“Whatever you don’t put out another team will.”

That is what women’s basketball Coach Andrea Aguilar tells her players whenever they are tired –— to inspire them to fight through it.

This is Coach Aguilar’s sophomore season at City College and she says that the time for rookie mistakes is over.

“Last year was a crash course for not only the girls but my coaching staff too,” expressed Aguilar. “ … This season our focus is to put it together for every game and bring it.”

Aguilar stressed that in addition to the team, the coaching staff is also prepared for this upcoming season.

Her staff will be counting on their sophomores to mentor the new freshman to be ready if called upon. They’ll be specifically leaning on sophomores Maria Torres, Melanie San Nicolas and Audrey Cayetano to bring a championship home.

“One of the best things about this upcoming season is that I am going to have six of my ex-players coming to City,” stated Aguilar. “They played for me at Olympian High School so they know what I expect from them. We also have two 6-foot girls which is great.”

One of the unique things about Aguilar is that her assistant coach is her father. “I am so thankful and lucky to have my dad on my coaching staff. I have learned so much from him. Whatever one of us can’t do the other one can.”

City College has a hard road to this year, having to play powerhouse teams like Southwestern College, Mount San Jacinto, and Palomar College. The Lady Knights have four tough tournaments in the next month and have to be on their game if they want to place in the tournaments.

Aguilar not only wants them to play hard on the court but also in the classroom. She wants all of her girls to get their degrees and not only thinks all of them can play at the next level, but encourages them to also.

Aguilar’s office is a “chill zone” for her players. She has snacks for them and knows they are tired after class, so they can come in and sleep and get ready for practice.

“I want everyone to know that we have an incredible team this season,” expressed Aguilar. “These girls are going to come out fighting to have a good season and I want everyone to please come out and support our team.”