The California Baptist University women’s basketball team prepared thoroughly for the new season, with coaches and athletes utilizing various methods to physically and mentally prepare. Basketball remains one of the most intense programs on campus and holds special meaning for CBU.
Kamille Gouevia, CBU women’s basketball assistant coach, was inspired to become a coach in college after playing basketball at CBU.
“My sophomore year, here at CBU under Jarrod Olson, current Head Coach, I was the starting point guard for the first time in my life,” Gouevia said.
She quickly learned the value of working with the CBU women’s basketball team and practicing together to achieve success.
“We emphasize our team values: Commitment, Humility, Resilient, Integrity, Selfless, and Trust,” she added.
The program emphasized CHRIST as its foundation, along with hard work and perseverance in daily practice.
“We have been practicing against ourselves and our practice guys every day for the last couple of months, therefore, we are excited to see who we are against another team,” Gouevia said.
While practicing as a team is essential for improvement, focusing on individual skills is just as important. Some athletes trained individually to grow in specific areas outside of team practices.
Khloe Lemon, junior kinesiology major and guard on the CBU women’s basketball team, trained during the summer to prepare for the season.
“Over the summer, I trained back in my hometown, Omaha, Nebraska. The facility that I train at is Going Vertical Basketball Academy, and my main focus this summer was shot selection and efficiency,” Lemon said.
As a returning player, Lemon hoped to help the team secure another WAC title and return to March Madness to compete on a national stage. She also hoped to grow as a leader.
“I expect to step into a leadership role vocally and show the newbies what CBU is all about,” Lemon added.
Unlike Lemon, some athletes are new to the team. With new players come new experiences, challenges and adjustments.
Lauren Olsen, freshman biomedical sciences major and guard on the CBU women’s basketball team, moved from Wyoming to pursue her passion for basketball. As a new athlete, she also aimed to make an impact where the team needed support.
“Personally, coming in as a freshman, I just want to make the biggest impact for my team, and I want to do what’s best for my team,” Olsen said.
Olsen faced some challenges in adjusting to the level of play and practice expectations.
“Coming in as a freshman, yes, it’s tough, yes, I’m not used to it, but I mean we need it,” Olsen said.
With seven new players on the roster, team chemistry was a major focus.
“There’s seven new girls; four freshman and three transfers, and six returners, so it definitely has been tough getting into the group with everybody and learning what they do best,” Olsen said.
The team built connection through practices, team outings and time spent together off the court.
“I think that the more we play together and the more we click and the more we have opportunities and get more reps in, I think it will slowly get better as something that time only does,” Olsen said.
With dedication, teamwork and shared commitment, the CBU women’s basketball team entered the season ready to compete and pursue its goals.
