By: Alex Kline, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

POMONA, Calif. – The Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball team was selected second in the CCAA preseason poll on Thursday morning. They received 128 points and four first-place votes, with Cal State LA narrowly beating out CPP at 131 points. The 2024-25 season also marks the 50^th season in program history, having started in 1974-75 and missing 2020-21 due to COVID. Cal Poly Pomona, already the winningest team in DII history with five national titles, looks to return to the top in their semicentennial anniversary season.
 
The Broncos were also ranked No. 19 in the nation in the WBCA preseason poll that was announced on Tuesday. It's the team's first time entering the national rankings since the 2014-15 season, exactly 10 years ago.
 
"While being nationally ranked is a tremendous honor, I emphasize to the team that recognition is just a stepping stone," said 15^th year head coach Danelle Bishop. "It truly matters only when we translate it into performance on the court. We must concentrate on our own journey and remain committed to the core philosophy and culture of CPP Women's Basketball, rather than getting distracted by what other teams are doing."
 
Bishop led the 2023-24 Broncos to a 20-10 overall record, placing third in the conference and making the 29^th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history. If this year's conference poll is any indication, the Broncos are in a position to make a run at a CCAA title.
 
 
CCAA Preseason Poll
1. Cal State LA – 131 pts (5)
2. Cal Poly Pomona – 128 pts (4)
3. Cal State Dominguez Hills – 124 pts (2)
4. Chico State – 109 pts (1)
5. Sonoma State – 87 pts
6. Cal State San Bernardino – 83 pts
7. Cal State East Bay – 68 pts
8. Cal State San Marcos – 51 pts
9. Cal Poly Humboldt – 49 pts
10. Stanislaus State – 42 pts
11. Cal State Monterey Bay – 32 pts
11. San Francisco State – 32 pts
 
 
The Broncos are returning a very experienced squad in 2024-25, highlighted by All-America honorable mention Kalaya Buggs, as well as All-CCAA honorees Jeanette Fine, Breanne Ha, and the reigning CCAA Freshman of the Year, Sydney Nelson.
 
"Our veterans bring invaluable experience to the team, especially those who have been with the program for several years," added Bishop. "Their hunger and discipline are commendable, and they are on a mission to elevate our performance. It feels as though we have additional coaches on the court. The Bronco culture thrives when the team takes the lead, and it's inspiring to witness their growth over the years being implemented in real-time."
 
The team has added some transfer depth as well, including Alexis Woodson and Cookie Marques from CCAA opponent Stanislaus State, Brielle Minor from Cal State Fullerton, and Aaliyah Wright from Victor Valley College.
 
 "We have several newcomers who are beginning to find their rhythm," continued Bishop. "Cookie Marques has been particularly impressive, consistently demonstrating the potential for a remarkable season. I have great enthusiasm for all our newcomers, especially Cookie, as this is her final year in college basketball. She has emerged as an exceptional leader both on and off the court."
 
The women's basketball team opens their season at Felix Event Center in Azusa, where their 2023-24 campaign ended, with a CCAA/PacWest Challenge against No. 18 APU and Point Loma. The team will be on the road for their first nine contests, before their home opener on December 21^st against Cal State San Bernardino. The CCAA tournament will be held at The Sports Center on the campus of Cal State San Marcos from March 6-8^th. To view the full 2024-25 schedule, click HERE.
 
"A successful season hinges on setting realistic and measurable goals," concluded Bishop. "By concentrating our practices and games around these objectives, we can ensure that we stay focused and driven throughout the season."
 
 
CCAA on FloSports
Starting this Fall, all CCAA-sponsored events will be broadcast on FloCollege. To sign up, please click HERE.
 
The pricing options are $19.99 per month, or $8.99 per month on an annual plan. Additionally, those who use a .edu email from a CCAA member institution will be able to sign up at a discounted subscription price. The negotiated promotional pricing for CCAA fans will be available on the landing page link above. Fans choosing to sign up via other links or pages may not receive the full benefit of promotional pricing.
 
As part of their subscription, fans will receive access to all sports within the CCAA and across FloCollege. Subscriptions can be canceled at any time.
 
 
Tickets
Tickets will only be sold at the ticket booth to start the 2024-25 year. Online purchasing options are expected to become available later this year.