Senior Yvonne Ejim (Calgary, AB) etched her name in the history books this past month, securing her place as the all-time leading scorer for Gonzaga women’s basketball.
“It’s definitely a huge honor. I am super grateful to accomplish this feat at Gonzaga, it means a lot more to do it for the program” said Ejim. “but there are a lot of other areas that I can be impactful and I can help my team out. I think the collective range of my game is really what I am about and what I focus on.”
Ejim currently averages 20.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 2.5 AST on 52.7% shooting from the field, the best of her collegiate career. However, since her freshman season, the scoring record never seemed like a reality until recently.
“It definitely was not my goal coming in as a freshman, I just wanted to get on the court that was what my focus was on. I really wanted to gain experience, become a better teammate, a better person, a better leader and use that to reach my professional goal.”
Throughout her five seasons with Gonzaga, Ejim attributes her success to a team culture that has always focused on putting the team first despite a change in roster each season.
“I’ve been on many different teams these past five years, that has helped me expand my game because I’ve been asked to play in many different roles in different areas and because I have experiences doing that and being flexible in that area and it has broadened my game and myself to do a lot more. I think that’s where the team aspect comes in— developing people as they start until they finish and using the system we have here in order to maximize people’s abilities. Leaning into that culture system at Gonzaga.” said Ejim.
Her record breaking season has continuously showcased her offensive talent, leading Gonzaga in scoring and rebounding and becoming the first West Coast Conference (WCC) player to total over 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in their collegiate career. However, being awarded a WCC defensive player of the year award last season has meant something just as equal.
“To have that now, is something that is definitely overlooked and doesn’t get talked about enough, but if you look at many of the defenders that have come before me, not only in this program, but in the WCC and across the country, there working their butts off and I think it’s just a testimony at how much work and effort we put in and how much we have to put in on that side of the court. To be recognized for that, I really appreciate it and it makes me want to play even better defense because of it.”
Gonzaga finished their regular season with a record of 22-9 and a conference record 17-3 earning them the second place in the WCC behind the Portland Pilots. In 21 games this season, Ejim has scored the most points for her team, including a season-high 35 points against Portland earlier this year.
“They (Portland) are a good team so it’s definitely exciting to compete with them. There is definitely a sense of rivalry just knowing our history with them. Channeling our team’s energy into the game and how we step up towards that challenge. I think that whole premise is what boosts everyone’s drive to win.”
With the NCAA tournament just around the corner, she says the anticipation comes from “a new level of competition” that Coach Lisa Fortier has prepared them towards.
“I think there is a new fire that comes when you get on that stage and get that opportunity. For some players it’s their last and for some it’s their start. It creates different competitiveness. Making sure at this time we stick together as a team as much as we can. That is coach Lisa’s focus and where her energy is towards. When we get to this point we are really looking for a championship. So how do we pour that into ourselves and into each other in order to get there.”
Ejim has received invaluable advice throughout her basketball career that has shaped both her mindset and approach to the game. One of the key pieces of advice that has resonated with her is the importance of staying focused on the process and “To not overdue the expectations and the pressure I put on myself.”
“I think a lot of that gets to your head and it can impact players differently. Just making sure you’re giving yourself grace is what I say to myself. And just knowing you are on the court for a reason If you can find passion and love in what you do and be motivated because of it those are the things you should pour yourself into. The last thing you want is to be against yourself. You’ll always be enough for anything you put yourself through.”
Ejim and the #1-seeded Bulldogs take on Oregon State in the semi-finals of the Credit Union 1 West Coast Conference Championship at 3pm est. on Monday March 10 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Game preview click HERE.
Photos courtesy Gonzaga Women’s Basketball.
