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From face paint and autographs to a kids-only press conference, Gentile Arena looked a little different on Saturday, October 10.
The inaugural ‘Blers Bash took over the arena and Norville Center with a free fan fest that brought the men’s and women’s Basketball teams together with Ramblers fans of all ages. Kids took over the court, got autographs, and asked coaches and players their own questions. In between, they sat for a story time with player Ryan Agarwal, who read from his children’s book, Ryan’s Big Basketball Battle.
“A lot of our fanbase is young families, and there were tons of young little ‘Blers who got to interact with our teams and programs,” said women’s basketball Head Coach Morgan Paige. “We want to be visible in the community and make it easy for them to access us; those are the people we want to support and have in the stands.”
Men’s basketball Head Coach Drew Valentine said the energy from longtime supporters and new fans “showed our players just how special this community is,” adding that the team can’t wait to see everyone back at a game this year.
For first-year student Gemma Wichmann, a new player on the women’s team, the day was a welcome introduction. “It was really nice seeing so many new faces, especially as a freshman,” she said.
With the season getting started in the next few weeks, here’s what to know before tip-off:
Women’s basketball: a new era
Morgan Paige was named head coach in April after five seasons as associate head coach at Kansas, where the team had a winning record each season and made post-season appearances in four out of her five years. Paige was a four-year starter for Wisconsin, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in life science communication in 2014, and she earned her master’s in leadership in physical education and sport from North Dakota State in 2021.
Paige has also built a new staff with deep Atlantic 10 ties, including Brittany Pinkney from A10 champion Richmond and Ashton Lozano, a Loyola alumnus and former women’s basketball student manager. Jordan McCann, who coached the guards through last season’s first-ever WNIT appearance, remains on staff.
There were also a few additions to the team roster: Wichmann and transfers MD Ntambue, Hailey Johnson, and Vasiliki Cholopoulou are playing for the Ramblers this season.
The team hits the court for the first time with an exhibition against Lewis on October 27, and plays their first regular game of the season on November 3, against Wright State. View the women’s basketball schedule and follow the team on Instagram.
Men’s basketball: a fresh start
Head Coach Drew Valentine’s roster welcomes a group of eager newcomers this season, who join returners Nic Anderson and Xavier Amos. Together, they have their sights set on getting Loyola to the NCAA tournament.
Anderson says he’s ready to lead. “I know what the coaches want. They got to have somebody to lean on, and I feel like I can be that guy for them,” he said in Six Points, the docuseries the team produced over the summer. On staying: “The coaching staff, they have a lot of love for me. I wouldn’t want to leave them. I have a sense of loyalty to them.” Valentine said Anderson, “brings back a huge sense of belief in this place, which is irreplaceable.”
Newcomer Dayan Nessah, a transfer from Switzerland, is just as motivated. “I really respect the program. So, to be a part of this program means a lot,” he said.
The Ramblers face DePaul in an exhibition on Sunday, October 18, and open the season against The Citadel on November 2. Catch up on Six Points here, view the full men’s basketball Schedule and follow the team on Instagram.
Rambler pride, campus-wide
The Ramblers’ fan base extends well beyond the student section. At each game, you can spot faculty and staff who have their own reasons for showing up.
David McIntosh, dean of the School of Education, bought season tickets as soon as he started at Loyola in 2024. He says the student section is a big part of the draw: “I was impressed with the student support at the games and amazed how the crowds get into each game. Sometimes I have to put my earplugs in because it gets so loud.”
For Mary Alice Berg, associate director in Undergraduate Admissions, attending games has made her feel like, “an even bigger part of the Loyola community,” and they create a bright spot in the cold winter months. “Having Rambler games on my calendar always gives me something fun to look forward to during those cold, dark weeks,” she said.
Melissa Bagdon, assistant director for Housing Assignments in Residence Life, has been cheering since she joined Loyola in 2007 and chaperoned the student bus trip to the 2018 Final Four. Her advice to the Loyola community this season: “I encourage everyone to come out and support the Ramblers this season! There’s nothing quite like the energy of a packed Gentile Arena on gameday.”
Are you a student, faculty, or staff member who loves Loyola basketball? Share your story here and we may feature you later this season.
Get involved
The Pack is Loyola’s student section that brings the Rambler spirit and tradition to every game. All Loyola undergraduate students receive free admission to regular-season home games by scanning your Loyola ID into women’s basketball games or claiming a free ticket online to the men’s games. Stay up to date by following The Pack on Instagram.
Loyola faculty and staff receive discounted tickets to all Rambler home games and can receive free tickets to Faculty and Staff Appreciation games, which will be announced this fall. Visit Rambler Tickets for more information.
