nov. 28, where the 'Birds will host California Baptist.

The full WAC Preseason Coaches' Poll can be found below:

2023-24 WAC Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll  

2023-24 WAC Preseason Player of the Year: Breaunna Gillen, Fifth, G, Utah Tech

2023-24 Preseason All-WAC Team   

Grace Schmidt, So., F, California Baptist 

Trinity San Antonio, Jr., G, Grand Canyon 

Tiarra Brown, Sr., G/F, Grand Canyon 

Tomekia Whitman, Gr., G, Southern Utah 

Breaunna Gillen, Fifth, G, Utah Tech  

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