Nov. 19—Hailee Aguinaga is looking to take both her game — and the team’s — to another level in the 2024-25 women’s basketball season at Penn State Shenango.
The Lakeside graduate returns to the Lions, who finished 18-9 overall (14-5 Penn State University Athletic Conference) and received an at-large bid to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association national tournament in Richmond, Virginia, last season.
Shenango is located in Sharon, Pennsylvania.
In the 2023-24 campaign, Aguinaga, now a senior, posted a team-high 9.1 rebounds per game. She shot 50% from the field.
“I think skill-wise, I will benefit in scoring and rebounding, as well as playing hard defense,” she said.
Aguinaga believes being selected one of the captains will be a help to her this season.
“I feel motivation is something I will provide for the team,” she said. “I aim to lead by example both on and off the court. Whether it’s working hard during practice or encouraging teammates in a game, I believe my actions can inspire others to push themselves.”
That work ethic is on display in the early going for Shenango, which is 1-2.
The 6-foot-1 center has already recorded two double-doubles, and grabbed 16 rebounds in another game.
Aguinaga collected 11 rebounds and 11 points in a 66-56 loss to Bryant & Stratton (Buffalo) and 15 points and 10 rebounds during a 58-54 win over Jamestown Community College.
She notched the 16 rebounds in a 71-65 loss to Berkeley.
“Starting off the season strong, I feel is necessary to set the tone for our team,” Aguinaga said. “One of my other teammates, Sharda Williamson, has been averaging a double-double as well. I think this just advocates for how much work we’ve been putting in during the preseason.”
In her career, Aguinaga has totaled 723 points and 825 rebounds.
“Some personal goals for this season are reaching 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in my career, which would reflect my growth and contribution to the team,” she said.
Aguinaga also has set her sights on earning first-team all-conference.
As a team, Aguinaga said advancing to the national tournament, winning the conference and proving the Lions shouldn’t be taken lightly are also on the radar.
“I think the keys to achieving these goals are going to be how well we work together, how well we listen to our coaches, using our skills and the overall drive to reach these goals,” she said. “I believe our team’s chemistry and trust in each other will be essential in reaching these goals.”
Aguinaga is encouraged by what she has seen thus far for this season, and beyond.
“With seven seniors, each of us bringing unique strengths to the table, I feel that our coaches have not only helped us become better basketball players, but have also given us the space to grow as individuals.”
And that extends to beyond this season.
“I’m excited to see our program continues to evolve,” she said. “The foundation we’ve built here at Penn State Shenango is just the beginning, and I’m confident that the team will keep pushing to reach new heights after we’ve graduated.”
Aquinaga is a four-year student with a major in health policy and administration and minor in psychology. She plans on graduating in May 2025.
