The GSAC has announced its 2025-26 Women’s Basketball Award Winners and All-Conference Team, presented by Under Armour, recognizing the league’s top performers following a competitive regular season. Arizona Christian’s Emily Till headlines the major award recipients as Player of the Year, while Hope International’s Amira Austin and The Master’s Alli VanKooten share Defensive Player of the Year honors. The conference also names co-Freshmen of the Year, a Newcomer of the Year, and Coach of the Year, in addition to unveiling the 11-member All-Conference Team.

Emily Till delivered one of the most dominant seasons in the conference, leading the GSAC in both total points (532) and points per game (19.0). The senior post also tops the league in total rebounds (351), rebounds per game (12.5), and field goals made (190), while shooting 53.7 percent from the field. In conference play, she raised her production to 21.3 points and 14.1 rebounds per game.

Till’s impact extends beyond scoring and rebounding. She ranks among the conference leaders in assists (82), blocks (25), and steals (42), while logging a league-high 954 minutes. Her efficiency, durability, and consistency position her as the focal point for Arizona Christian throughout the season.

Austin anchors one of the conference’s most effective defensive units. The senior averages 10.5 rebounds per game and ranks third in total rebounds (252), while finishing third in blocks (36). In conference contests, she leads the GSAC with 28 blocks and secures 10.9 rebounds per game.

Austin pairs her defensive presence with 14.3 points per game overall and 14.9 in conference play. Her ability to protect the rim, control the glass, and contribute offensively makes her one of the most complete post players in the league.

VanKooten established herself as the premier rim protector in the GSAC, leading the conference with 42 total blocks and 28 in conference games. She also ranks second in total rebounds (280) and rebounds per game (11.7).

A consistent interior presence, VanKooten averages 13.5 points per game and contributes 42 steals, underscoring her versatility on the defensive end. Her ability to impact shots, finish possessions, and defend multiple actions earns her a share of the conference’s top defensive honor.

Makenzie Alapai emerged as a key contributor in her first collegiate season, averaging 8.3 points per game and shooting 75 percent from the free-throw line. She recorded 146 points in conference play and provided steady perimeter production for Embry-Riddle. Her development and consistent role in the rotation mark her as one of the conference’s top newcomers.

Symirah Gray made an immediate scoring impact off the bench, totaling 203 points while averaging 8.5 per game. She ranks among the conference leaders in points per 40 minutes (19.9) and she added 28 steals. Her scoring efficiency and ability to change pace give Park Gilbert a valuable perimeter option throughout the season.

In her first season in the GSAC, Alannah Northam averages 11.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 80 percent from the free-throw line. She ranks fourth in steals (51) and proves effective on both ends of the floor. Northam’s all-around production and consistent minutes (32.2 per game) make her a central piece for Benedictine Mesa.

Jessica Case guided Hope International to a 22-4 overall record and the program’s first GSAC Regular Season Championship with a 15-1 conference mark. Under her direction, the Royals combine defensive discipline with balanced scoring, securing the top spot in the standings and establishing a new benchmark for the program.

The 2026 GSAC Women’s Basketball All-Conference Team, presented by Under Armour, reflects the balance and depth of the league. Arizona Christian places two selections in Taylor Schwab and Player of the Year Till. Hope International leads the way with three honorees—Austin, Nicole Chuang, and Aliyah Gonzalez—while The Master’s adds Chloe Auble and VanKooten.

Benedictine Mesa’s Olivia Arvallo, Embry-Riddle’s Katie McBride, Life Pacific’s Ysabel Puente, and OUAZ’s Tiana Sledge round out the team. The group represents a mix of senior leadership and emerging talent, with contributions across all positions.

Collectively, this year’s honorees highlight the competitive nature of the GSAC and set the stage for the GSAC Championship, which begins Saturday with semifinal action.

2026 GSAC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

POS	PLAYER	SCHOOL	YR	HOMETOWN
G	Taylor Schwab	Arizona Christian	SO	Gig Harbor, Wash.
P	Emily Till	Arizona Christian	SR	Canon City, Colo.
G	Olivia Arvallo	Benedictine Mesa	JR	Surprise, Ariz.
F	Katie McBride	Embry-Riddle	SR	Atlanta, Ga.
P	Amira Austin	Hope International	SR	West Covina, Calif.
G	Nicole Chuang	Hope International	JR	Torrance, Calif.
G	Aliyah Gonzalez	Hope International	SR	Whittier, Calif.
G	Ysabel Puente	Life Pacific	SO	Peoria, Ariz.
F	Tiana Sledge	OUAZ	SR	San Diego, Calif.
G/F	Chloe Auble	The Master's	JR	Valdez, Alaska
C/F	Alli VanKooten	The Master's	JR	Lyden, Wash.

Player of the Year:

Emily Till, Arizona Christian

Co-Defensive Players of the Year:

Amira Austin, Hope International

Alli VanKooten, The Master's

Co-Freshmen of the Year:

Makenzie Alapai, Embry-Riddle

Symirah Gray, Park Gilbert

Newcomer of the Year:

Alannah Northam, Benedictine Mesa

Coach of the Year:

Jessica Case, Hope International