LAS VEGAS — When the Gonzaga Bulldogs entered the season, there were plenty of unknowns.
The roster featured transfers from across the country, several new faces and a star player, Lauren Whittaker, who hadn’t played in two seasons. But as the year progressed, that mix of backgrounds turned into one of Gonzaga’s biggest strengths.
Now, the Bulldogs are West Coast Conference Tournament champions and headed to the NCAA Tournament.
Despite the newness of the roster, Gonzaga sophomore guard Teryn Gardner said the team’s chemistry formed almost immediately once everyone arrived on campus.
“We have a lot of transfers and a lot of new people and Lauren's been here the longest and she's a freshman. So that's what's crazy about it,” Gardner said. “But I really feel like once we all first got to campus and all first started playing together, we kind of just clicked right away. And we've had no drama, we all get along really well, we all love each other and it's just such a gift.”
That connection has been evident throughout the season, as Gonzaga relied on contributions from players with different experiences and playing styles.
Junior guard Zeryhia Aukuso said that balance has helped the team come together on and off the court.
“Although we're all different, we all match each other's energy and we all play for one another and always help one another,” Aukuso said. “So what makes our team unique at the end of the day, we're just gonna come together with all our skills and talents that we bring for one another.”
Freshman guard Jaiden Haile said the team’s personality off the court has helped strengthen those bonds.
“We just have so much fun, so I feel like this kind of environment is perfect for us and we just love to dance and have fun together,” Haile said. “And it's just really special to experience this together.”
That chemistry translated into results on the court, as Gonzaga captured the WCC Tournament title and secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Head coach Lisa Fortier said she knew it would take time for a young and new roster to find its rhythm.
“We didn't have a date in mind where we wanted to be at our best,” Fortier said. “You just always say you don't want to peak early. That's not gonna happen with the ages and then the newness of our team.”
Instead, the Bulldogs continued building throughout the season, gradually developing the identity that led them to a championship.
For Gonzaga’s only senior who plays, Ines Bettencourt, the moment was the result of months of work toward a shared goal.
“This is what we've been wanting since the very first practice,” Bettencourt said. “We set this goal for ourselves and we've just been grinding and working every single game towards this. And now, we've been finally rewarded. So really a great feeling.”
With the WCC title secured, the Bulldogs will now turn their focus to Selection Sunday and the NCAA Tournament, hoping the energy that carried them to a conference championship can continue into March.
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