CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's basketball team will have a wealth of international experience on the roster this season. Three new players from foreign countries will make their debut for the Thunderbirds with the arrival of Shiho Isono, Maria Garcia, and Charli Kay to Cedar City.

HEAD COACH TRACY MASON SAYS

"Shiho, Maria, and Charli bring so much to this team both on and off the court. They all have tremendous basketball IQ's and have picked things up quickly. The cultural diversity they bring to this team is so special and we are so grateful they are here."

SHIHO ISONO

Shiho Isono is from Fukuoka, Japan. Isono began playing basketball at six years old after watching her sister play, and developed a lifelong passion for the game.

When the time came to pursue a career as a college basketball player, Isono made the decision to come to America to continue her dream. It wasn't easy at first. "It was my first time coming to America, and I couldn't speak the language that well," Isono said.

She spent her first year at Tacoma Community College before joining Western Nebraska for her sophomore season. Isono saw her game develop plenty over those two years. "My freshman year I was more of a scorer. Then I realized that I could pass, I could assist, I can lead on."

Now, as a member of the Thunderbirds, Isono will look to add depth to the point guard position. Her goal this season is to bring energy to the 'Birds defense and to help create offensive opportunities for the team.

Isono is a junior and is studying psychology here at SUU. Her favorite thing about Cedar City is the mountains and the beautiful scenery.

MARIA GARCIA

Maria Garcia joins the Thunderbirds from Barcelona, Spain, where she began playing basketball when she was seven years old.

During her time in Spain she saw many girls older than her travel to America to continue their basketball careers. Garcia knew that she wished to go that route as well. "It's a good opportunity to come and play at the college level in the USA," said Garcia.

Garcia chose to come to Southern Utah after being impressed with both head coach Tracy Mason and the strong team unity. "This team is so together," Garcia said. The team chemistry translates to the court as well, and the Thunderbirds' play style reminds Garcia of the way basketball is played in Spain.

Garcia intends to push the pace this season for SUU and add depth to this roster. "I love to run. I love to play defense. I want to improve every day."

Cedar City was a nice change of pace for Garcia. "I come from Barcelona, so coming to a small town like Cedar City was a big change for me. It's so calm and relaxed here."

Garcia is an elementary education major. When she isn't playing basketball, Garcia enjoys taking photos and building Legos.

CHARLI KAY

Charli Kay is from Smithton, Tasmania. Basketball has always been a passion for Kay, who started playing when she was only seven years old. 

Kay brings plenty of overseas experience to the table. She spent two and a half years playing as a guard for the Launceston Tornadoes, where she averaged 4.38 points per game. Her time competing at a high level with the Tornadoes helped Kay prepare to take the next step of her basketball career: playing college basketball in the United States.

"Playing basketball at a college level is always something I wanted to do," said Kay. "It's a good pathway for Austrialians to come here."

The decision to come to Southern Utah always felt like the right choice for Kay. "I love Cedar City and the coaches here. It reminds me of home."

The expectations for the Thunderbirds are high entering the 2023-24 season, and Kay is looking to make an impact on the court and help the team achieve its lofty goals during her freshman season with the team. "I want to come in and bring some energy, play good defense, and make some threes."

Kay is an exploratory studies major here at SUU. When she's not playing basketball she enjoys watching Netflix and hanging out with her friends.

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