2026-27 Women's Basketball Preseason Reference Guide

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2026-27 Season Information

GSAC Women's Basketball Preseason

Team-by-team information, returning All-GSAC selections, Players to Watch and outlooks submitted by the conference's women's basketball programs.

Entering the 2026-27 Season

Preseason Quick Facts

Defending Regular-Season ChampionHope InternationalFinished 15-1 in GSAC play
Defending Tournament ChampionHope InternationalDefeated Arizona Christian, 68-66
2026 NAIA QualifierHope InternationalFaced Lewis-Clark State in the opening round
Conference Membership9 ProgramsCompeting in GSAC women's basketball in 2026-27
Recognized Following the 2025-26 Season

Returning 2026 All-GSAC Players

Only 2026 All-GSAC selections and major award winners returning to their programs for the 2026-27 season are listed.

School Returning 2026 All-GSAC Players
Benedictine Mesa Olivia Arvallo
Alannah Northam — 2026 GSAC Newcomer of the Year
Embry-Riddle Makenzie Alapai — 2026 GSAC Co-Freshman of the Year
Hope International Amira Austin — 2026 GSAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year
Nicole Chuang
The Master's Chloe Auble
Alli VanKooten — 2026 GSAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year
Selected by Each Program

2026-27 GSAC Players to Watch

Players to Watch are program nominations and are not preseason all-conference selections.

School Player 1 Player 2
Arizona Christian Ysabel Puente
JR • G — 2026 All-GSAC selection at Life Pacific before transferring to Arizona Christian.		 Valeria Brewer
GR • G — Averaged more than 20 points per game during an abbreviated senior season at Westcliff.
Benedictine Mesa Alannah Northam
SR • G — 2026 GSAC Newcomer of the Year. Averaged 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.		 Olivia Arvallo
SR • G — 2026 All-GSAC selection who averaged 14.7 points per game.
Embry-Riddle Makenzie Alapai
SO • G — 2026 GSAC Co-Freshman of the Year. Second on the team in scoring at 8.3 points per game and second in rebounding at 4.5 per game.		 Morgan Evenson
JR • G — Fourth on the team in scoring at 5.8 points per game and second in made threes with 21 while shooting 42% from beyond the arc.
Hope International Amira Austin
GR • F — 2026 All-GSAC and Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Averaged 13.7 points and 10.4 rebounds, posted 13 double-doubles and ranked among the GSAC leaders in scoring, rebounding and field-goal percentage.		 Nicole Chuang
SR • G — 2026 All-GSAC. Averaged 13.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists while making 74 three-pointers, second-most in the GSAC. Scored at least 20 points in all three postseason games.
La Sierra Yasmine Garrett
SR • G — Averaged 10.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.		 Hasanah Gilchrist
JR • G/F — Averaged 15.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.
Life Pacific Ebony Cooper
GR • F/C — Averaged 11.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Provides veteran leadership and a unique ability to stretch the floor as a post.		 Kailey New
SO • F — Averaged 6.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Gained significant experience as a freshman and is expected to be a major contributor and leader.
OUAZ Kaylona Butler
SR • G — Averaged 20.0 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 35% from three on 171 attempts. Named WHAC Newcomer of the Year and First Team All-WHAC.		 Madi Symons
SR • G/F — NCAA Division I transfer from Wyoming who appeared in 93 games over three seasons, including 12 starts last season. A former four-time Idaho all-state selection and Coeur d'Alene's all-time leading scorer.
Park Gilbert Ellie Robertson
JR • G — Transfer from Westcliff and Multnomah. As a freshman, started 24 games and averaged 11.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in conference play while shooting 34.2% from three, 44.9% from the field and 82.6% at the line.		 Brooke Vargas
FR • G — Received offers and interest from multiple NCAA and NAIA programs. Brings a crafty scoring ability, leadership and a skill set expected to make an immediate impact.
The Master's Chloe Auble
SR • G — 2026 All-GSAC selection. Averaged 15.6 points per game and shot 83% from the free-throw line.		 Alli VanKooten
GR • C — 2026 All-GSAC and Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Averaged 13.8 points and 11.9 rebounds per game.
Information Submitted by Each Program

2026-27 Team Preview Capsules

Arizona Christian

2026 GSAC Tournament Runner-Up
Returning10+
Lost8
Starters Back1

2026 All-GSAC Status

None returning. Taylor Schwab (2026 All-GSAC) transferred to the University of Maine, while 2026 GSAC Player of the Year Emily Till is not returning.

