ARLINGTON, Texas - The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) announced its preseason coaches poll for the 2024-25 season this morning. Fifth-year guard Daylani Ballena was selected to the Preseason All-WAC team. The Southern Utah University women's basketball team was also selected to finish fifth in the conference, receiving 33 total points.
Head Coach Tracy Mason Said:
"I'm really excited about this team. We have so much depth and all the right pieces to be successful this season.
Dayla definitely deserves this honor. She has given so much to this program over the last four years and I know she is going to have another terrific season."
The Thunderbirds will look to build off of a 2023-24 campaign that ended with a loss in the first round of the WAC Tournament against UT Arlington.
Daylani Ballena was a stand-out for Southern Utah last season, leading the team in total minutes and points while starting all thirty games. Her efforts led to Ballena earning a spot on the All-WAC Second Team at season's end.
The Thunderbirds will begin their season with a home exhibition against Ottawa University Arizona on Wednesday, Oct. 30 before heading north to begin the season at the University of Utah on Monday, Nov. 4. The conference slate is set to begin on Saturday, Jan. 4 against the Grand Canyon Antelopes in the America First Event Center.
The full WAC Preseason Coaches Poll can be found below:
2024-25 WAC Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll
|
Rank
|
Team (1st-Place Votes)
|
Points
|
|
1.
|
Grand Canyon (4)
|
59
|
|
2.
|
California Baptist (4)
|
58
|
|
3.
|
UT Arlington (1)
|
53
|
|
4.
|
Abilene Christian
|
37
|
|
5.
|
Southern Utah
|
33
|
|
6.
|
Tarleton State
|
28
|
|
7.
|
Utah Tech
|
24
|
|
8.
|
Utah Valley
|
17
|
|
9.
|
Seattle U
|
15
|
2024-25 WAC Preseason Player of the Year
Trinity San Antonio, Sr., G, Grand Canyon
2024-25 Preseason All-WAC Team
Payton Hull, So., G, Abilene Christian
Tiarra Brown, Gr., G/F, Grand Canyon
Trinity San Antonio, Sr., G, Grand Canyon
Daylani Ballena, Gr., G, Southern Utah
Avery Brittingham, 5th, F, UT Arlington
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