SANTA CLARA, Calif. — For first-year head coach Loree Payne, the biggest challenge of her debut season with Santa Clara University women's basketball wasn't drawing up plays or implementing a new system — it was building an entirely new team from the ground up.
 
"When we first took the job, we weren't sure how much of a roster we were going to have to build," Payne said. "We got put in a really great position where we got to pretty much build it from the ground up."
 
Only two players — Alana Goodchild and Lauren Grover — return from last year's squad. The rest of the roster is a blend of six incoming freshmen and seven transfers, many of whom followed Payne and her staff from Northern Arizona University.
 
"Having Alana and Lauren as two returners has been awesome," Payne said. "They're great people, great teammates, and they've been a great foundation for the transition."
 
The new Broncos and the new staff debut at home Monday night in their 2025-26 season opener versus Stanislaus State. Season and single-game tickets are on sale. To learn more about ticket options and availability contact broncotickets@scu.edu or 408-554-4660.
 
A MONTH OF CONTROLLED CHAOS
 
Once Payne accepted the job in early April, the sprint began.
 
"From the time I accepted the job to getting our official visits and signing kids — it was about 30 days," she said. "That whole 30 days is a blur."
 
The foundation started with familiar faces. Sophie Glancey, a dominant post presence and two-time first team all-Big Sky Conference honoree, was "the cornerstone," Payne said. Fellow former Lumberjacks Ava Schmidt and Reilly Clark soon joined, followed by a flurry of additions that quickly reshaped the Broncos' lineup.
 
"We knew Ava would be a really good fit — she was about to have a breakout season at NAU," Payne said. "Riley was the one nobody else knew about except us. She's the greatest kid ever — the best teammate in the world."
 
INTRODUCING THE BRONCOS
 
Even Payne admits she's still learning her new roster — one she describes as full of energy, character, and potential. Payne offered a rapid-fire look at the new Broncos and what fans can expect from each one:

• Aniya Hooker, a transfer guard from Siena, brings relentless energy. "She's our defensive bulldog," Payne said. "Incredibly athletic, incredibly quick — she's the spark for sure."
   
• Kate Schat, one of five freshmen, is "a great spot-up three-point shooter" playing with confidence.
   
• Sienna Grieger, another freshman guard from Australia, has a "fearless" mindset and "a big upside."
   
• Maia Jones, a transfer from Saint Mary's, brings a veteran voice and steady presence to the lineup. Already familiar with the West Coast Conference from her years with the Gaels, she's providing leadership and poise in her new surroundings. "Leader, big voice, super high basketball IQ — she's definitely our vocal leader," Payne said.
   
• The freshman duo of Maddy Warberg and Sara Schmerbach are still finding their footing early but have already carved out a place in the team's rhythm. Payne described both as "bench energy" players — engaged and vocal even while learning the college game.
   
• Sophie Glancey, a graduate transfer, anchors the frontcourt. "She's our double-double queen," Payne said. "One of our leaders on and off the court."
   
• Ava Schmidt can "do everything inside and out." Payne laughed, "Her nickname's KD — she's like Kevin Durant. She's 6-2, can shoot, score, and defend. She'll surprise a lot of people this year."
   
• Ashley Hawkins, a graduate transfer point guard, "is our extension of the coaching staff on the floor," Payne said. "She's a gamer. She can flat-out score."
   
• Kylee Fox, a junior forward, is "the silent assassin." Payne calls her "our X-factor — she just does everything right on both sides of the ball."
   
• Delainey Miller, one of the incoming freshmen, is "so athletic and rebounds the heck out of the ball."
   
• Tyler Gildersleeve-Stiles, another rookie forward, shows "tenacity and huge upside," Payne said, noting the impact of new post coach Des Abeyta in her development.

Goodchild and Grover, the two returning Broncos, have anchored the transition.
 
"Alana's hilarious — she's a big personality, a connector for our team," Payne said. "She was huge in the recruiting process and is a really talented shooter. Lauren's the mom of the team — incredibly hard worker and great leader by example."
 
THE COACHES BEHIND THE CULTURE
 
Payne's staff — most of whom came with her from Northern Arizona — have helped define the new culture quickly.
 
TJ Harris, associate head coach and defensive coordinator, sets the tone. "He's one of our foundational pieces," Payne said. "His energy is contagious — energy, effort, positivity. That's TJ."
 
Ryan Freeman, the offensive coordinator, is "Mr. Analytics." Payne called him "one of the smartest X-and-O coaches I've ever been around. Our offense went from 70 points a game to 80-plus at NAU once he came on board. He lives and breathes basketball."
 
Kellee Barney, Payne's longtime assistant, is "the glue." "She's been with me the longest," Payne said. "She pretty much has her hand in everything that touches our program."
 
Des Abeyta, the newest addition, leads the posts. "I've known Des for years," Payne said. "Our post group calls it the 'posty culture,' and she's already made a huge impact."
 
Graduate assistant Emma Shaffer, a former Bronco player, and director of operations Martin Jensen — who worked with Payne at NAU — round out the staff.
 
"The whole band is back together," Payne said. "It's all about family and trust."
 
WHAT TO EXPECT
 
If you're stepping into Leavey Center to watch this new-look team, Payne has a simple message.
 
"You're going to see a lot of scoring — a high-paced offense with high-pressure defense," she said. "Players playing incredibly hard, together, and with a ton of energy and positivity."
 
And her advice to fans? "Show up," Payne said with a smile. "Show up, and you're going to fall in love with them. It's a very easy team to cheer for."