Women's Basketball Off to Best Start Under Samaniego

Head coach Lindsay Samaniego has her team off to a great start. 

(Photo: Nicole Noel)
Head coach Lindsay Samaniego has her team off to a great start. (Photo: Nicole Noel)

The San Diego Mesa College women’s basketball team is off to its best start since head coach Lindsay Samaniego took over the program in 2019. The Olympians are currently ranked as high as #10 in the state and #6 in the South Region by the California Community College Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (CCCWBCA). 

One of the most important traits of a successful team is coachability -- the ability to learn and apply new skills and strategies. This is precisely an element that Samaniego credits for the team's early success. "They have a unique ability to take in information and implement it quickly," she explains. "This has helped our growth and preparation for games. This trait is one of the biggest difference between this team and those in the past." Another element that Samaniego talks about is the genuine camaraderie and support they have for each other. “They are a really close group who works hard and hold each other accountable, they genuinely enjoy and love each other” she adds. 

Now entering her sixth year, Samaniego's leadership continues to drive the program's progress and improvement. While she is proud of the current team's accomplishments, she is quick to acknowledge the foundational work laid by previous teams and coaches. "It's nice to be recognized as a top team in the region and state," Samaniego adds. "It means we're doing something well, and this is where we envisioned this program going when we took over. We still have room to grow, but we are definitely on the right track." 

Conference play starts this week, and the coaching staff believes the team is in a good position. The Olympians have put in the work and will only continue to improve. “We just have to stay the course, trust the process, and stick together,” Samaniego concludes. 

Upcoming Conference Games
Friday, Janury 10, 2025 vs. Southwestern College at home; 7:00 p.m. 
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 vs. Cuyamaca College at Cuyamaca College; 5:00 p.m.  
Friday, January 17, 2025 vs. MiraCosta College @ MiraCosta College; 7:00 p.m. 
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 vs. SD City College @home; 5:00 p.m.