One final salute to team at banqet

Several hundred Stanford women’s basketball fans said their final farewell to the 2024-25 team at the annual banquet April 8 at the Arrillaga Alumni Center.

First-year head coach Kate Paye presided over the evening’s program, which included thanks to the many people behind the team. It also included introduction of the players.

The biggest news from the gathering is that longtime trainer Katelin Knox is leaving Stanford to become head athletic trainer for the WNBA’s newest team, the Golden State Valkyries.

Kate opened the program by saying “it was a season of change and challenge,” but the theme of sisterhood prevailed.

She mentioned some season highlights such as the trip to Italy during the summer and the record 18 3’s against LeMoyne in the first regular season game – a home game that Stanford won 107-43.

On the other hand, moving from the now-defunct Pac-12 Conference to the ACC meant that “the travel was not easy.” She also noted that the relatively young team’s inexperience showed at times. Still, the team stuck together.

She then asked the three freshmen to come to the podium. She said they made the transition into college-level ball and “will be big pieces to our future.”

She said guard Shay Ijiwoye “is a high-energy player” with good defense and speed as well as a 4.0+ GPA.

Forward Harper Peterson, one foot still in a boot, was limited by injury, but she’s a skilled stretch 4. “We need what you do,” Kate said.

Center Kennedy Umeh, aka Special K, is the only true center whose confidence grew through the season. She wants to become a doctor and will be “a big key to our team’s future success,” Kate said.

The four sophomores showed great improvement. For example, forward Nunu Agara led the team in several areas, and “she’s just scratching the surface,” the coach said.

Guard Chloe Clardy, who often played point guard, “never backed down from a challenge,” Kate said.

Forward Courtney Ogden can play the 1-4 spots and, like her classmates, improved through the season.

Forward Mary Ashley Stevenson, who transferred from Purdue, was an “instant contributor” who shot 49% for the season and has a 4.0+ GPA.

Guard Tess Heal wasn’t there with the other juniors, apparently because she has entered the transfer portal.

As for her classmates, guard Lauren Green ran the scout team as a point guard and never missed a practice.

Guard Stavi Papadaki was a beloved and respected scout team member and, like Lauren, never missed a practice. She’s going for both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is on the Greek national team in her home country.

Guard Talana Lepolo, who was sidelined by an injury after five games, helped to guide the younger guards.

Before introducing the seniors, Kate brought her fellow coaches to the front and called them the best in the country.

Assistant coach Jeanette Pohlen, ’11, was an All-American who works with the guards. Assistant coach Erica “Bird” McCall, ’17, is a “post-whisperer.”

Assistant coach Heather Oesterle was a Stanford coaching intern in 2002 and has returned as offensive coordinator. Assistant coach Katy Steding, ’90, is “a legend as a coach and player” and has many responsibilities.

Associate head coach Tempie Brown, back for her second coaching stint on the Farm, oversees recruiting and admissions and serves as defensive coordinator.

The coaches stayed upfront as the seniors joined them.

Guard Jzaniya Harriel is a strong two-way player, but health problems limited her playing time, Kate said. As a red shirt with another year of eligibility, the political science major plans to be a graduate senior transfer. “Choosing Stanford was a dream come true,” she said.

Guard Elena Bosgana, the team’s first European player, had “some spectacular performances her senior season,” Kate said. She, too, will play for the Greek national team.

“I love my teammates,” said Elena, who’s graduating with a degree in science, technology and society.

Forward Brooke Demetre, who had celebrated her birthday two days earlier, was serenaded with “Happy Birthday” before Kate called her “big shot Brooke.”

The product design major will probably play oversees. The senior captain said, “I have loved playing for Stanford.”

Following a video with season highlights, Kate looked ahead, noting that the five outstanding recruits will be mentored by the returning players.

“We are hungry to get back to our championship ways,” Kate said. “The best is yet to come.”