Frisco, Texas, November 24, 2025
The Grand Canyon University women’s basketball team gears up for the Hoopfest Women’s Basketball Challenge in Frisco, Texas, where they will compete against University of California and UTSA. After a challenging start to the season with a 1-5 record, the Lopes aim to build on their recent victory against SMU. This tournament offers a significant opportunity not only to showcase their talent but also to enhance visibility for Arizona’s collegiate athletics and inspire youth programs across the Phoenix area.
Frisco, Texas — The Grand Canyon University (GCU) women’s basketball team is gearing up for a pivotal appearance at the Hoopfest Women’s Basketball Challenge, taking place at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas, from November 24 to November 27, 2025. The Lopes will commence their tournament journey against the University of California on Monday, November 24, at 6 p.m. MST, followed by a matchup against the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) on Wednesday, November 26, at 4 p.m. MST. These games will be available for viewing on FloSports, providing fans an opportunity to support their team remotely.
Entering the tournament with a challenging 1-5 record, the Lopes secured their first win of the season on November 18 with a resounding 76-60 victory against Southern Methodist University (SMU). Freshman Norah Moo made a notable impact in that game, recording 11 rebounds along with eight points, while graduate guard Ale’jah Douglas has emerged as a key player, showcasing impressive skills with a national ranking of 14th in three-point shooting percentage at 55.6%. Sophomore guard Chloe Mann leads the team in scoring, averaging 12.6 points per game, and boasts an impressive 88% free throw percentage.
Implications for Arizona’s Athletic Scene
The GCU Lopes’ participation in the Hoopfest represents an important opportunity not just for the team, but for the broader Arizona sports community. Successful performances in high-profile tournaments like this can enhance visibility for Phoenix’s athletic programs, potentially attracting new recruits and supporters. With women’s basketball gaining increased popularity and recognition, initiatives that lead to better performance can also inspire local youth programs, creating a more robust sports culture in Arizona.
Supporting Local Athletes
GCU’s athletic success is underpinned by a collaborative effort involving university programs, private investments, and community support. Local businesses partnering with the university help fund travel and resources for programs like the women’s basketball team, while alumni provide mentorship and financial backing. Such relationships illustrate the vital role of private initiative and community involvement in bolstering college athletics.
Balancing Competition and Growth
As GCU prepares for challenging opponents like California and UTSA, the event highlights the competitive spirit of college basketball, fostering an environment where student-athletes can thrive. Engaging in such competitive atmospheres fosters resilience and determination, qualities that serve students both on and off the court. The Lopes’ upcoming games exemplify the excitement of grassroots college sports, where local teams showcase their dedication to hard work and sportsmanship in hopes of achieving victory.
Building Momentum for the Season
After the Hoopfest Challenge, GCU will seek to build on any momentum gained by facing Gonzaga on December 4, followed by home games against Saint Mary’s and other non-conference rivals. Continuously improving their game through rigorous schedules will be crucial for enhancing their performance for the remainder of the season. The Lopes’ ability to rebound from a tough start and capitalize on competitive matchups will be pivotal in shaping their athletic journey.
Encouraging Fan Engagement
With the Lopes’ bright potential and the thrill of college basketball, fans are encouraged to actively engage and support their local teams. The exposure from events such as Hoopfest can energize local attendance and viewer engagement, generating excitement across the Phoenix area. Community support not only boosts team morale but also strengthens the cultural fabric of Arizona’s sports scene.
As the Lopes prepare for their tournament debut in Frisco, the stakes are high, reflecting both community pride and a desire for athletic excellence. Their journey through Hoopfest will not only define their season but will also inspire continued growth within Arizona’s collegiate athletics landscape.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Hoopfest Women’s Basketball Challenge |
| Location | Comerica Center, Frisco, Texas |
| Dates | November 24–27, 2025 |
| GCU’s Record | 1-5 |
| GCU’s Next Opponents | California (Nov 24), UTSA (Nov 26) |
| Streaming Platform | FloSports |
| Participating Teams | Auburn, California, Grand Canyon, North Texas, Old Dominion, Oregon, Saint Mary’s (CA), Texas Tech, UTSA |
FAQ
What is the Hoopfest Women’s Basketball Challenge?
The Hoopfest Women’s Basketball Challenge is an annual event held at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas, featuring top collegiate women’s basketball teams from across the nation. The 2025 edition includes teams such as Auburn, California, Grand Canyon, North Texas, Old Dominion, Oregon, Saint Mary’s (CA), Texas Tech, and UTSA.
When and where is the Hoopfest Women’s Basketball Challenge taking place?
The Hoopfest Women’s Basketball Challenge is scheduled from November 24 to November 27, 2025, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
What is Grand Canyon University’s record entering the tournament?
Grand Canyon University enters the tournament with a 1-5 record, securing their first win of the season against Southern Methodist University (SMU) on November 18, 2025, with a 76-60 victory.
Who are GCU’s upcoming opponents in the tournament?
GCU will face the University of California on Monday, November 24, at 6 p.m. MST, followed by a matchup against the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) on Wednesday, November 26, at 4 p.m. MST.
How can I watch the games?
The games will be streamed on FloSports.
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