Oct. 21, 2009
Complete WCC Release in PDF Format 
SAN BRUNO, Calif. - The West Coast Conference released its preseason all-conference team, as voted on by the WCC's eight head women's basketball coaches. Santa Clara University junior Lena Gipson (Hanford, Calif./San Joaquin Memorial HS) was one of just 11 players recognized league-wide.
Gipson, a 6-foot power forward, was among the NCAA's top rebounders (9.9 per game) a year ago - leading the WCC in rebounding throughout the 2008-09 season. Gipson also led the Broncos in points (13.6 per game), steals (46) and blocks (18).
"I am really honored to be considered as a top player," said Gipson. "However, the team I'm most concerned with is the Santa Clara women's basketball team. We have a realistic chance of competing with every team in the WCC, but it's going to take 40 minutes of commitment from everyone each night. That is our focus right now."
The Broncos - who have won eight WCC Championships - were picked to finish seventh in the WCC's preseason poll. The 2009-10 season will be the second for head coach Jennifer Mountain at Santa Clara. Mountain added eight new players to the roster during the offseason.
Santa Clara has opened its preseason practice schedule. The team will play a home exhibition game against Sonoma State University on Saturday, November 7 at 1 p.m. The official season-opener is on Saturday, November 14 at the University of Iowa. For more information or to purchase tickets call 408-554-4660.
2009-10 All-WCC Preseason Team
Courtney Vandersloot (Gonzaga, Jr., G)
Renahy Young (LMU, Jr., G)
Dominique Conners (San Diego, So., G)
Jontelle Smith (St. Mary's, Sr., G)
Laiken Dollente (Portland, Sr., G)
Lena Gipson (Santa Clara, Jr., F)
Miranda Ayim (Pepperdine, Sr., F)
Heather Bowman (Gonzaga, Sr., F)
Alex Cowling (LMU, So., F)
Vivian Frieson (Gonzaga, Sr., F)
Louella Tomlinson (St. Mary's, Jr., F)