Whittaker's Ascent: Redefining Freshman Excellence on the Court
Lauren Whittaker's Unstoppable Rise: Dominance in the West Coast Conference
Gonzaga's redshirt freshman forward, Lauren Whittaker, is consistently showcasing her remarkable skills within the West Coast Conference. In a recent victory against the San Francisco Dons on Thursday, January 15, in Spokane, she recorded her tenth double-double of the 2025-26 season, contributing 26 points and 11 rebounds to secure an 82-69 win. Just two days later, on Saturday, January 17, at the McCarthey Athletic Center, the talented 6-foot-3 player further bolstered her team's performance against the San Diego Toreros, adding seven points, 13 rebounds, and three steals in an 87-42 rout.
Statistical Supremacy: Leading the League in Key Categories
Whittaker's statistical achievements place her at the forefront of the West Coast Conference. She currently leads the league in scoring, averaging an impressive 19.3 points per game. Her rebounding prowess is equally notable, with an average of 10.2 rebounds per game. Furthermore, her efficiency is evident in her field goal percentage, which stands at an outstanding 57.5 percent, demonstrating her ability to consistently convert scoring opportunities.
National Recognition: A Strong Contender for Freshman of the Year
The remarkable performance of this New Zealand native warrants serious consideration for the National Freshman of the Year Award. Nationally, among her freshman peers, Whittaker ranks second in points per game and fourth in rebounds per game. Her ten double-doubles not only lead all first-year players across the nation but also place her ninth overall among all collegiate players, underscoring her extraordinary impact.
Gonzaga's Strong Position: Contending for the Conference Title
Under the guidance of Coach Lisa Fortier, the Gonzaga team (14-6 overall, 6-1 in the WCC) now shares the top spot in the West Coast Conference standings with the Oregon State Beavers (14-6 overall, 6-1 in the WCC). The highly anticipated first encounter between these two formidable teams is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, at 6:00 p.m. PT inside Gill Coliseum in Corvallis, to be broadcast on ESPN+.
Team Excellence: A Formidable Force with High Hopes for March
The Zags are also nationally recognized for their exceptional three-point shooting, ranking No. 1 in the country with a 41.0 percent success rate. With such a strong foundation and key player performances, Gonzaga appears well-equipped to clinch the league title at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas this coming March, showcasing their potential as a dominant force in collegiate basketbal