Vaqueros Are Ready to Win By Committee in 2025-26 Season

By: Aj Nagbe and James Nicholson

"We win by committee, we lead by committee."

The maxim is simple and effective. Those are the words of Santa Barbara City College women's basketball head coach Sandrine Krul ahead of her 22nd year leading the Vaqueros.

This year's team – anchored by eight returning sophomores, with a transfer and four freshmen – will look to embody that approach more than ever, as they are ranked No. 20 in preseason polling.

Krul's priorities extend beyond wins and losses, even if she is a two-time WSC Coach of the Year winner. She maintains a holistic coaching philosophy, rooted in humanistic principles, focusing on empowering her players to become better versions of themselves both on and off the court. 

"It is not our past decision-making, but our present and future makings that define our true character," said Krul. "At the end of the day, it's not about the wins a coach can tally up, but truly about making a positive impact on someone's life." 

Before the old gym was demolished to make way for the one currently under construction, you could look up through a window above the court and see MTXE.

It was an acronym for Mental Toughness, Xtra Effort. A motto central to the women's basketball program. 

"Our defensive intensity fuels our offensive freedom," Krul said, summarizing her team's identity on the court. That intensity starts with reigning Western State Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Kaylee Lawson, and fellow WSC First Team All-Conference selection Aariah Fox. 

Sienna Hoban and Kennedy Nutter are both returning starters, and crucial player Amarise Camargo rounds out a veteran core that understands how to utilize the MTXE ethos.

"Every sophomore is leading what we teach, which is empowering our young women," Krul emphasized. "They are a great group and they are great leaders." 

That leadership will be crucial as the Vaqueros integrate four incoming freshmen, including Khaya Jackson and her sister Milan Jackson, a transfer from Laney College. 

The freshmen are already buying into the program with one crucial ability. "They're amazing at listening," Krul said.

The depth and versatility of this year's squad align perfectly with Krul's system. Every player on the 13-person roster can play multiple positions, and it won't be rare to see all 13 players get meaningful minutes in games. 

"We don't have a 6'3" center anymore," Krul explained. "Those days are gone. Everyone on my team can play multiple positions, which is such a blessing." 

Krul doesn't need one player to score 30 points when she can get eight players to score eight points each. On the court, the Vaqueros will play with the same up-tempo style that has become their trademark. The idea is for the offense to put up 80 to 100 points and push the pace every chance they get.

The foundation of that offensive freedom, however, remains defense. Krul's teams are built on defensive intensity, turning stops into transition opportunities and forcing opponents to play at an uncomfortable pace. 

The goals for the 2025-26 season are clear:

• Finish among the top 20 teams in the state,
• Give every freshman and sophomore a positive experience,
• Treat each game with equal importance.

"We prepare every game like it's a conference game," Krul said. "It doesn't matter who we're playing. Our preparation is SBCC women's basketball, and that's why our teams win." 

The Vaqueros open their season on Halloween at 2 p.m. in Robertson Gymnasium, hosting LA Southwest, and returning to host Modesto on Saturday at 5 p.m.