2026-27 Outlook

The 2026-27 edition of Arizona Christian women's basketball will look quite different after losing four of five starters. The Firestorm added five transfers and two redshirts to the mix, plus return five players who saw significant time off the bench last season.

Team Strengths

Speed, quickness and athleticism.

Season Goals

The GSAC championship is a major goal after the Firestorm lost a narrow two-point championship game last season.

Player to WatchYsabel PuenteJR • G — 2026 All-GSAC selection at Life Pacific before transferring to Arizona Christian.
Player to WatchValeria BrewerGR • G — Averaged more than 20 points per game during an abbreviated senior season at Westcliff.

Benedictine Mesa

Two All-GSAC Honorees Return
Returning5
Lost5
Starters Back3

2026 All-GSAC Status

Olivia Arvallo — 2026 All-GSAC. Alannah Northam — 2026 GSAC Newcomer of the Year.

2026-27 Outlook

Benedictine Mesa returns an experienced backcourt with five returners and multiple transfers providing perimeter experience and depth. One starter will miss the season due to injury, but the Redhawks return two conference award winners and expect greater continuity.

Team Strengths

Defense, depth and positional versatility.

Season Goals

Make a strong GSAC postseason run and establish Benedictine Mesa as a major factor in the conference race.

Player to WatchAlannah NorthamSR • G — 2026 GSAC Newcomer of the Year. Averaged 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
Player to WatchOlivia ArvalloSR • G — 2026 All-GSAC selection who averaged 14.7 points per game.

Embry-Riddle

Nine Players Return
Returning9
Lost3
Starters Back2

2026 All-GSAC Status

Makenzie Alapai — 2026 GSAC Co-Freshman of the Year. Katie McBride (2026 All-GSAC) is not returning.

2026-27 Outlook

Embry-Riddle expects a balanced attack from a solid group of returners who all saw significant playing time last year. Eight of the nine returners averaged double-digit minutes. Eleven losses last season were by single digits, so the Eagles believe added experience can help turn close games in their favor.

Team Strengths

Depth and experience should pay dividends. A balanced scoring attack from the returning group should also help the Eagles.

Season Goals

Improve on last season's record by winning more close games and finish among the GSAC's top six to qualify for postseason play.

Player to WatchMakenzie AlapaiSO • G — 2026 GSAC Co-Freshman of the Year. Second on the team in scoring at 8.3 points per game and second in rebounding at 4.5 per game.
Player to WatchMorgan EvensonJR • G — Fourth on the team in scoring at 5.8 points per game and second in made threes with 21 while shooting 42% from beyond the arc.

Hope International

Defending GSAC Regular-Season & Tournament Champion
Returning9
Lost8
Starters Back3

2026 All-GSAC Status

Amira Austin — 2026 All-GSAC and Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Nicole Chuang — 2026 All-GSAC. Aliyah Gonzalez (2026 All-GSAC) is not returning.

2026-27 Outlook

The Royals return three starters and nine letterwinners from the 2025-26 squad that captured both the GSAC regular-season and tournament titles. HIU returns All-GSAC standouts Amira Austin and Nicole Chuang, along with point guard Dre Javier. Faith Brinkman also returns after playing only three games last season before suffering a season-ending injury.

Team Strengths

HIU returns three of its top four scorers, including one of the league's top interior players in Amira Austin. Nicole Chuang and Dre Javier provide an experienced backcourt, while NCAA transfers Tamaria Rumph from Niagara and N'Dya Parks from Cal State Dominguez Hills add depth.

