University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Bears Season Preview
10/30/2024 9:34:00 AM | Women's Basketball
GREELEY, Colo. – The 2024-25 Northern Colorado women's basketball team looks to build on a solid previous season, which saw them finish with a 15-16 overall record and a competitive 10-8 mark in Big Sky Conference play. Despite challenges on the road, the team excelled at home (9-5), setting a strong foundation for the upcoming campaign.
Key Returners
Aniah Hall, an All-Big Sky Conference Honorable Mention selection, has steadily become one of the best players in the Big Sky. "Aniah has taken the steps each season to be one of the best post players in the Big Sky," Head Coach Kristen Mattio said, "Her efficiency at finishing around the rim and in the paint allows her to be a force to be reckoned with each night!" Last season, Hall averaged 11.8 PPG and 5.7 RPG, proving to be a critical asset for the Bears.
Tatum West started every game as a freshman last season, averaging 8.8 PPG and 4.5 RPG in Big Sky play. "Now with a year of college under her belt and another summer to hone in on her game… I believe the best is yet to come for her as she is a versatile forward that can impact the game both offensively and defensively," remarked Mattio. Her contributions in scoring and rebounding provide essential depth in the post.
Gabi Fields is a veteran leader at the point guard position. Fields heads into her junior season with ample Big Sky experience. "Gabi has anchored us at the point guard position since she was a freshman. Her on-court focus and demeanor continue to pave the way for our program's success as she navigates our team and creates a steadiness to our offensive and defensive flow!" Mattio noted. Last season, Fields averaged 6.0 points in 28.0 minutes per game.
Newcomers
The Bears inked their top freshman recruiting class since Coach Mattio's era began, featuring four freshmen that are expected to make immediate impacts: Olivia Loomis-Goltl, Neenah George, Claire Fraser, and Louise Dykstra, who's sister (Marah) is a pre-season all-conference pick at Montana State.
In addition to a star-studded freshen class, Mattio added three senior transfers to the roster:
Silvia Nativia, a guard transfer from LA Tech, anticipated to impact both ends of the floor.
April Rummery-Lamb has a strong NCAA Division II career and brings solid length and scoring ability to the paint.
Diana Saleh, a transfer post player that provides a significant lift to UNC's inside game. "Her work ethic is unmatched on the court!" said Mattio.
Team Strengths
The Bears posted a .431 field-goal percentage last season, demonstrating a balanced offensive approach. Maintaining this efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, will be a focal point.
Averaging 36.5 rebounds per game with a 4.2 rebounding margin, UNC showed dominance on the boards. Controlling rebounds will continue to give them an edge, especially in tight games.
The Bears limited their opponents to a .401 shooting percentage while holding teams to 29.8% from 3-point range. With strong returning defenders, the Bears defense should play a key role in their success.
Expectations for the Season
Coach Mattio expressed high expectations for the team: "If you know Bear basketball… you know this team is going to compete smart, fast, and together each time we step on the floor. The expectation is high as we just played in postseason play for the first time in five years. We now have some experience in that area and are eager to get to that Big Sky Championship game and beyond!"
This season's non-conference play will help UNC solidify its identity before heading into Big Sky matchups. The Bears will officially open the season in front of a home crowd in the Bank of Colorado Arena on Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m. against Concordia (Neb.).
Big Sky Conference Basketball Tipoff Show
The 2024 Big Sky Conference Basketball Tipoff Show, presented by Idaho Central Credit Union, will air on Thursday, Oct. 31, at 12 p.m. MT on the league's YouTube channel (@BigSkyConf). The Tip-Off will feature school-specific shows hosted by the Big Sky's Meghan Robinson, with interviews from men's and women's head coaches and select student-athletes.
The Northern Colorado Basketball Tip-Off Show will also have an additional airing on Nov. 3 at 4:00 p.m. MT on KDCO.
