Two-Part Series: Senior writer Willie Ramirez reveals the Top 5 favorite stories he wrote in 2025

This is the first part of a two-part series, reviewing Willie Ramirez's Top 5 women's sports stories he wrote in 2025 and the Top 5 women's sports storylines he's looking forward to in 2026.

Here are Willie's Top 5 favorite stories he wrote in 2025:

5. Five newcomers each played pivotal roles throughout Aces championship run Covering the Aces all season, Willie captured the highs and lows, from their 14-14 start, a record-breaking loss and the run to another championship. And as much as he wrote about A'ja Wilson's historic season, he also featured many of the key pieces surrounding the team. His championship recap gave credit to the new faces who played a pivotal role in the team's incredible run.

4. L.A. native Noelle Quinn is building her own culture in the WNBA Former Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn is a Los Angeles native who was legendary in the area at both Torrance High School and UCLA. Though Quinn and the Storm parted ways after the 2025 season, she's built a reputation and respect across the league that should find her back on the sidelines in the future. Quinn is currently in Miami as one of the coaches at Unrivaled.

3. Kelsey Plum ready to spark another rebuild back home When the Los Angeles Sparks played in Las Vegas for the first time during the 2025 campaign, it meant the return of fan favorite Kelsey Plum. The beloved spark plug left after the 2024 season, opting into free agency and chose to return home, to Southern California, where she wanted to help rejuvenate one of the most storied franchises in the WNBA. Willie was the first member of the Southern Nevada media Kelsey granted a 1-on-1 with since becoming a Spark.

2. Aces find peace and solace by attending chapel pregame For some of the Aces' pregame routine, it meant spending time in chapel with pastor Heiden Ratner. It was a moment to gather their thoughts and bring themselves to a calm they needed before putting their game faces on. Willie spoke to several of the players about their walk with faith and what it meant to their mental health and overall well-being.

1. Kiki Rice is the heart and soul of UCLA women's basketball: When she was a freshman, UCLA star Kiki Rice sat down with Willie for a 1-on-1 for The Sporting Tribune during the Pac-12 Tournament. It was then she revealed she chose to play for the Bruins because she wanted to help bring UCLA its first national championship. With help from her, the Bruins have gotten closer each season she's been there. In November, Willie reunited with Kiki, now a senior, for another 1-on-1, as the Bruins look to return to the National Semifinals.

Honorable Mention:

USC-commit Jazzy Davidson ready to 'Fight On' after winning U19 gold

Aces rookie Aaliyah Nye's work ethic and dedication on display early

Jewell Loyd rekindles passion and joy she established at Drake Park