The Arizona State women”s basketball team concluded their 2025-26 season with a narrow 57-55 defeat against Virginia during the First Four of the NCAA tournament on Thursday night. Despite the disappointing loss, the season was marked by significant achievements and a strong foundation for future success under head coach Molly Miller.
This season, the Sun Devils finished with a record of 24-11, showcasing the positive trajectory of the program. A key factor in this growth was the contribution of three vital senior players who helped to shape the team”s culture in a short time.
Gabby Elliott, a standout guard from Detroit, Michigan, made her mark during her unique college career, which saw her join Arizona State as her fourth school. Elliott led the team in scoring with an average of 15.8 points per game and earned Third Team All-Big 12 honors. She also surpassed the 1,000 career points milestone, becoming a symbol of the program”s development.
Marley Washenitz, who transferred to Arizona State from Pittsburgh, played her final collegiate season in Tempe. Although she experienced some shooting struggles, Washenitz rose to the occasion during crucial moments, notably shooting 9-15 from beyond the arc in the last two games. Her leadership was instrumental, as she averaged 1.9 steals per game and was a driving force behind the team”s defensive resilience.
Another key player, Last-Tear Poa, made her presence felt despite battling a hand injury throughout the season. The Australian native transferred from LSU, where she was part of a national championship team. Poa served as the primary facilitator, contributing to the team”s success with her all-around game, including timely scoring and high-level defensive efforts. Her tenacity and leadership proved vital for the Sun Devils.
The contributions of Elliott, Washenitz, and Poa will leave a lasting legacy, positioning the program for continued growth and success in the seasons to come. As they depart, they leave the Sun Devils in a stronger place than when they arrived, setting the stage for future achievements in women”s basketball at Arizona State.
