Schoonover opens Fresno State season

Ryleigh Schoonover will make her Fresno State debut at the Save Mart Center in less than two weeks. The former Clovis West player is preparing for the Bulldogs' season opener against UC Merced. She chose to stay in the valley rather than attend a school outside the region.

Schoonover brings a history of sustained success to the Fresno State program. Her high school team, the Clovis West Golden Eagles, won 14 consecutive Central Section championships. Coach Craig Campbell noted that the program aims to compete for titles every year. He stated that the goal is to knock on the door annually, even if they do not win every time.

Fresno State coach Ryan McCarthy identified Schoonover as the top local prospect for her class of 2026. He said she proved that assessment immediately upon joining the team. McCarthy credited her time in a winning high school program for preparing her for college expectations. He noted that the habit of winning is the standard when she plays.

Schoonover said wearing the valley V on her jersey holds specific meaning for her. She explained that most people outside the area do not understand that connection. She credited Campbell for training her to meet the demands of both high school and college basketball. She described the standard as everything at both levels.

Campbell believes Schoonover is just beginning to show her full potential. He told McCarthy's staff that she is scratching the surface of her abilities. The former coach said her development is an exciting prospect for the new program.

The Bulldogs are pursuing a Pac-12 championship this season. Schoonover is part of a freshman class that McCarthy describes as talented. Her first game at the Save Mark Center is scheduled for the upcoming weekend.

Schoonover remains close to her home base in Clovis. She will play her first collegiate game in front of a local crowd. The team is less than two weeks from its opening contest against UC Merced.