The GSAC announced its 2024-25 Women’s Basketball All-Conference Team and award winners on Tuesday afternoon. Regular season champions Arizona Christian were recognized with three award winners and three all-conference selections.

Alyssa Alvarez of ACU was voted as the Player of the Year with her teammate Alana Washington earning Freshman of the Year honors. Alynna Palacios of Park Gilbert was selected as the Defensive Player of the Year. Rusty Rogers from ACU was tabbed as the Coach of the Year.

GSAC coaches vote on the All-Conference team, which consists of 10 student-athletes regardless of position. Coaches are not able to vote for their own players.

Arizona Christian standout guard, Alyssa Alvarez, has been named the GSAC Women's Basketball Player of the Year, an accolade that highlights her pivotal role in leading the Firestorm to their first conference title. On the season, Alvarez has consistently demonstrated her skills across the board. Averaging 15.7 points per game, she has been a crucial offensive weapon for Arizona Christian. Her ability to set up plays has been equally impressive, with an average of 3.32 assists per game. Alvarez's defensive prowess is notable as well, contributing 51 steals this season and averaging 3.18 rebounds per game. Her sharpshooting from beyond the arc remained consistent at 31 percent. The season witnessed Alvarez scoring over 20 points in seven games, and in two instances, she remarkably surpassed the 30-point mark. This award doesn't just recognize her statistical achievements but also her significant impact on Arizona Christian's historic success in the conference.

In a season marked by exceptional defensive performances, Alynna Palacios of Park Gilbert set the standard in the GSAC, earning the Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the Year accolade. Pioneering ahead of her peers, Palacios leads the GSAC with a staggering 93 steals and an impressive average of 3.9 steals per game, positioning herself as a formidable force in the backcourt. Palacios, the backbone of the Buccaneers' defensive unit, is not just a leaderboard topper in the conference but also shines in the national spotlight, ranking fourth across the NAIA in total steals. Her consistent efforts are illustrated by her record of making a steal in 23 out of the 24 games she has participated in this season, with five-plus steals on 10 distinct occasions. Palacios's influence stretches beyond steals; she also leads her team in rebounding, averaging 8.6 rebounds per game, showcasing her all-around contribution and relentless hustle that make her an invaluable asset to the Buccaneers.

Alana Washington of Arizona Christian has been named the GSAC Women's Basketball Freshman of the Year, marking a standout debut season that contributed significantly to her team's landmark achievements. Washington's impressive performance on the court includes scoring in double figures in seven games and averaging 15.4 minutes per game. Her stats further underline her versatility and impact, with an average of 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game. Her contributions were crucial in Arizona Christian securing its first conference championship.

Arizona Christian’s Rusty Rogers earned Coach of the Year honors after the Firestorm went 12-2 in conference play to secure the program’s first conference championship. They enter the postseason with a 24-4 record, and they have already set the ACU record for wins in a season. Rogers became the first ACU women’s basketball coach to earn honors for GSAC Coach of the Year.

2024-25 Award Winners & All-Conference Team
PLAYER OF THE YEAR Alyssa Alvarez	Arizona Christian
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Alynna Palacios	Park Gilbert
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR Alana Washington	Arizona Christian
COACH OF THE YEAR Rusty Rogers	Arizona Christian
PLAYER	INSTITUTION
Alyssa Alvarez	Arizona Christian
Halle Payne	Arizona Christian
Emily Till	Arizona Christian
Alize Ruiz	Benedictine Mesa
Mia Heidt	Hope International
Angel Addleman	OUAZ
Savannah Huerta	Park Gilbert
Kayla Schroeder	Park Gilbert
Lexi Hernandez	The Master's
Marin Lenz	The Master's