Three players from the Northern Colorado Bears women’s basketball team have been recognized by the Big Sky Conference for their performances during the 2025-26 season. The conference announced its All-Conference selections on Friday.
Junior forward Tatum West was selected to the Big Sky Women’s Basketball Second Team All-Conference and also earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team. West has been an important player for Northern Colorado, averaging 10.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game this season. She recorded her ninth double-double in the regular-season finale against Montana.
Neenah George and Heather Baymon received Honorable Mention honors. Baymon contributed as a key scorer off the bench, averaging 11.5 points per game and setting a career high with 29 points in a game against Montana earlier in the season. George, a sophomore guard, averaged 12.7 points per game and played significant roles in critical moments throughout the year.
The conference’s individual awards were also announced: Taylee Chirrick of Montana State was named Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year; Kyra Gardner of Idaho was selected Newcomer of the Year; Debora dos Santos of Idaho was named Top Reserve; Naomi White of Northern Arizona earned Freshman of the Year; and Arthur Moreira of Idaho was named Coach of the Year.
Other athletes named to First Team All-Conference included Taylee Chirrick (Montana State), Naomi White (Northern Arizona), Kyra Gardner (Idaho), Hope Hassmann (Idaho), Addison Harris (Montana State), Kacey Spink (Idaho State), and Tasia Jordan (Idaho State). The Second Team featured Benthe Versteeg (Sacramento State), Debora dos Santos (Idaho), Kourtney Grossman (Eastern Washington), Ella Gallatin (Eastern Washington), Avery Waddington (Montana) along with Tatum West from Northern Colorado.
Honorable Mentions included Neenah George and Heather Baymon from Northern Colorado, Antoniette Emma-Nnopu from Weber State, Rubi Gray from Sacramento State, and Kyleigh Brown from Portland State.
The All-Defensive Team consisted of Taylee Chirrick (Montana State), Kacey Spink (Idaho State), Ana Pinheiro (Idaho), Benthe Versteeg (Sacramento State) and Tatum West from Northern Colorado.
Fans can stay updated on team news at uncbears.com or follow UNC Bears Women’s Basketball on social media platforms including X (@UNC_BearsWBB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsWBB) and Facebook (/UNCBearsWBB).
