Walnut, Calif.  – The defending state champion Mt. San Antonio College Women's Basketball Team is set to open the 2025–26 season with a blend of championship experience, new talent, and the same relentless drive that has defined the storied program for decades.

Head Coach Brian Crichlow, entering another season at the helm, said this year's group combines the perfect balance of veteran leadership and promising newcomers.

"We have a good mixture of young players and veterans," said Crichlow. "We've got some good leadership in our veterans and some strong, talented freshmen. I think we'll be pretty solid in all phases this year — inside, outside, and on defense. It's a good, balanced group."

The Mounties return several key contributors from last year's state title team, including All-State First Team and Honorable Mention All-American forward Taliyah McFerson, First Team All-Conference guard Naomi Acuna, All-State Tournament point guard Elizabeth Udeze, and then adding in sophomore transfer guard Dylan Tse.

"Our strength is definitely in our returners," Crichlow said. "They got to play valuable minutes last year and experience what it's like to be in a state championship game — but they also got to experience every day up until that point. Now they're leading by example and taking that role very seriously."

Mt. SAC also welcomes an impressive freshman class expected to make their presence felt early.

"Leiayjah Mills, Makayla Haddock and Tierra Taylor should all be impact players from the start," Crichlow noted. "Those three are going to help us right away."

After winning the state title, the Mounties know every opponent will bring their best shot.

"We're working on being the defending state champions — knowing that everybody is going to give their best effort against us," said Crichlow. "We're teaching these kids how to play as the hunted. It's a different mindset, and we're focusing on both the physical and mental aspects of that."

Staying healthy throughout the demanding season will also be key.

"One of our biggest things right now is just staying healthy," he said. "I think it's something that's challenging every team around the state — being able to withstand a long 28-plus game season and playoff run."

True to Mt. SAC tradition, the Mounties will face one of the toughest schedules in the state — a deliberate choice by Crichlow to prepare for another deep postseason run.

"Every game is going to be mentally and physically challenging," said Crichlow. "We play everybody — every team that was in the Sweet 16 last year is on our schedule at some point. That's how we prepare for the long haul."

The Mounties will open the season by hosting the Mt. SAC Tip-Off Tournament, featuring several teams that reached last season's Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four, or Championship rounds, including Orange Coast, Sequoias, Laney, and Moorpark.

"Nobody shied away from this schedule," said Crichlow. "All the top teams are matched up, and that's how we want it. We don't run from anybody — we don't believe in losses, we believe in opportunities to grow."

Mt. SAC will open against Laney College, one of Northern California's top programs, followed by Victor Valley and College of the Sequoias.

"No easing in," Crichlow smiled. "We have to be ready to go from the start."

Crichlow, who emphasizes the program's deep-rooted legacy and family culture, is eager to see this group carry on that tradition.

"A lot of kids came here because of the mystique of Mt. SAC Women's Basketball," he said. "I'm looking forward to watching them grow together and understand what it means to be part of this program. For me, it's about honoring the legacy — the teams that came before and built our reputation. I want our players to realize that this is bigger than any one individual. Once they understand that, we'll be okay."

The athletes recently strengthened their bonds with a preseason team-building retreat, which Crichlow said revealed leadership potential and set clear expectations.

"Everybody got to learn each other in a different space," he said. "We went over goals and expectations, and now it's our job to hold them accountable and push them to accomplish those goals."

The Mounties' goals remain as ambitious as ever — from success in the classroom to a repeat state championship run.

"Winning a state championship is always the biggest goal," Crichlow said. "But these girls also have goals for tournaments, conference play, and academics. If they buy into the mystique of what we do, they'll be all right."

After nearly a decade-long hiatus, the program also revived Mountie Midnight Madness, drawing enthusiasm across all sports on campus. The event served as an introduction to both the men's and women's basketball teams and helped ignite excitement among fans and the campus community for the upcoming season.

"The energy in that gym was great," said Crichlow. "A lot of our kids had only seen that kind of event on TV — they loved it. It was special to see the whole Mt. SAC athletic family come together."

As the 2025–26 season tips off, Mt. SAC aims to build on its championship success — a team ready to defend its crown and continue the proud tradition of Mountie excellence.

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.