New Culture, New Standard: HPU Women’s Basketball Builds Its Foundation on Sharks Weekly

This week’s Sharks Weekly highlighted a Hawai‘i Pacific University Women’s Basketball program in transition—one not defined by its record, but by the foundation being built under first-year head coach Brent Gibson. Joined by student-athletes Jaylen Samuel, Mya Hatchett, and Lucia Ricci, the conversation painted a clear picture of a team learning, growing, and buying into something bigger than themselves.

LISTEN

From day one, Gibson’s focus wasn’t just basketball—it was people. With 15 new players entering the program, the challenge wasn’t talent, but alignment. He emphasized building a group of competitors who also valued being great teammates, believing that once that culture was in place, the basketball would follow. That approach showed throughout the season, even when early results didn’t. The Sharks stayed connected, avoided finger-pointing, and continued to show up—something Gibson saw as the clearest sign that the program was moving in the right direction.

That belief eventually translated into tangible moments. A first win in November helped the group exhale and celebrate progress, while a late-season road victory at Concordia Irvine marked the program’s first road win in nearly three years. More than just milestones, those moments reinforced what the team had been building all season—resilience, trust, and confidence.

For the players, the journey has been just as meaningful. Samuel, a freshman guard from Sierra Canyon, entered with high-level experience but approached the college transition with a simple mindset: basketball is basketball. Adjusting to the pace and physicality of the college game was a challenge, but she stayed grounded in her identity and leaned into the opportunity to help shape a brand-new culture. For her, wearing HPU across her chest represents being part of something new from the ground up.

Hatchett, a junior transfer, embraced the chance to reset. After a difficult previous experience, she found energy in starting fresh within a completely new environment. Known for leading through her actions, she has become a steady presence for teammates, someone they can rely on in both good moments and adversity. She credits the program’s family-oriented culture as a major reason why this experience has felt different—and better.

Ricci’s path has required adaptability. A junior wing with a background that includes both basketball and soccer, she stepped into an expanded role early in the season after injuries impacted the Sharks’ frontcourt. Tasked with battling bigger opponents, she embraced the responsibility, showing toughness and a willingness to do whatever the team needed. Her mindset reflects the identity Gibson wants—next play, no excuses, and full effort regardless of circumstances.

That identity is best captured in one word the program has embraced: mudita—finding joy in the success of others. It’s a concept that has shaped how the team interacts daily, from celebrating small wins in practice to uplifting each other during games. Gibson has implemented intentional habits like team shoutouts and affirmations, encouraging players to actively recognize and support one another. The result is a group that plays with visible energy, connection, and belief.

On the court, the standard is just as clear. Gibson wants his team to be known as relentless competitors—players who don’t back down, regardless of opponent or situation. Effort on defense, response to adversity, and consistency in approach are non-negotiables. Whether facing nationally ranked teams or rebuilding through tough stretches, the expectation remains the same: compete, every possession.

Looking ahead, the foundation is firmly in place. Nearly the entire roster is expected to return, a rarity in today’s transfer-heavy landscape and a testament to the culture being built. With continuity, added depth, and a full offseason to grow, the next step for HPU Women’s Basketball is clear—incremental improvement, collective commitment, and continued belief in the process.

As Samuel put it, fans can expect the same thing moving forward: energy, heart, and a team that never stops competing.