A conversation that matters
Aarika Hughes, the head coach of Loyola Marymount University’s women’s basketball program, recently appeared on the MidMajorBasketball.com Women’s Basketball Podcast, where she opened up about the team’s remarkable 2025‑26 campaign.
The Lions captured the West Coast Conference Regular Season Championship for the first time since the 2003‑04 season, finishing with a 21‑10 overall record and a 15‑3 mark in conference play. Their rise was especially striking because they were predicted ninth in the preseason poll, yet they surged past expectations to claim the title.
During the episode, Hughes detailed the blend of experience and fresh talent that defined the run, including the addition of five transfers and a promising freshman who will join the 2026‑27 roster. She emphasized that the team’s momentum will be leveraged to pursue deeper postseason runs, starting with a berth in the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Hughes reflected on her coaching philosophy, describing how leadership, resilience, and a clear vision have shaped the program’s culture. Her insights offered listeners a rare glimpse into the mindset of a coach who has turned a modest preseason projection into a historic championship.