by James Tate

Head Coach: Chris Smith

2025-2026 Record: Overall (4-19) Region (4-8)

The Northridge Knights went through their share of growing pains last season, finishing 4-19 overall. But the way the Knights closed the season may have provided a glimpse of what is ahead.

Northridge finished the year playing some of its best basketball, going 3-3 down the stretch. With much of that team returning, the Knights enter the 2026-27 season with experience, athleticism, and reason to believe they can take a major step forward.

Rihanna May

May leads the way

At the center of that optimism is senior Rihanna May.

A First Team All-Region 5 and Standard-Examiner All-Area First Team selection last season, May gives Northridge a difficult matchup on both ends of the floor. Her athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive versatility make her a player opponents must account for every time she steps on the court.

May turned in several standout performances last season, including a 25-point, nine-rebound effort against Bonneville that showcased her ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

May also enjoyed an outstanding offseason and is poised to lead the Knights into what they hope will be a breakthrough season.

May will have plenty of help from an experienced group.

Senior Abbi Frost brings another exceptional athlete to the Knights’ lineup. A multi-sport athlete, Frost uses her athleticism and competitiveness to create problems for opponents and gives Northridge another versatile option on both ends of the floor.

Junior Maureen Pulu provides a strong presence inside with junior Lauren Terrando. At the same time, senior Morgan Hale adds another veteran to a group that has grown up together and now has a chance to turn that experience into wins.

Kayla Stevenson

Experience returns

Junior guard Kayla Stevenson is ready to take on the load of being the focal point in the backcourt for the Knights. A great defender, Stevenson is poised to take on more of a scoring role.

For head coach Chris Smith, May, Frost, Pulu, Stevenson, and Hale lead the way, giving Northridge a veteran foundation to build on. More importantly, the Knights enter the season with something they didn’t have a year ago: a group that faced adversity together and finished the season showing signs of what it could become.

After winning three of their final six games last season, the Knights can carry that momentum into 2026-27.

With May leading the way and an experienced supporting cast around her, Northridge has the pieces to make last season’s finish a starting point, not an ending. The Knights took their lumps last year. Now, they want to turn experience into results and become a team nobody wants to see in the postseason.

photos courtesy of James Tate