5 Reasons Why St. Ignatius Girls Basketball Is The WCAL’s New Powerhouse In The 2024-2025 Season
The St. Ignatius College Preparatory Girls Basketball team, known as the SI Wildcats, is not just competing in the highly-regarded West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL)—they are establishing themselves as a premier program in Northern California high school basketball. As of the current date in December 2025, the Wildcats are riding a wave of momentum built on a foundation of elite coaching, standout young talent, and a history of success in the Central Coast Section (CCS) Open Division playoffs. The 2024-2025 season is proving to be a defining chapter, showcasing the team's ability to consistently challenge the state's top-ranked programs and maintain a competitive edge in one of the toughest leagues in the nation.
The Wildcats, based in San Francisco, CA, have consistently been a force, but the current squad is demonstrating a new level of cohesion and drive. Their recent performances in major tournaments and high-stakes league games signal that Head Coach Maya Fok has successfully molded a team capable of reaching the pinnacle of the CCS and CIF State championships. This deep dive explores the key factors—from coaching philosophy to star players and fierce rivalries—that are cementing St. Ignatius's status as a formidable powerhouse.
The Architects of Success: Coach and Key Players for 2024-2025
The core strength of the SI Wildcats program lies in the leadership on the sidelines and the exceptional talent on the court. The 2024-2025 roster is a blend of experienced seniors and dynamic underclassmen, all unified under the guidance of a respected alumna.
Head Coach: Maya Fok
- Role: Head Varsity Women's Basketball Coach
- Connection to SI: St. Ignatius College Preparatory alumna, Class of '98.
- SI Playing Career: Was a four-year starter as the point guard for the Wildcats.
- College Career: Played at UC San Diego (UCSD) after overcoming a coach's doubt that she would ever play college basketball.
- Coaching Philosophy: Fok, a San Francisco native, brings a deep understanding of the school's culture and the competitive landscape of Bay Area athletics.
Key Players on the 2024-2025 Roster
The Wildcats boast a deep roster, but several athletes stand out as crucial contributors to their success:
- Tatum Conroy (Class of 2026): A highly-touted rising star, Conroy is a focal point of the team's offense and has been featured on recruiting platforms like Hudl and SportsRecruits, indicating a bright future at the collegiate level.
- Julia Alcantara (Senior): As a senior, Alcantara provides essential leadership and experience, anchoring the team alongside other veterans.
- Olivia Sanchez (Junior): A key junior contributor, Sanchez is part of the core group expected to maintain the program's high standards in the coming years.
- Other Notable Roster Members: The team's depth includes names like Mali Ennis, Angie McAdams, Mary Ennis, Emmie Ennis, Julianne Downs, Noelle Lawson, Alexis Anaya, Sally Kennedy, Kaylee Clarke, Maggie Helms, and Mariel Negrin, all contributing to the team's success.
1. The Unprecedented Consistency in the CCS Open Division
One of the most compelling reasons for St. Ignatius's powerhouse status is their consistent performance in the Central Coast Section (CCS) Open Division. This division represents the elite of Bay Area basketball, and simply qualifying is an achievement. The Wildcats have not just qualified; they have thrived.
The team recently secured a remarkable 2nd place finish in the CCS Open Division, a testament to their ability to compete with the state's best, including the perennial national powerhouse Archbishop Mitty. While they faced a tough loss to Mitty in the championship game, reaching that stage solidifies their position as a top-tier program year after year. This level of consistency is rare and speaks volumes about the program's structure, player development, and competitive mindset.
2. WCAL Rivalries: The Battle for San Francisco and Beyond
The West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) is arguably the toughest high school basketball league in the country. Success in the WCAL is a direct indicator of state-level contention. St. Ignatius's intense rivalries fuel their drive and provide high-stakes matchups that prepare them for the postseason.
The "Battle of the City" rivalry against Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory (SHC) is a marquee matchup that draws significant attention and often has major implications for league standings. Furthermore, games against other WCAL rivals like Saint Francis are crucial tests of strength. The ability of the Wildcats to navigate this gauntlet, securing key victories and maintaining a winning record, demonstrates their mental toughness and tactical execution under pressure.
3. The LadyCat Classic and Early Season Tournament Dominance
The 2024-2025 season saw the Wildcats assert their dominance in early-season tournaments, a critical period for team cohesion and building a strong resume for playoff seeding. Their participation and success in the LadyCat Classic tournament, hosted at Marin Catholic, is a key storyline.
The team demonstrated their offensive firepower and defensive grit with a convincing 60-47 victory over Colfax in the LadyCat Classic. While they ultimately lost the tournament's championship game, the experience gained in a highly competitive tournament environment is invaluable for a team with championship aspirations. These early tests, including a notable three-consecutive victory streak against Salesian College Preparatory, prove the Wildcats are ready for the demanding WCAL schedule.
4. The Impact of Alumna Leadership: Coach Fok’s SI Legacy
Head Coach Maya Fok's status as an SI alumna ('98) provides a unique and powerful element to the program. Her deep connection to the school and her experience as a former four-year starter point guard gives her immediate credibility and an intimate understanding of the 'Wildcat Way.'
Fok's journey—from a high school player who was told she wouldn't play in college to a successful college athlete at UC San Diego and now the head coach of her alma mater—serves as a powerful motivator for her players. This legacy-driven leadership fosters a strong team culture, emphasizing dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence both on and off the court. Her debut seasons have been marked by significant success, ensuring the program's upward trajectory.
5. A Future Secured: The Rise of the Class of 2026 and Beyond
A true powerhouse program is defined not just by its current success but by the talent pipeline that secures its future. The St. Ignatius program is well-positioned for sustained excellence, highlighted by the emergence of players like sophomore Tatum Conroy (Class of 2026).
The presence of high-potential players like Conroy, who are already making significant varsity contributions, ensures that the Wildcats will remain competitive long after the current senior class, including Julia Alcantara, graduates. This focus on developing young talent, supported by a strong Frosh B program coached by individuals like Cara Doyle (at the affiliated Chicago school, which shares the commitment to strong junior programs), guarantees a continuous flow of skilled athletes ready to step into key roles. The combination of veteran leadership and dynamic youth makes St. Ignatius a threat for years to come in the CCS Open Division and WCAL.
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