AZUSA, Calif. – In her first season at Azusa Pacific, Jessie Nelson became one of the most dangerous scoring threats in the Golden Coast Conference. A transfer from Riverside City College, Nelson's debut campaign was defined by her undeniable offensive impact, earning her the 2025 GCC Newcomer of the Year honor.

Nelson finished the regular season with 66 goals, tied for third-most in the conference, while shooting an efficient 60.6% from the field. Her presence transformed APU's attack, helping lead the Cougars to 16 wins and a postseason berth. In 30 games, she tallied 73 points and added 21 steals and six field blocks. In addition to Newcomer of the Year, Nelson also earned an All-GCC Honorable Mention distinction. 

Joining her on the all-conference list is sophomore standout Laia Marsiñach Ortega, who earned All-GCC Second Team honors after a breakout year on both ends of the pool. Marsiñach Ortega leads the team in assists (45) and ranks second on the team in goals (62), finishing with 107 points- more than any other Cougar. She shot nearly 50% on the year, recorded 57 steals, and had the second-most sprint wins on the team (15).

Goalkeeper Daniela Herrero Miralles rounded out the Cougars' conference honorees, receiving Honorable Mention after anchoring APU's defense in all 30 games. The junior logged over 930 minutes in the cage, recording 255 saves and 28 steals.

Up Next: The Cougars will face University of the Pacific in Round One of the GCC Tournament on April 25 at 10:00 AM- the winner will advance to the semifinals on Saturday. The tournament is hosted by Loyola Marymount University at the Burn's Aquatic Center.