This year, the Linfield Wildcats were ranked No. 1 in the Women’s Basketball Northwest Conference preseason coaches’ poll for the first time in school history.

The conference coaches determined the rankings before the Wildcats played any conference games, but being No. 1 still speaks volumes about the perceived strength of the team this year, especially compared to previous years.

Even so, “We like to keep our eyes on the prize,” said coach Casey Bunn.

Last season, the Linfield team broke their win percentage record and tied the program record of 19 wins.

All but one of last year’s 15 players returned, including eight seniors. Eight new players have joined the team, seven freshmen and one junior transfer.

Gaining eight new players is a big deal in basketball. This recruitment has led to a new team dynamic, and they are now creating a new offensive plan as they teach the new players their strategies.

Players have their own goals they will work on throughout the season, typically skills such as shooting or heavy lifting to get stronger.

“We have to work really hard every single day against each other to get better,” said sophomore center and psychology major Tana Hoekema.

The team believes their competitive capabilities will enable them to break more records this year. However, they care more about the team goals for each game, including getting six or more steals and keeping the opponent below 60 points.

The team strives to form close-knit bonds off the field, fostering a team culture of trust and support through hikes, movie nights and being there for each other.

The team just finished a trip down to eastern Texas and is now sitting at 3-1 on the season, with their only loss coming from #21 ranked East Texas Baptist University on Nov. 24.

The first conference game will be against the Pacific Boxers in Forest Grove on Nov. 30, though the next conference game will be at home against the Whitman Blues on Jan. 9.

In the end, the team hopes that this season can be like the university motto: uncommon.