Call it a come-up, an underdog success story, or whatever you like, but Simpson Women's Basketball has been nothing short of exceptional this 2023 season. And, it's not over yet.
Falling just short, the Championship game last week ended in overtime (69-64 Antelope Valley), leaving the Red Hawks placing second in the Cal Pac. In spite of the loss, the entire team kept their heads held high, and rightly so. For the first time in program history, the Red Hawks not only made it to the Cal Pac Championship game, but secured an appearance in the NAIA National Tournament.
The women's basketball program has done a complete 180, from a 9-17 season in 2022 to a 20-10 record this 2023 season.
The growth of this team over the past year has become a spectacle for not only other Simpson athletic programs but for programs across the state. With the Coach of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, multiple First Team All-Conference recipients, Honorable Mentions, and All-Academic winners, it's evident that there is something special about this team.
What makes them so special? What is the secret to their success?
When asked what the biggest contributing factor to the success has been Coach Mendez said "I would say sacrifice. We had a discussion early in conference play and we spoke about having to sacrifice many things for success. Though it is not the only thing, it is a major one. Sacrifice is essential."
These ladies have sacrificed so much this season in the pursuit of team success: time, effort, and relationships. Their coach promoted this vision of champions, the buy-in has been universal, and it's proven to pay off.
"They are relentless," says Coach Mendez, " We may not look the part, but we sure play the part. We have done a lot of good things together and have grown in confidence as the year has progressed."
They truly are relentless and have proven that with every appearance on the court. More importantly, however, these women have built a program that they are all incredibly proud to be a part of.
"I am proud of my teammates, my coaches, and to be part of Simpson. It has been a hard road, with a lot of effort and dedication behind it." says Senior Sandra Berrocal.
"Being part of this team makes me feel proud, seeing how we have grown little by little since the season started shows me once again that the sky's the limit." Says Newcomer of the Year Celina Tress.
No matter what these next few games have in store, that pride in this team is sure to outlive the final buzzer.
This team is headed to Idaho for its first two National Tournament games. Game one is March 7, playing the #3 seed Lewis-Clark State College. As a #14 seed, the odds are against them, but this team has proved that stats are just that: stats: and "the game is played on the court, not on paper" (Coach Mendez).
The Simpson family will be cheering the ladies on from Redding, believing that the sky truly is the limit for this team as they continue the historic season.
