SACRAMENTO, Calif. — For the first time in seven years, the Sacramento City College Panthers are back in the playoffs — and they believe they’re just getting started.

“What’s the reason why these players are here? They believe in what we’re doing,” head coach Caleb Theodore said. 

That belief has fueled a turnaround that hasn’t happened in years. The Panthers clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2017 and followed it up with a postseason win over Napa Valley on Wednesday night.

“It’s truly a blessing. To be a part of it is just amazing. With all these girls and the coaching staff. It’s a really fun experience,” said freshman Rheanna Nobleza. 

For sophomore Sierra Tuliau, the mission was clear from the moment she arrived on campus.

“Just coming into Sacramento College and knowing they haven’t been to the playoffs in 7 years. My goal was to come into this program being a leader and doing what I can to help us to the playoffs,” Tuliau said. 

Tuliau delivered in a big way. The sophomore scored a game-high 45 points in Wednesday’s playoff victory over Napa Valley, a performance that underscored the confidence she’s had in the group since the offseason.

“I knew we could make it this far. We had faith. We work hard. We had summer workouts, and I knew coming into this season, based off summer workouts, it looked really good,” Tuliau said. 

That confidence is rooted in what players describe as an unmatched work ethic.

“Nobody works harder than we do. You’re not in the gym at 4 a.m. This is where we live. We may lose a few games, but nobody is as disciplined as we are,” said sophomore Madeline Young. 

Much of the program’s rise has come under Theodore, now in his second year as head coach. He points to four pillars that shape the team’s identity: winning at the highest level, excelling in the classroom, engaging the community and developing leaders.

“Win at the highest level. Competing for state. Operating like a high level 4-year program. Second pillar is to excel in the classroom. We are a top academic program in the country. Third pillar is to engage the community. The last pillar is to develop leaders in the world,” Theodore said. 

The goals for this season leave little room for doubt.

“We want to win the first state championship in the state capitol. It’s never happened before,” Theodore said. 

“To win state,” Tuliau said. 

“Finish strong. Do what we can do. Hopefully win state. Actually no, we will win state,” Nobleza said. 

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