The Utah Valley women’s basketball team opened its season this past Tuesday with an 85-32 victory over Park University. Head coach Dan Nielson noted that the roster features several players with local ties, a strategy intended to build community support for the program.
During the opening win, Elizabeth Gentry recorded 14 points and eight rebounds in 17 minutes of play. Gentry is the younger sister of former BYU and Michigan offensive lineman Andrew Gentry. Other notable performers in the game included Naia Tanuvasa, who scored 11 points, and Tabi Clark, who contributed 10 points. Tanuvasa previously starred at Lone Peak High School, while Clark was recently named the Daily Herald’s Valley MVP following her play for Pleasant Grove.
The roster also includes several players with local connections, such as Gracie Johnson, whose brothers Isaac and Spencer both played collegiate ball locally. Naia Tanuvasa is the cousin of BYU football defensive lineman Keanu Tanuvasa. Other players with local high school backgrounds include Cambree Blackham of Skyridge, Olivia Stephens of Alta, and Tabi Clark.
Nielson stated that recruiting players with local ties is a deliberate part of his approach to engage the community. He expressed a desire to have local families, including junior and high school teams, come to support players they have seen compete at the local level. Nielson believes this roster is the most talented group he has coached during his eight years with the Wolverines, noting the addition of four transfers and three freshmen.
While the team lost significant experience from the previous season, Nielson expressed optimism regarding the team's depth and overall talent. He noted that the team is prepared to test itself early in the season.
