column over the last 2-3 years. Travis Gagau, who is in his second year as the head coach of the women’s team, has brought that sense of optimism to the program. He returns five ladies from last season, one of them being Sarah Valderrama, an All-Regional member from last season. Gagau has also brought in some new additions: Abby Valero, Jenesis Nichols, and Desiree Fields, transfer guards, and Kierra Juano, a freshman from Keene High School.

When talking to the coaches and some of the players about their upcoming year, there seems to be a natural buzz in the air. Coach Wooldridge says he’s excited for their first game on Thursday, October 31, 2024, and he believes his team has a chance to be special. When asked to describe the team in one word, he said, gritty.

“We’re trying to be good defensively, and so if gritty could be the answer, then that's what I’d want it to be,” he said. “I’m excited about the game next Thursday, I have no idea how it’s gonna go, but I love the team that we have.”

Coach Gagau of the women’s team has been excited as well and says he’s got a group of girls who he expects to step up this season and make an impact. 

“Desiree Fields, Sarah Valderrema, Abby Valero, Kierra Juano; I think everybody can contribute for sure,” Gagau said. “All the girls have been progressing in practice so far, so hopefully, they all can have a good season.”

Jason Garcia, senior guard for the Knights, said he’s ready for the regional games to start.

“I can't wait to see how we match up with our regional opponents,” Garcia said, “Our chemistry and brotherly bond have been improving since the start of preseason, and it's something that's going to be huge for us.”

Orlando Gooden, who’s heading into his sophomore year for the Knights, shared a similar sentiment. He says that despite having a few new faces, everyone comes to practice every day to work hard, and they’re able to hold each other accountable. Gooden also added that on an individual level, he’s ready to take a leap in his career this season.

“This summer, there were a lot of hours put in the gym, working on both court skills and improving my body, getting stronger and faster,” he said. “This year, I’m looking forward to being the best leader I can be on and off the court.”

Matti Clements, a senior for the Lady Knights, also shared her plans to be a good leader for her squad this year.

“I try to give it my all every time I step on the court and be a good team leader,” Clements said, “someone who leads by example and not just with words.”

With Coach Gagau at the helm, and seniors like Clements, Sarah Valderrama, and Derria Laury being leaders on the court, there has been a new culture being fostered down in the Leiske Pultar Gymnasium. Abby Valero, a sophomore transfer from rival school Arlington Baptist, shared that the environment of SWAU was one of her biggest reasons for making the switch.

“I chose to play for Coach Travis because he showed a genuine interest in my development as an athlete and a person,” Valero said. “I appreciated the positive and welcoming environment here when I came on my visit, and ultimately I felt that this opportunity to play for him at SWAU would not only improve my skills but also prepare me for future challenges in sports and life”

At the end of the day, that's our hope for all students, not just athletes; being able to prepare them for the next steps in their lives and sports is just an avenue that can help reach some of those students. So as the Knights get ready to take on the hardwood for the first time this Thursday, keep in mind that the excellence they’ll display on that floor is a culmination of hard work, focus, and camaraderie, that these athletes have been building with one another since day one.