The Ridgebacks came into the OUA in 2019 under now York head coach Christa Eniojukan.
Now they enter 2025 with a new head coach, the third of their short time in the OUA. Hugo Boisvert takes over the helm coming from Lakehead where he will look to establish something the Ridgebacks really need to grow as a program, stability up top.
Coach Boisvert is coming in to grow the Ridgebacks into consistent and competitive organization, and a major style he's mentioned to us is speed. He wants the Ridgebacks to play with pace and intensity, and to share the ball.
With standout rookie Kaleah Gosse and veteran Brianna Morrison coming back to lead the backcourt, they will be the two responsible for kickstarting that style, supported by a large group behind them who all played their part last season.
Adra Barnet is a third year guard from Winnipeg who started 11 games last season while contributing the third most assists on the team.
Amarachi Achioso is going into third year off a season where she led the team with 49 steals. Ayat Weber, a second year forward from Delson Quebec was the teams second leading rebounder.
A lot of younger players pitched in last season in different areas to get jobs done for the Ridgebacks and now with a new voice at the head coach position their main responsibility early in the season will be settling in to the identity coach Boisvert wants to instill.
The Ridgebacks have a roster of primarily second and third year players, and the experience will come in handy as they start their season within their division against Nipissing before travelling for three straight against Lakehead, Western and Windsor.
The 2025 Ridgebacks are about establishing their identity and building a consistent culture under new head coach Boisvert, and their depth in contributors leaves way for a lot of opportunities during the season as players step up into new roles.