The Northwest College women's basketball team is prepared to begin its season in Utah this weekend, led by three returning starters from last year's Region IX Championship Game lineup. According to a October 29 report by the Powell Tribune, the team will start its regular season with a series of road games.
Coach Cody Helenbolt, entering his third season leading the Trappers, noted that having returning players who understand his long-range vision is helpful for the team. The returning core includes leading scorer McKinlee Covolo and leading rebounder Addison Barners, both from Mountain View, as well as sophomore Isabella Williams from Kadoka, South Dakota. Additionally, Faythe Stauffer of Riverton, Utah, returns to the team after redshirting due to an injury last year.
The roster features significant depth with several new players, including freshmen Coy Erickson from Powell, Kaycee Kosmicki from Southeast, and Erica Wilson from Pinedale. Other new additions include Peyton Schiltz from Arizona, Izey Wyaskett from Utah, Semaj Williams from Washington, and Rachel McBride from Utah. The team also features international recruits Martina Vargas and Noa Romero from Spain, and transfer Kysa Shippen, who joined from Snow College.
Northwest College enters the season following an appearance in the Region IX Championship Game last year. The team's schedule begins with five consecutive road games, starting this weekend in Richfield, Utah. The Trappers are scheduled to play Utah State University Eastern at 3 p.m. on Friday and host Snow College at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
The matchup against Snow College presents an early challenge, as the Badgers received votes in the NJCA preseason poll. Coach Helenbolt stated the goal for the beginning of the season is to remain competitive and consistent in effort regardless of the immediate results.
