Bri Nitsberg | Student Life

The Washington University women’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting 2023-24 season, set to tip off with its inaugural game against Johns Hopkins University at the Scholar Classic competition in New York this upcoming weekend. Building on a successful 2022-23 season that saw it achieve a 17-9 record, the team is now looking forward to new challenges with a blend of returning talent and promising newcomers. 

Last year, the women’s team had an impressive 10-4 record in the University Athletic Association (UAA), one of the top conferences in the nation. Its performance earned it a joint-second-place ranking in the highly competitive conference, tied with the University of Chicago. Despite the Bears’ well-earned qualification for the NCAA Division 3 March Madness, their postseason journey took an unfortunate turn. In the opening round, the Bears were eliminated by Trine University, ending their season earlier than the WashU squad would have hoped. 

In the offseason, the Bears bid farewell to a group of standout seniors who made significant impacts on the court. Among them, forward Maya Arnott and guards Sammi Matoush and Naomi Jackson were instrumental in the team’s performance. Arnott, an imposing force in the paint, averaged a team-high 16.7 points per game and 8.3 rebounds, earning her a spot on the All-UAA First Team. Her ability to dominate both ends of the floor was a linchpin for the Bears. The backcourt duo of Matoush and Jackson added significant value, with Matoush averaging 10.2 points and 4.5 assists per game and Jackson providing 7.3 points and 2.6 rebounds. The departure of these seniors undoubtedly leaves notable voids in the Bears’ lineup.

As the Bears navigate the new season, they will look to returning players to step into more prominent roles and replace the production of the graduated group. Senior Jessica Brooks, a guard, is expected to lead the way after scoring the most points for the team last year. Beyond scoring, Brooks excelled in facilitating assists, contributing 3.5 per game, and was a force on the boards, grabbing just over 6 rebounds per game. Brooks was the team’s other All-UAA First Teamer alongside Arnott, and started all 26 of the team’s games. Her all-around game and leadership on the court will be crucial. 

Complementing her, junior forward Brenna Loftus is expected to play a pivotal role in filling the gaps left by departing seniors. Last season, Loftus brought her skills to bear, averaging 5.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, showcasing her effectiveness, especially with a shooting percentage over .400. Similarly, sophomore Nailah McBeth, known for her efficiency, contributed 6.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in her first season while boasting a shooting percentage over .500.

In addition to Brooks and Loftus, several other returning players will be instrumental in maintaining the team’s competitiveness. Jordan Rich, Sabrina DelBello, Liv Muse, and Christina Walker played key roles last year and will be counted on to contribute in various facets of the game, and will all be vital throughout the Bear’s season.

The arrival of a promising group of freshmen adds another layer of excitement to the team’s prospects. Among them, Alyssa Hughes, a guard, arrives with a remarkable high school record, setting several season and historical records, including the second-most points, the most three-pointers made, and the third-most steals in her school’s history. Catherine Goodwin, another guard, stands as her school’s record-holder for single-season assists, tallying over 1,000 career points. Furthermore, Lexy Harris, a center, brings an imposing presence, having averaged a double-double in both points and rebounds her senior year. 

“I think the team dynamics are great [for this year’s team]. We have a big rookie class, but we also have a lot of returners who are welcoming in our first-years and make sure they know how excited we are to have them a part of the Bear family. I think the team dynamics are a culture of hard work, doing the right thing, and leaving our excuses outside of the gym,” Brooks said. 

Hughes, also excited for this upcoming season, said, “As a first year player, I just want to come in and help contribute to the team’s success in any way I can. Whatever my role on the team is, I want to be great in that role and have a positive impact to help the team win. I am super excited about playing for WashU WBB.” 

Bri Nitsberg | Student Life

After playing in New York this weekend, the team will head to Terre Haute, Indiana, for the Midwest Challenge. Returning home, WashU will host the McWilliams Challenge, a tournament they won last year after a thrilling overtime victory against Millikin University, and the Bears will finish up their pre-University Athletic Association (UAA) tournaments in Waverly, Iowa, at the Wartburg Tournament in late December. 

After their non-conference slate, the Bears face difficult opposition in UAA play. Within these games, look out for the conference opener and finale against #12 ranked Chicago, alongside two games against #4 ranked NYU, the defending conference champions.

“As a whole, the team has the same goal: to win the UAA and compete for a national championship. It’s exciting to have everyone on the same page about wanting to win and have a successful season,” said Brooks about the upcoming season. “For me personally, I just want to spend as much time with my teammates soaking in all of the best things about basketball in my last year.”