CEDAR CITY, Utah - With the 2024-25 basketball season just around the corner, the Southern Utah University women's basketball team's forwards and centers look to use a wealth of experience to lead the Thunderbirds to success in the upcoming campaign.

Head Coach Tracy Mason Said:

"Our frontcourt will be one of the biggest in the league. We have some key returners with a lot of experience as well as some really exciting new pieces."

Ashley Banks

Now in her third year with Southern Utah, Ashley Banks will look to take another step forward this season as the lone center on the Thunderbirds roster.

In relief of the injured Megan Smith last year, Banks started in 14 contests for the Thunderbirds, averaging 5.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and one block that included a season-high 15 points against top Western Athletic Conference team the Grand Canyon Antelopes on February 10th.

Lexi Bull

After one season with WAC opponent Tarleton State, the fifth-year forward from Pocatello, Idaho comes to Cedar City with an abundance of postseason experience, playing in the NCAA Tournament with Wyoming as a freshman in 2021.

In her lone season with the Texans, Bull made an impact off the bench, playing in 28 games and averaging 3.8 points to go along with 4.7 rebounds. The Thunderbirds will look to Bull's leadership on and off the court to generate success in the coming year.

Jaeden Brown

After redshirting last season, the transfer from UVU is primed for a breakout senior season for the Thunderbirds.

In her 2022-23 season with the Wolverines, Brown started in all 13 games that she played while averaging 14.6 points and 9.3 rebounds. She will look to replicate that success as she takes the court for Southern Utah in the coming season.

Ava Uhrich

The reigning All-WAC Freshman Team forward enters her sophomore campaign with high expectations.

In her first collegiate season, Uhrich showed out for Southern Utah, appearing in all 30 contests while averaging 13.1 points and a team-high 7.3 rebounds per game. Uhrich will look to continue her dominant play on the court this season as a member of the Thunderbirds.

Denver Anderson

Anderson hails from Mt. Zion, Illinois. In her prolific high school career, Anderson scored over 1,500 career points at Mt. Zion High School. Anderson boasts a versatile skill set with averages of 19 points, eight rebounds, and four assists per game.

Head Coach Tracy Mason on Anderson:

"Denver will be primarily playing at the three. She shoots the ball well, finishes well in the paint, and is an excellent rebounder. I'm excited to see what she can learn from Ava and Lexi as well."

Olivia Malafu

Coming out of Kapa'a High School in Hawaii, Malafu joins the Thunderbirds after an impressive career with the Warriors that featured the schools first ever D2 State Championship and the HSAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player as a senior. 

Tracy Mason on Malafu:

"Olivia is probably the most athletic post-player that I've ever coached. She does things every day in practice that just make you go 'wow!' Once she starts to figure things out she's going to be really good for us."

Zoey Davis

Davis comes to Cedar City out of Panama City, Florida. In her senior year at Bay High School Davis was a standout player, leading her team to the Florida 6A playoffs and landing on the 6A Three Rivers League First Team.

Tickets

Tickets are on sale now! Thunderbird fans will get their first look at the team as they take on the Ottawa University Spirit in an exhibition on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. MT. Southern Utah will host their first official home game on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2:00 p.m. MT against Idaho and their first Western Athletic Conference home matchup is set for Saturday, Jan. 4 at 2:00 p.m. MT against GCU. For more information and ticket plans, be sure to visit tbirdtickets.com!

Follow Us

For all the latest on Southern Utah women's basketball, follow @SUUWBasketball on Twitter and Instagram and like the Southern Utah Women's Basketball Facebook page.

Donate

To help support Thunderbird athletics consider making a donation today! To learn more about how you can support click here.