CEDAR CITY, Utah - Daylani Ballena and Samantha Johnston have announced that they will be returning to the Southern Utah University women's basketball team for a fifth season.

HEAD COACH TRACY MASON SAYS

"I am thrilled that Dayla and Sam will be returning for their fifth year. Dayla is a special player that is going to leave a real legacy here, someone that will make her mark in the record book forever. I know she is extremely motivated to make her last year the best yet. Sam has been such a key piece to building this program both on and off the court. She wants to win and wants to leave behind a tradition of greatness here. I'm so grateful I've had the opportunity to coach these two for four years, and I know they will be ready for year five."

Daylani Ballena

"Thank you Cedar City for your unwavering love and support for the past four years. I am honored to say that I am taking my fifth year at SUU. I'm excited to be receiving my bachelors degree in Engineering Tech in the spring of 2025. I also want to thank God and my family for supporting me unconditionally. I'm ready for a new year on the court with my girls. Go T-Birds!"

Last season Ballena powered the Thunderbirds' offense with 15.4 points and 3.6 assists per game, earning a spot on the All-WAC Second Team. Ballena stood out as one of the top performers in the conference, ranking fifth in scoring (15.4 ppg), 10th in free throw percentage (65.6 percent), and ninth in assists (3.6).

Ballena's consistent excellence on the court has placed her among the top of several statistical categories in SUU women's basketball program history, as she ranks eighth all-time in scoring (1,190 points) and fifth in assists (381).

Samantha Johnston

"I love Cedar City and everything SUU has blessed me with. I could never pass up the opportunity to take my fifth year here wearing Southern Utah across my chest while finishing my masters degree. I can't wait to be back on the court with the girls we'll have next season, playing in front of all the people I'm thankful for."

Johnston played a versatile role for the Thunderbirds last season, averaging 10.1 points, 3.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds. Additionally, Johnston bolstered the team defensively with a team-high 1.1 blocks per game and a total of 28 steals on the season. 

Johnston's excellent play placed her at the top of several statistics in the WAC, as she wrapped up last season ranking 11th in assists (3.5), seventh in blocks (1.1), and third in three pointers made (73).

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