^{October 25, 2025 | Edition #155}

Hey, Hoophead!

Following Portland, Toronto, and Dallas, the Seattle Storm have named a new head coach, making it a big week in hoops. But if we have to be honest, days without actual basketball feel painfully slow and boring. We’re counting down the days till the college season tips off. And while we wait, we’re keeping the energy alive as we continue to shine the spotlight on the NCAA teams and players who look ready to light it up this year.

PS: To keep up to date with more breaking news and updates from the women’s basketball world, click here.

The Longhorns Ready to Go Hunting

Building on Thursday’s edition, where we talked about Texas’ star freshman, Aaliyah Crump, let’s dig a little deeper into Vic Schaefer’s Longhorns, a team that’s all about chemistry.

Not sure how many of you remember the exact moment that proved Texas’ chemistry was at an all-time high, but it happened in one of the final games last season when Rori Harmon dropped a perfect shoe-assist to Madison Booker in exchange for the ball. Give this a quick watch and refresh your memory!

“That’s what good chemistry is!” Harmon said after the game, and the dynamic duo is back. After missing a few games due to injuries and pushing through all the ups and downs, Harmon and Booker meshed into a duo that took Texas all the way to the Final Four for the first time since 2003.

This is their second year in the SEC, and already sitting at the top in the preseason polls says everything about the magic they pulled last season.

However, it’s not the same group this year. There are six newcomers, and sophomore guards Jordan Lee and Bryanna Preston might take on a larger role. Still, their 102-44 dress rehearsal win over Lubbock Christian University proved that the identity of this program, being physical and aggressive, is as strong as ever.

You’d think Vic Schaefer would be all smiles, right? Well, not exactly. He’s fully aware of the pitfalls: turnovers and giving up offensive rebounds. “I don’t want any turnovers,” he said after the game.

If the Longhorns want to live up to SEC coaches’ expectations and dominate the conference, they’re going to have to follow his advice to the letter.

As Coach Schaefer put it himself: “Let’s go hunting!”

Halloween Made Delicious

Halloween is almost here, and it’s the perfect time to stock up on candies for your kids and grandkids. Oriental Trading is offering up to 60% off on all things sweet—think classic chocolates, fruity favorites, and party-ready treats in bulk. Whether you’re filling their trick-or-treat bags, prepping for a neighborhood party, or just keeping some goodies at home, this is an easy way to make their night extra special without overspending.

Create a Halloween full of fun, flavor, and festive moments.

New Leader, New Era for the Storm

Hard work really does pay off!

A little birdie had been whispering for a while that this was the year for Sonia Raman. Turns out, the whispers were right. The New York Liberty assistant was even considered for the Liberty’s top job, but fate had another destination in mind. Sonia is heading to Seattle, signing a multiyear deal with the Storm as their new head coach.

This marks a unique “first” in WNBA history.

But more than anything, if you’ve been seeing the basketball world come together to celebrate this, you know it’s not just another hiring. It's a recognition long overdue. Sure, the easiest answer is that nobody deserved it more, and it was about time. But let’s not forget what truly led her here.

• Twelve years leading the MIT Women’s Basketball team- all-time winningest coach, two conference championships.

• Four seasons as an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, then a year with the Liberty.

• Known for blending analytics, scouting, and player development, with the precision of someone who literally holds a law degree.

That’s Sonia Raman for you: brains, heart, and hustle all rolled into one.

Seattle’s GM Talisa Rhea said they wanted a leader who could “establish a new identity” and “put their mark on a team.” That’s exactly what they’re getting here. But she might not be the only assistant coach making the leap this year. The Libs are still searching for their next pilot. Check out who could be their next HC.

For now, though, we celebrate. Another woman leading the women’s game. Another chapter in the WNBA’s evolution. And another dream, years in the making, finally coming true in Seattle.

P.S.: While we cheer for Sonia, she’s probably already preparing to shape one of the league’s most intriguing teams this offseason.

UCLA’s Next "Betts" Spark

No matter the fights, we usually end up cheering for our siblings’ big moves, right? Well, Sienna Betts didn’t. She wasn’t exactly thrilled when her older sister Lauren transferred to UCLA from Stanford. “UCLA was my school. I don’t want to go where my sister’s going,” she admitted.

Fast forward two years and a very persuasive PowerPoint later, Sienna joined Lauren at UCLA, and just like that, the Bruins added one of the top recruits to their already talented roster.

We already gave you a glimpse of how their season is going to look a few days back, but the bad news is we might have to wait a bit before the Betts sisters hit the court together, courtesy of this injury to the younger Betts.

Whenever Sienna does suit up, though, expect fireworks. After a historic high school career at Grandview High, where she set the state record for career rebounds and was a two-time Colorado Player of the Year, she went on to win the MVP at the McDonald’s All-American game.

Watch her put on an absolute show!

Naturally, she is already on people’s radar. Sienna is an early candidate for Big Ten Freshman of the Year thanks to her dynamic skill set. Sure, standing in someone’s shadow (even if it’s your sister) can be tough, but the Betts sisters aren’t about competing over “who does this better.”

Lauren will do her thing in the post, while Sienna focuses on jump shots and knocking down threes….something even Lauren admits her little sister does better.

Landmark Achievement! Sienna Scores a NIL Deal With a Global Giant

Champs Finally Got Their Sparkle

The champions finally got the bling they fought six long months for!

The Huskies received their championship rings in a private ceremony, and the commemorative piece packed enough bling to perfectly celebrate UConn’s historic achievement. The details? Oh, they’ll stun you. We’ll let Paige Bueckers break down the design to you and reveal who was the creative brain behind it all.

Of course, the Huskies didn’t stop there. They made sure to drop a few reels to show off their shiny new keepsakes, as they should. But that wasn’t the only highlight for Paige and her UConn crew this week. They also made their way to one of everyone’s favorite shows, Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen! See highlights from their appearance.

1. U.S. Officials Pressure Engelbert and Silver Over CBA Agreement - Full Story

2. Teary-Eyed A’ja Wilson Finally Calls Bam Adebayo Her ‘Boyfriend’ - Full Story

3. Angel Reese Spills on Her Next Runway Plans After Victoria’s Secret - Full Story

4. Which Teams Fit Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd, Flau’jae Johnson, and Olivia Miles Best - Full Story

That’s it for today, folks! We’ll look to knock on your inbox soon with more interesting stories!

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