The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is underway. Several former La Jolla Country Day School players are making waves. These talented athletes are competing for their colleges. Also, they are showcasing their hard work and determination. UC San Diego, San Diego State, and South Carolina are proud to have them represent their schools. Continue reading to learn more about La Jolla Country Day Alumni Shine in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
A Reputation for Excellence
La Jolla Country Day School has a strong basketball program. It is known for developing top players. Moreover, former Torreys, like WNBA stars Candice Wiggins and Kelsey Plum have brought this school recognition. Wiggins won the Wade Trophy. This honors the best college player. Also, Plum held the NCAA all-time scoring record. This was before it was broken in 2024. Moreover, the school’s coach, Terri Bamford, has guided many successful players. Now, three more alumni are making a name for themselves in college basketball.
Sumayah Sugapong: UC San Diego
At UC San Diego, sophomore guard Sumayah Sugapong plays an integral role. Also, she helped the Tritons earn their first NCAA tournament bid. This is a historic moment for the program. This is as it is their first year of eligibility. Moreover, her impressive skills earned her the title of Most Outstanding Player in the Big West Championship. Her contributions on the court showcase her talent. It helped secure the Tritons’ place in the tournament.
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Naomi Panganiban: San Diego State
Freshman guard Naomi Panganiban represents San Diego State. She has made significant contributions to the Aztecs. They recently won their conference title. Also, her performance earned her a spot on the Mountain West All-Tournament Team.
Both Sugapong and Naomi Panganiban played together at La Jolla Country Day for three seasons. During that time, they led their team to two Open Division section championships. This is the highest division in California. This experience helped them develop their skills as they moved to college basketball.
The Support of Coach Bamford
Coach Terri Bamford feels proud of her former players. She has been excited to see Sugapong and Panganiban excel in the NCAA tournament. She mentioned that she is excited to be part of the journey as a coach. Also, she emphasized their hard work and consistency. She believes that their relentless spirit has contributed to their success. Now, Sugapong and Panganiban represent their hometown in the tournament. This made their coach and community proud.
Te-Hina PaoPao: South Carolina
Another alumni, Te-Hina PaoPao competes with South Carolina. She helped lead the Gamecocks to their third national championship after transferring from Oregon. Also, she earned All-American honors during her junior season.
She also left a strong legacy at La Jolla Country Day. Moreover, she helped the team achieve a 32-1 record and a national ranking during the 2019-20 season. Unfortunately, the team did not get a chance to compete for a state championship. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bamford remembers PaoPao as a determined player. She was motivated to become a standout athlete.
Aiming for Back-to-Back Championships
PaoPao is now focused on helping South Carolina win back-to-back national titles. The Gamecocks would be the first team to repeat as champions if successful. This is since the 2016 UConn Huskies. Their journey begins on Friday against No. 16 seed Tennessee Tech. Thus, the anticipation for PaoPao and her team is high. This is as they aim for glory once again.
