The Linfield women's basketball team enters the 2024-25 season with high aspirations as they aim to build upon their progress from the previous year., Wildcats coach Casey Bunn-Wilson, now in her 10th season at the helm, looks to make some noise in the Northwest Conference after finishing fifth in the standings a year ago. With a combination of experienced upperclassmen and underclassmen with promising potential, Linfield is ready to make a push for higher conference standing and become a force to be reckoned with.  

"The energy has been really high," said Bunn-Wilson. "We've been working really hard and the team is optimistic. We're older this year and that's huge for us." 

Upperclassmen 
With several returning players stepping into key roles, Linfield's veteran players are crucial to the team's success this winter. But already, the Wildcats face some challenges as injuries have impacted key players, including junior guard Ella Koebelin, who will miss the season due to an injury. The team's assists leader last season, Koebelin had been expected to play a pivotal role as the starting point guard. Her absence leaves a void in the backcourt, but other players are ready to step up in her place. 

"Ella is a devastating loss for us, but off court she is still maintaining her leadership role," said Bunn-Wilson on the junior guard. "She was voted on our leadership team, so she's going to be a crucial part of our team in a different way." 

Junior guard Eve Burke is one of those players expected to take on an expanded role. As the team's second-leading scorer last season with an average of 10 points per game, Burke is a key offensive weapon for the Wildcats. Her scoring ability and leadership is invaluable as Linfield looks to remain competitive without Koebelin's presence in the lineup. 

Gillyan Landis, a senior center, is another player poised to make a significant impact this season. The team's leading scorer from last year, Landis is expected to step into a leadership role as the Wildcats look for more consistency on both ends of the floor. With her combination of scoring ability and experience, Landis is a central figure in Linfield's plans to compete at the top of the NWC. 

"Gillyan has done a really good job of stepping up," said the coach. "As a senior, she is doing some really good things that she hasn't in the last three years, so we're really excited about that." 

In the frontcourt, forward Miki Vermeulen returns for her junior season. A versatile athlete, Vermeulen was a mainstay in the lineup last season, contributing an average of eight points per game, while also excelling defensively with 22 steals and 15 blocks. Her resilience on both ends of the court made her one of the Wildcats' most valuable players, leading the team in both minutes played and rebounds. As one of the team's key returning players, Vermeulen fills a vital role in anchoring the Wildcats' offense and defense this year. 

Junior Jayden Ray, who comes to Linfield after a stint at Linn-Benton Community College, adds depth to the Wildcats' roster. A versatile player who can contribute across the court, Ray brings both experience and energy to the team. Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways is key as the Wildcats seek balance and stability throughout the season. 

Underclassmen
Although several newcomers should play a crucial role in Linfield's success, the underclassmen bring much-needed depth and potential to the squad. Among the sophomores, Jadyn Harrell is a player to watch. After missing the bulk of last season due to injury, Harrell is expected to provide depth and support in the frontcourt. A promising center, Harrell's return to the court could be a welcome boost for the 'Cats, who look to build a more formidable inside presence. 

Sophomore guard Allie Mead is another player who is being asked to elevate her game this season. With Koebelin sidelined, Mead is expected to play an even more significant role in the backcourt. Last season, Mead averaged 4.1 points per game and recorded 39 assists, showing flashes of potential as a playmaker. With more opportunities for playing time this year, Mead is going to be counted on for distributing the basketball and directing the Wildcats from the point guard position. 

The freshman class is another area of excitement for the Wildcats, although it too has already been impacted by injury. Lauren Buchanan, a first-year guard, will miss the season due to an injury. However, several other freshmen are eager to contribute and have the potential to make a mark. 

Tana Hoekema, a sturdy forward/center from Everson, Washington, joins the frontcourt this season and is expected to bring size and energy to the team. Meanwhile, freshman forward Natalie Rosetti, who comes to Linfield from Santa Rosa, California, could also make an immediate impact. 

Looking Ahead
With a balanced mix of experienced veterans and hungry youngsters, the Wildcats have the tools to contend in the NWC this season. Bunn-Wilson is counting on her players to rise to the occasion, especially as the team faces challenges such as Koebelin's absence. The team's focus sits squarely on building chemistry, developing consistency, and pushing for a contending position within the NWC. With talented individuals stepping into expanded roles and the growth of the underclassmen, Linfield stands poised to make a strong push.  

The Wildcats first take the court on Friday, Nov. 15, against the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens in Orange, California, at 6 p.m. The first home game won't be until November 26 against Corban.