Westmont Women’s Basketball head coach Kirsten Moore has announced the signing of two talented student-athletes: Kayla Sato (West Torrance High School, Torrance) and Macy Gipson (Westview High School, San Diego).
Reflecting on the signing of such a dynamic duo, Moore remarks, “Having been to two NAIA Fab Four and winning a National Championship in the last three seasons, our program has continued to catch the eye of talented athletes looking to join a successful team. Yet what I really love is that we have such a great academic program to offer our student-athletes that will equip them for success long after their basketball careers are over.
“Both of these aspects of the student-athlete experience are enhanced by the overall character development that takes place in this uniquely special community here at Westmont College. It is because of the combination of all these factors that we have signed two remarkable student-athletes, Macy and Kayla, to join our Warrior family.”
Sato, a 5-8 guard, will bring versatility, depth and athleticism to the Warriors’ backcourt. Having won three Bay League Championships and a CIF Championship in 2014, Sato was a four-year starter at West Torrance High School. Sato’s high school career has been laced with individual awards and accolades, highlighted by being named a CIF-SS Division I First Team selection (2015), CIF-SS Division II Player of the Year (2014), Bay League Co-MVP (2013, 2014), and twice being named to the Daily Breeze All-Area Team. As a senior, Sato averaged 9.7 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game.
Kayla played for the prestigious Cal Storm Taurasi club organization the past two summers. Cal Storm Taurasi, which is known across the country as one of the premier club basketball organizations, won the first ever Nike EYBL National Championship this past summer.
Off the court, Kayla was a Saint James Alter Server and Youth Volunteer, member of Freshman Focus, Key Club, as well as California Scholarship Federation.
“Kayla is an explosive and dynamic athlete that makes plays on both ends of the court because of her physical ability,” states Moore. “In addition to being able to put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways, she is a great playmaker and passer, and uses her athleticism to create extra possessions on the boards.
“Yet, what made Kayla even more exciting for us is the fierce competitive spirit that she plays with. Her resume of championships is indicative of her will to win. Kayla loves the game of basketball and has the work ethic to match her lofty dreams.”
Adding size, athleticism and length to the Warriors’ front court is 6-2 post player Macy Gipson. Gipson, a two-year varsity starter, was also a three-year captain (2013, 2014, and 2015). In Macy’s junior and senior seasons, she averaged a double-double in points and rebounds and was named First Team All-Palomar League.
Macy played club basketball for the San Diego Sol and was named to the USJN California Classic and Diablo Heat Summer Finale All-Tournament Team (2013).
Off the court, Macy is a member of the National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, ASB, as well as Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
“Macy has everything we look for in a student-athlete at Westmont,” exclaims Moore. “Her physical presence is going to be a huge asset for us as we continue to build a post unit that is as deep and talented as any in the country. She can score on the block but also moves extremely well, and her athleticism on the boards is going to be a real asset for us.
“Macy not only excels on the court, but has high aspirations in the classroom as she wants to pursue a pre-med major here at Westmont. Combined with her strong Christian character and leadership ability, Macy is a great addition to our team.”