Season Goals

Repeat as GSAC regular-season and tournament champions and qualify for the NAIA Tournament for the second consecutive season.

Player to WatchAmira AustinGR • F — 2026 All-GSAC and Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Averaged 13.7 points and 10.4 rebounds, posted 13 double-doubles and ranked among the GSAC leaders in scoring, rebounding and field-goal percentage.
Player to WatchNicole ChuangSR • G — 2026 All-GSAC. Averaged 13.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists while making 74 three-pointers, second-most in the GSAC. Scored at least 20 points in all three postseason games.

La Sierra

Second Season in the GSAC
Returning5
Lost10+
Starters Back1

2026 All-GSAC Status

None reported.

2026-27 Outlook

Entering 2026-27, the Golden Eagles move into their second season in the GSAC as a growing program undergoing key changes. With the departure of 10 players, including key starters, the focus is on establishing new chemistry, re-evaluating rotational roles and integrating incoming talent into the system. Five returners will be asked to take on elevated leadership roles.

Team Strengths

A solid group of key returners and new additions should create greater competition, depth, athleticism and skill, allowing La Sierra to push the tempo, maintain defensive pressure and play with greater confidence.

Season Goals

Build a cohesive, competitive team identity that improves with every game, establish a disciplined standard on both ends of the floor, compete for a playoff spot and make a postseason run while continuing to elevate the program's culture.

Player to WatchYasmine GarrettSR • G — Averaged 10.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.
Player to WatchHasanah GilchristJR • G/F — Averaged 15.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

Life Pacific

Building on School-Record 12 Wins
Returning8
Lost7
Starters Back3

2026 All-GSAC Status

None returning. Ysabel Puente (2026 All-GSAC) transferred to Arizona Christian.

2026-27 Outlook

Life Pacific is excited to build on a school-record 12-win season. With eight returners and six newcomers, the Warriors believe each player brings a unique skill set and selfless attitude that will allow the team to play hard, smart and together.

Team Strengths

Toughness and togetherness.

Season Goals

Be a connected team that continually grows throughout the season while playing with grit and joy.

Player to WatchEbony CooperGR • F/C — Averaged 11.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Provides veteran leadership and a unique ability to stretch the floor as a post.
Player to WatchKailey NewSO • F — Averaged 6.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Gained significant experience as a freshman and is expected to be a major contributor and leader.

OUAZ

Nine Experienced Players Return
Returning9
Lost6
Starters Back2

2026 All-GSAC Status

None returning. Tiana Sledge (2026 All-GSAC) graduated.

2026-27 Outlook

OUAZ returns nine players with at least one year of playing experience, including two part-time starters, and adds a strong freshman class plus proven transfers. The newcomers include a 20-point-per-game NAIA scorer and a three-year NCAA Division I contributor. The Spirit will lean on a veteran guard group for leadership.

Team Strengths

Team defense, size and rebounding should be strengths. The top seven average close to six feet, and the group plays well together. OUAZ expects improvement in shooting, scoring, rebounding, steals and assists, with a strong mix of young and veteran players.

Season Goals

Reach the GSAC Tournament, contend for the program's first conference title and pursue its first NAIA Tournament berth while establishing OUAZ among the conference's top tier.

Player to WatchKaylona ButlerSR • G — Averaged 20.0 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 35% from three on 171 attempts. Named WHAC Newcomer of the Year and First Team All-WHAC.
Player to WatchMadi SymonsSR • G/F — NCAA Division I transfer from Wyoming who appeared in 93 games over three seasons, including 12 starts last season. A former four-time Idaho all-state selection and Coeur d'Alene's all-time leading scorer.

Park Gilbert

Deepest Roster Under Current Staff
Returning7
Lost6
Starters Back2

2026 All-GSAC Status

None returning. Symirah Gray — 2026 GSAC Co-Freshman of the Year — is now playing at a junior college in Mississippi.

