Koi Love, a former standout for the UT Arlington Mavericks, has officially joined the Bay City Blaze of the Women's Basketball Players Association (WBPA). The signing represents a significant addition to the fledgling league, which aims to provide a competitive platform for elite women's basketball talent.
During her lone season with the Mavericks, Love started every game she appeared in, logging 30 starts out of 32 contests. She posted averages of 16.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 51.9% from the field, underscoring her ability to contribute both inside and on the perimeter.
A Collegiate Journey Marked by Consistency
Love's college career spanned stops at Vanderbilt, Arizona, USC, and finally UT Arlington. Across five seasons she amassed 1,252 points, 627 rebounds, 216 assists, 178 steals and 58 blocks, crossing the 1,000‑point milestone and establishing herself as a reliable scorer and defender.
Her statistical footprint includes 434 points, 193 rebounds, 91 assists, 53 steals and 20 blocks in the most recent season alone, numbers that highlight a player who can impact the game in multiple ways. The efficiency of her shooting and her well‑rounded skill set made her an attractive prospect for professional leagues seeking versatile talent.
The Bay City Blaze, part of the WBPA's effort to build a sustainable and competitive environment, will benefit from Love's experience and on‑court poise. Her signing is viewed as a milestone for the league, signaling growing recognition of women's professional basketball opportunities beyond traditional overseas circuits.
Implications for the WBPA and Beyond
League officials say Love's addition will help raise the profile of the WBPA, drawing attention from fans, sponsors and media outlets. Her presence is expected to inspire younger players and potentially attract further talent to the association, which is still carving out its place in the professional sports landscape.
For Love, the move represents more than a contract; it is a continuation of a basketball journey that has taken her from Oakland, California, to Orlando, Florida, and now to a new professional chapter. As she steps onto the Blaze's court, the league gains a player whose collegiate résumé speaks to durability, efficiency and a well‑rounded skill set.