By: Hope Hensley 
November 8, 2026

Santa Barbara, Calif. - As the Westmont women's basketball team prepares to tip off its upcoming campaign, Head Coach Kirsten Moore—entering her 22nd season at the helm—has set a clear tone for this year's squad centered on three core pillars: joy, unity, and an all-in commitment.
 

"We're really striving to stay resilient in our joy regardless of circumstances," said Moore. "Our unity has been a pillar of our program as far as love and care for our teammates above ourselves, and our third thing is just commitment to go all-in and all-out. We're really focused on that this year." 
 

Grounding their mindset in the book of Philippians, the Warriors are anchoring themselves in maintaining joy through any circumstance, a crucial mindset given a challenging non-conference schedule.
 

A Solid Post Core and Veteran Leadership

Westmont brings back a strong upperclassmen unit, anchored by a deep post presence.

• Molly Garnand: A three-time team captain who embodies the program's standards. "She's been such a keeper of the Warrior Way and our culture," Moore praised. "I am extremely proud of her consistent work ethic and leadership."

• Navine Mallon: Stepping up as a vocal leader and playing both post and guard positions. "She is our voice and presence on the court, ready to step into that role as an energy player," noted Moore.

• Madi Bogan: A returning captain who brings high basketball IQ and mentorship to the roster. "She has been integral to helping newcomers adapt and learn," Moore added.

• Mariah Brown: Returning captain and floor general who anchors the team's guard play on both ends of the floor with her tenacity and toughness.

• Skyler Knight: Added to the captain rotation this year, leading the way with an extraordinary work ethic, and the ability to score at multiple levels. 

• Jazmyn Shipp: A key scoring threat returning to the lineup. "She can really put the ball in the basket and brings tremendous enthusiasm and competitiveness," said Moore.

• Annie Gibbons: Brings continuous positive energy and strength in the paint. "She has really grown in her time here, and that upperclassmen post core gives us an amazing inside presence and strength on the boards," Moore highlighted.
   

Newcomers and Defensive Impact

With five newcomers joining the roster, Moore expects immediate contributions across the board to complement the returning core.

• Immaculate Adongpiny: Expected to be a defensive anchor in the backcourt. "She is a game-changer on the defensive end of the floor and plays with incredible tenacity and heart," Moore noted.

• Arianna Aguilar: A perimeter threat who brings three-point shooting and scoring depth to the guard rotation.

• Anna Marsh: Seeing her first action after taking a medical redshirt last season, bringing positive energy and scrappy competitiveness to the point guard position.

• Cara McKell: Recognized for her toughness and competitive drive. "She is synonymous with toughness and is already making a difference on defense and the glass," said Moore.

• Natalie Semprimoznik: A versatile combo guard who can extend defenses with her shooting and makes those around her better with her passing and vision.

• Hasina Williams: A guard/forward with exceptional versatility. "She has inside and outside ability on both ends of the floor," Moore said. "Her passing is one of her biggest skill sets, which you don't usually see in someone 6-0, and her potential is through the roof."
   

Lockdown Defense to Drive Transition Play

Fans entering Murchison Gymnasium can expect a high-intensity, high-pressure defense designed to dictate the tempo of the game.

"I think our defense is going to anchor us this year and allow us to play faster in transition," Moore explained. "We have the personnel to really pressure teams and play disruptive defense. It's fun to watch when you see a team getting after it and playing tough on the defensive end."

Road Warriors Ahead

The Warriors officially open their regular season at home against CSU Dominguez Hills on Monday, November 9, at 5:00 p.m. at Murchison Gymnasium before embarking on an extensive road swing.

Westmont will head out for seven consecutive games away from home, participating in the GNAC-PacWest Crossover events with stops in Billings, Montana, Costa Mesa, California, and Ellensburg, Washington, before tipping off PacWest play on December 3 at Dominican.   

"We have our one home game, and then we are going to have to be road warriors against some of the toughest competition in the country," Moore concluded. "We've got a steep challenge ahead of us, but we're hoping to get great home support to get off on the right foot on November 9th."