2026-27 Outlook

Park Gilbert enters the season with a roster made up entirely of players recruited by the current staff. The Buccaneers emphasized conditioning and addressed three-point shooting, rebounding and overall scoring during the offseason. The staff expects a faster team and an improved product on the floor.

Team Strengths

The Buccaneers believe they are deeper, faster and more experienced than ever. The roster adds rebounding, shooting and veteran leadership through a Division II post transfer, two players from nationally ranked junior colleges, three freshman standouts, two transfers from successful NAIA programs and several healthy returners.

Season Goals

Qualify for the GSAC Tournament and take advantage of what the program believes is its deepest roster to date. Park Gilbert will continue to play its up-tempo system and expects improvement across all offensive areas.

Player to WatchEllie RobertsonJR • G — Transfer from Westcliff and Multnomah. As a freshman, started 24 games and averaged 11.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in conference play while shooting 34.2% from three, 44.9% from the field and 82.6% at the line.
Player to WatchBrooke VargasFR • G — Received offers and interest from multiple NCAA and NAIA programs. Brings a crafty scoring ability, leadership and a skill set expected to make an immediate impact.

The Master's

All Five Starters Return
Returning10+
Lost0
Starters Back5

2026 All-GSAC Status

Chloe Auble — 2026 All-GSAC. Alli VanKooten — 2026 All-GSAC and Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

2026-27 Outlook

The Master's is excited about the opportunity to see what an experienced group can accomplish together. All five starters return, and the core enters its third year playing together in the program. That continuity gives the Mustangs a veteran group with a strong understanding of the system and expectations.

Team Strengths

Experience and continuity. The players understand the system, the program's expectations and what it means to represent The Master's on and off the court. The returning group has grown together as basketball players and leaders.

Season Goals

Continue building together through daily commitment, humility and a willingness to put the team first while maximizing the opportunity created by a veteran returning core and incoming players.

Player to WatchChloe AubleSR • G — 2026 All-GSAC selection. Averaged 15.6 points per game and shot 83% from the free-throw line.
Player to WatchAlli VanKootenGR • C — 2026 All-GSAC and Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Averaged 13.8 points and 11.9 rebounds per game.
Preseason information was submitted by each institution. Player classifications and statistics reflect information provided by the programs.
Previous Season

2025-26 GSAC Women's Basketball Recap

Final Regular-Season Standings2025-26 GSAC Standings
School GSAC GSAC % Overall Overall % Home Away Neutral Streak Last 10
Hope International 15-1 .938 23-5 .821 13-2 9-3 1-0 L1 8-2
The Master's 14-2 .875 18-8 .692 11-1 7-4 0-3 L1 8-2
Arizona Christian 10-6 .625 13-17 .433 8-6 5-7 0-4 L1 6-4
Benedictine Mesa 9-7 .562 14-10 .583 11-2 3-8 0-0 L2 4-6
OUAZ 7-9 .438 14-12 .538 9-4 5-6 0-2 L2 8-2
Embry-Riddle 6-10 .375 9-17 .346 7-4 2-11 0-2 W2 3-7
Park Gilbert 5-11 .312 10-15 .400 8-4 2-9 0-2 L2 3-7
Life Pacific 3-13 .188 11-16 .407 10-7 1-9 0-0 L1 2-8
La Sierra 3-13 .188 6-18 .250 6-7 0-11 0-0 L2 2-8
Postseason Results2026 GSAC Tournament
Semifinals — February 28
Hope International def. Benedictine Mesa
81-56
Arizona Christian def. The Master's
72-64
Championship — March 3
Hope International def. Arizona Christian
68-66
National Postseason2026 NAIA Championship
First Round — March 13
Lewis-Clark State def. Hope International
74-65
2025-26 postseason: Hope International won the GSAC regular-season championship with a 15-1 conference record and captured the GSAC Tournament title with a 68-66 win over Arizona Christian. The Royals represented the GSAC in the NAIA National Championship.