West Jordan Lady Jags Make History in 2025: A Season of Grit, Growth, and Sisterhood
The 2025 winter season will go down as a historic chapter in West Jordan High School’s athletic legacy. Under the determined leadership of Head Coach Julianne Tialavea, the Lady Jaguars basketball team broke a 26-year drought to claim the Region Championship, while also earning their first-ever 5A Academic State Championship—a rare and powerful combination of athletic and academic excellence.
What makes this feat even more impressive? The journey was anything but smooth. From a shrinking roster to injuries, from tough out-of-state tournaments to asking non-primary basketball athletes to step into varsity roles, this team didn’t just win—they persevered, adapted, and elevated together.
Small but Mighty: A Team Effort from Start to Finish
Coach Tialavea’s squad may have been small in numbers, but they made up for it in heart, hustle, and teamwork. With key injuries reducing the rotation, every player became crucial to the Lady Jaguars’ success.
“Our numbers dwindled as the season went on,” Coach Tialavea shared, “so each player who was healthy to play brought in so much great contribution to the team.”
Leading the charge were Jelly Muffett and Marlee Reupena, a dynamic backcourt duo who kept the scoreboard busy and the tempo high. “They can dribble, score, shoot, and pass the rock,” said Tialavea, highlighting their ability to keep the offense flowing even under pressure.
Down low, Erilyn Lokeni and Rita Tavita owned the paint, crashing the boards, hitting clutch shots, and securing the kind of gritty second-chance points that win games.
A Turning Point in California
Every great season has its turning point, and for the Lady Jags, it came after their Christmas tournament in California. Playing in a challenging bracket against elite competition, the team saw what they were capable of—and decided to lean all the way in.
“It was after our Christmas tournament where the team decided to switch gears and just play basketball,” said Coach Tialavea. “We came back with a whole new team identity and a whole new ‘why’ for our team. We played for each other and kept the main goal, the main goal.”
That new identity—rooted in unity, resilience, and selflessness—became the foundation of a second-half surge that led to their championship run.
Growth in Every Role
One of the most remarkable aspects of the 2025 season was the across-the-board development of the roster. Every player, from seniors to underclassmen, had to adapt, step up, and lead—often in unfamiliar roles.
“Our team is made up of two-sport athletes, some of whom don’t have basketball as their primary sport,” Coach Tialavea explained. “We asked them to become more vocal and lead, and they did.”
What could have been a vulnerability—players stepping into high-stakes games without years of basketball focus—became a strength. Their fresh perspective and willingness to buy into their roles helped create a team-first atmosphere that fueled West Jordan’s success.
Responding to Adversity
Injuries are part of every season, but for the Lady Jags, a significant blow came early when a key guard went down. Rather than let the loss derail the season, the team—and their coaching staff—pivoted quickly, adjusting their game plan and forming a new identity.
“She remained a big part of our bench and team, which helped us in the long run,” said Tialavea, pointing to the athlete’s continued presence as a leader and motivator.
And when the team suffered tough losses? “We have a rule,” said Coach. “Any loss we face, we let it go the next day. The next day, we get better. We work so hard so we don’t have to feel that kind of loss again.”
It’s that short memory, long focus approach that carried the Lady Jaguars through the rough patches and kept them building momentum all season.
Seniors Leave Their Mark
A cornerstone of this year’s success was the leadership of a strong senior class. With experience, energy, and a high basketball IQ, these seniors helped Coach Tialavea implement game plans and bring intensity on both ends of the court.
“We had a strong senior class, and because of their experience coming in, we were able to run plays using their strengths,” said Tialavea. “We were even able to press.”
Their presence not only made the team better on the floor—they set a standard for the younger players and left a blueprint for how to lead with confidence and class.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy in Motion
The future is bright for the Lady Jags. With a core of talented juniors set to return and an incoming freshman class that’s already turning heads, the foundation is in place for a continued run of excellence.
“Our program is built from the inside out,” Coach Tialavea emphasized. “We focus a lot on sisterhood, teamwork, and academics, and that all transfers onto the court.”
That culture—the “why” that was born in California—will be key to continuing the momentum into next season. The legacy of this historic team won’t be measured just in banners or records, but in the values they instilled for the future of the program.
Offseason Goals: Health, Sisterhood, Identity
While the season is over, the work continues. Coach Tialavea is focused on using the offseason to help her team stay healthy, deepen their bond, and form a new identity that builds on what they accomplished this year.
“This offseason we’re focused on staying healthy, strengthening our sisterhood, and developing our new identity for the upcoming season,” she said.
The Lady Jags know that every season presents new challenges, and they’re determined to stay ahead of the curve.
Where to Follow the Action
Fans looking to dive into the stats and results of this landmark season can find the Lady Jags on MaxPreps, where scores, standings, and player achievements are tracked.
But the story of the 2025 West Jordan Lady Jaguars goes far beyond the numbers.
Conclusion: A Season to Remember
From a shrinking roster to an injury-plagued start, from battling elite teams in California to breaking a 26-year region title drought, the 2025 Lady Jags did more than win games—they rewrote the narrative of West Jordan girls basketball.
They showed what happens when a group of young women chooses to play for each other, to embrace their roles, and to rise together. And they proved that with leadership, unity, and a clear purpose, anything is possible.
As the banners go up and the memories settle in, one thing is clear: the legacy of the 2025 Lady Jaguars has only just begun.
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