Lauren Whittaker - Gonzaga's Star Becoming a National Name

Lauren Whittaker's path to national prominence has been anything but seamless. In her first full collegiate season, the Gonzaga forward has become the only player in NCAA women’s basketball ranked in the top 25 in both points and rebounds per game, averaging just under 20 PPG and 10.1 RPG for a Bulldogs team leading the West Coast Conference. The New Zealand native came to Gonzaga midway through the 2023-24 season, only to be sidelined with a season ending injury for 2024-25. Getting back on the court took an immense amount of rehabilitation, and there were still questions how'd she perform once fully healthy. Her rise through all of the trials and tribulations has truly been one of the most inspiring comeback stories in college basketball. Lauren is a leading candidate for the 2026 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award. Whittaker's dominance in her first season of college basketball has already attracted pro scouts from all over the world. With Gonzaga chasing more WCC dominance and Whittaker still early in her collegiate career, her story is only beginning. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to @Notevend2 !