Riley Walden Named NWC Rookie of the Year

SALEM, Ore. – The Northwest Conference has announced the 2026 All-NWC Women's Basketball Team, and two Willamette University standouts have been recognized for their exceptional performances during the 2025-26 season. Freshman guard Riley Walden has been named the Northwest Conference Rookie of the Year, while both Walden and senior guard Kaitlin Imai earned spots on the All-NWC Third Team.

Riley Walden | Freshman | Guard | Tehachapi, Calif.

In a historic debut season, Riley Walden established herself as the premier young talent in the conference, becoming the first Bearcat to be named NWC Rookie of the Year in several seasons. Walden started and played in all 28 games, leading the team in nearly every major offensive category and proving to be a cornerstone of the program's future.

The freshman from Tehachapi, California, paced Willamette with 384 total points (13.7 ppg) and showcased a relentless work ethic by leading the team in minutes played (869). A dangerous threat from the perimeter, Walden connected on a team-high 61 three-pointers. Her impact was not limited to scoring, as she also led the Bearcats in defensive rebounds (132) and total rebounds (164), demonstrating a versatility rarely seen in first-year players.

Kaitlin Imai | Senior | Guard | Santa Cruz, Calif.

Capping off a stellar career in the cardinal and gold, Kaitlin Imai earns her second career All-Conference honor (previously an Honorable Mention in 2024). Imai served as the defensive anchor and primary playmaker for the Bearcats throughout her senior campaign.

Imai led Willamette in assists (84), steals (51), and blocks (17), while also proving to be the team's most reliable option at the charity stripe with 42 made free throws. Her season was punctuated by a masterclass performance on February 21 against Lewis & Clark, where she exploded for a season-high 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting, adding eight rebounds and five assists to secure a pivotal victory.