Resilience, Growth, and Leadership: Coach Dominic Mejico Recaps St. Lucy’s 2025 Basketball Season
The 2025 winter season marked a milestone year for St. Lucy’s varsity basketball program under the direction of Head Coach Dominic Mejico. Now in his third year at the helm, Coach Mejico has been steadily rebuilding the program, and this season proved just how far the team has come.
From securing their first playoff bid in over a decade to winning tournaments and witnessing individual growth on and off the court, the 2025 campaign was filled with memorable moments, breakthrough performances, and the kind of leadership that shapes the future of a team. In reflecting on the season, Coach Mejico paints a picture of a team that faced adversity, embraced challenges, and continued to grow—both as athletes and as young women.
A Trio of Standouts Leads the Charge
At the heart of St. Lucy’s success were three players who brought consistency, versatility, and leadership to the court.
Senior point guard Kira Carrol was the engine that drove the team’s tempo. A defensive anchor, Carrol led the team with over 80 steals on the season, setting the tone with her relentless pressure and ability to turn defense into offense. “She was our best defender,” Coach Mejico shared. “She also scored in transition and was one of our team leaders.”
Junior Danika Mejico emerged as the team’s most dynamic force. As the leading scorer, Danika’s versatility was unmatched—able to play and defend all five positions. Beyond her scoring prowess, she ranked among the top three in blocks, steals, rebounds, and assists, proving her impact extended far beyond the scoreboard. “She was a big leader on the team,” Coach Mejico noted. Her all-around game and vocal leadership were instrumental in guiding the team through the season’s ups and downs.
Sophomore Stella Yegge provided a formidable interior presence, leading the team in rebounds and finishing second in blocks. As the season progressed, so did her offensive game. “She was a strong defensive presence all year and began increasing her scoring as well,” Mejico said. Her development gave St. Lucy’s much-needed toughness in the paint and showed signs of a breakout year ahead.
Turning Points and Team Character
The season began with heartbreak, as St. Lucy’s lost its home opener on a last-second shot. Rather than letting that moment define them in a negative way, the team responded with resilience.
“That first game really defined what type of team we were going to be,” Coach Mejico reflected. “We could have lost confidence, but instead we won the next three games that same week. It proved we would not give up and would stick together as a team.”
This ability to bounce back became a theme throughout the season. Even when the team lost a key freshman power forward to injury, they continued to play together, showing determination and character in the face of adversity.
Season Highlights and Milestones
The 2025 season was full of milestones for St. Lucy’s. Perhaps most notably, they earned an at-large bid to the CIF Division 4AA playoffs—the first time in over 12 years the program had reached that stage. Though the team fell in a narrow 20–24 loss in the first round, it was a testament to how far the program had come in three short seasons under Coach Mejico.
The team also found success in tournament play, placing third at the Calvary Baptist Tournament and capturing first place in the silver division of their own “Queens of the Court” Tournament—now in its third year. These achievements not only showcased their growth but also helped set the tone for what the program is becoming: competitive, determined, and proud.
Emerging Talent and Player Development
While the team was anchored by experienced leaders, several players emerged throughout the season and grew into bigger roles.
Junior Kate Campbell steadily developed into a lockdown defender, particularly excelling at applying ball pressure and creating transition opportunities. “She became our best guard at defending with ball pressure,” Mejico shared, adding that she’ll be a cornerstone of the team next year.
Freshman Ada Cuevas was another bright spot. As her confidence grew, so did her production. Late in the season, her shooting ability began to stretch opposing defenses. “Her jump shot really helped us stretch the floor,” said Mejico. “We anticipate a big sophomore season from her.”
These improvements reflect the core of Coach Mejico’s philosophy—developing players not just to win games but to evolve into well-rounded, confident athletes.
A Special Senior Class
The 2025 senior class left a legacy of consistency, leadership, and togetherness. In addition to Kira Carrol, the team benefited from the contributions of Brooke Baur and Celeste Traver, whose outside shooting helped open up the offense, and Aliyah Aghili, who provided toughness on the boards and a critical inside presence.
“Each of them brought unique traits to the team,” Coach Mejico explained. “But most importantly, I could always count on them to provide consistency, effort, and a family environment.”
That “family environment” was central to the team’s identity this year—a sense of support and unity that carried them through the season’s toughest moments and fueled their greatest achievements.
The Road Ahead: A Bright Future
Looking toward the future, Coach Mejico is filled with optimism. With three returning starters, including Danika Mejico, Stella Yegge, and Kate Campbell, as well as promising talent from both the varsity and JV levels, the foundation is strong.
“What excites me the most is having the opportunity to develop these student-athletes to become better players and, more importantly, better leaders both on and off the court,” Mejico said.
The offseason will be focused on conditioning and skill development, particularly extending the team’s defensive pressure full-court and improving three-point shooting efficiency—two areas that will help take the program to the next level.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 St. Lucy’s basketball season was more than a winning campaign—it was a declaration of growth, a celebration of teamwork, and a glimpse into a promising future. With a strong culture, committed players, and a coaching staff focused on development, the program is on the rise.
For fans and followers looking to track individual and team stats, season information is available on MaxPreps.
As Coach Mejico and his team turn their eyes to 2026, one thing is clear: the bar has been raised, and St. Lucy’s is ready for more.
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