Selah Neal

Sol Martinez ’25 had a total of 233 points during her junior season.

The pre-season preparation for Fresno Christian Girls Varsity Basketball launches into action, beginning with early and late practices full of intricate training. New players, new teammates and a new dynamic is coming across the court this ’24-’25 season. Under different leadership, the team is capable of learning new ways to play the sport they each have a passion for. 

Head Coach Maesyn Rix joins the FC varsity team ready to guide these skillful girls through the challenges they will face in games, practices and in life. Rix comes from a background of basketball, playing for the Sacramento State women’s basketball team for two years and Fresno Pacific University‘s basketball team for four years. 

Taking the opportunity to be a part of the FC basketball program after various coaching jobs, Rix took the opportunity to lead a group of young ladies through the game, glorifying God in all they do. 

“As I step into this season, I am bringing a blend of energy and an open mind with few expectations,” Rix said. “I recognize there will be growing pains, but I believe that this journey will be a mutual learning experience. I’ll be learning from the girls as much as they are learning from me. My hope for this year is that it will be enjoyable and enriching.”

Players prepare for the quick approaching season, continuing from where they left off last season. Picking up the pace, and jumping back into the sport, players try to keep a fresh perspective while entering the court. 

Sarah Guglielmana,’26, continues her basketball journey as a third-year player. Leading the team from the court, Guglielmana strives to encourage and push the team to success as they battle through the season. Guglielmana plays as a post player, pushing not only the ball down the inner court, but pushing the team to strive for a win. 

“My favorite part of basketball is the community and family we create as a team with sports, and our new coach has already set that standard of the bond we are going to have,” Guglielmana said. “I think just from the little time we have had together so far that it is going to be really good this year. Everybody is super excited. I think it is going to be a lot better than previous years.” 

The ‘23-’24 girls basketball team faced many adversities last season, losing multiple players to injuries and having to make-do with the circumstances while fighting to stay in the game. After losing the first round of playoffs last year and the season being cut short, the girls aim to make this upcoming season fruitful, reaping the benefits of experiencing both victory and loss. 

Sophomore Wren Klein returns to the team for a second year with a fresh perspective on the court. Gaining valuable experience with a new coach for the second year of her high school basketball experience, Klein uses the team as an encouraging outlet. Playing as a shooting guard, Klein aims not only the ball but aims or encourages the team to endeavor in positivity and prosper in all they do.

“I am hoping we build a family-like atmosphere where we are able to encourage and build each other up,” Klein said. “Doing extremely hard workouts or practices together bonds you because you got through something difficult together as one. I hope we are successful as a team this year and work hard together to achieve success.”

As the basketball season kicks off, spectators will see the diligent and laborious preparation put to action. These girls will face new challenges this season but aim to become a family on the court as they fight for victory. 

Go support the FC girls’ basketball team as they begin their season with a scrimmage at Sunnyside High School at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 19.

For more from The Feather read The state of FC fall sports or FC Varsity Cheer Future.