The 2025 Big Sky Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championships will take place from March 8-12 at Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho, where the tournament champions will secure a spot in March Madness. Stay connected with the Big Sky Conference on social media (@BigSkyConf) and use #ExperienceElevated for all the latest updates!
Key Returners
Aniah Hall, an All-Big Sky Conference Honorable Mention selection, has steadily become one of the best players in the Big Sky. "Aniah has taken the steps each season to be one of the best post players in the Big Sky," Head Coach Kristen Mattio said, "Her efficiency at finishing around the rim and in the paint allows her to be a force to be reckoned with each night!" Last season, Hall averaged 11.8 PPG and 5.7 RPG, proving to be a critical asset for the Bears.
Tatum West started every game as a freshman last season, averaging 8.8 PPG and 4.5 RPG in Big Sky play. "Now with a year of college under her belt and another summer to hone in on her game… I believe the best is yet to come for her as she is a versatile forward that can impact the game both offensively and defensively," remarked Mattio. Her contributions in scoring and rebounding provide essential depth in the post.
Gabi Fields is a veteran leader at the point guard position. Fields heads into her junior season with ample Big Sky experience. "Gabi has anchored us at the point guard position since she was a freshman. Her on-court focus and demeanor continue to pave the way for our program's success as she navigates our team and creates a steadiness to our offensive and defensive flow!" Mattio noted. Last season, Fields averaged 6.0 points in 28.0 minutes per game.
Newcomers
The Bears inked their top freshman recruiting class since Coach Mattio's era began, featuring four freshmen that are expected to make immediate impacts: Olivia Loomis-Goltl, Neenah George, Claire Fraser, and Louise Dykstra, who's sister (Marah) is a pre-season all-conference pick at Montana State.
In addition to a star-studded freshen class, Mattio added three senior transfers to the roster:
Silvia Nativia, a guard transfer from LA Tech, anticipated to impact both ends of the floor.
April Rummery-Lamb has a strong NCAA Division II career and brings solid length and scoring ability to the paint.
Diana Saleh, a transfer post player that provides a significant lift to UNC's inside game. "Her work ethic is unmatched on the court!" said Mattio.
Team Strengths
The Bears posted a .431 field-goal percentage last season, demonstrating a balanced offensive approach. Maintaining this efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, will be a focal point.
Averaging 36.5 rebounds per game with a 4.2 rebounding margin, UNC showed dominance on the boards. Controlling rebounds will continue to give them an edge, especially in tight games.
The Bears limited their opponents to a .401 shooting percentage while holding teams to 29.8% from 3-point range. With strong returning defenders, the Bears defense should play a key role in their success.
Expectations for the Season
Coach Mattio expressed high expectations for the team: "If you know Bear basketball… you know this team is going to compete smart, fast, and together each time we step on the floor. The expectation is high as we just played in postseason play for the first time in five years. We now have some experience in that area and are eager to get to that Big Sky Championship game and beyond!"
This season's non-conference play will help UNC solidify its identity before heading into Big Sky matchups. The Bears will officially open the season in front of a home crowd in the Bank of Colorado Arena on Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m. against Concordia (Neb.).
Big Sky Conference Basketball Tipoff Show
The 2024 Big Sky Conference Basketball Tipoff Show, presented by Idaho Central Credit Union, will air on Thursday, Oct. 31, at 12 p.m. MT on the league's YouTube channel (@BigSkyConf). The Tip-Off will feature school-specific shows hosted by the Big Sky's Meghan Robinson, with interviews from men's and women's head coaches and select student-athletes.
The Northern Colorado Basketball Tip-Off Show will also have an additional airing on Nov. 3 at 4:00 p.m. MT on KDCO.
The 2025 Big Sky Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championships will take place from March 8-12 at Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho, where the tournament champions will secure a spot in March Madness. Stay connected with the Big Sky Conference on social media (@BigSkyConf) and use #ExperienceElevated for all the latest updates!
Players Mentioned
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