Emily DeShazer | The Collegian Junior defensive lineman Ryan Mueller walked on to the team in 2010 and will see his role continue to expand in the 2013 season.

Emily DeShazer | The Collegian Junior guard Haley Texada

(Photo by Parker Robb | Collegian) Redshirt freshman guard Kelly Thomson is anxious to get on the court after sitting on the sidelines last season due to a torn ACL.

Emily DeShazer | The Collegian Head coach Deb Patterson

(Photo by Parker Robb | Collegian) Senior guard Chantay Caron is one of the leaders of a very young Wildcat women’s basketball team this year, and is trying to help her team by improving her defense and coaching and mentoring the younger players.

(Photo by Parker Robb | Collegian) Freshman guard Leticia "Leti" Romero keeps the ball away from a defender during the Wildcats' game against Alaska-Anchorage November 1. Romero, who hails from Las Palmas, Spain, has used her experience playing basketball internationally to become a leader on the women's basketball team, and she is already making an impact in the Wildcats' offensive game.

(Photo by Parker Robb | Collegian) Highly touted men’s basketball recruit Nigel Johnson, freshman guard, is known for his scoring ability.

(Photo by Parker Robb | Collegian) Sticking around for a complete, four-year college career is a rarity, but senior guard Will Spradling is still around due to his quick sucess, doing many things on the basketball court well and not sticking out in any singular category or stat. Spradling has played in every single game thus far of his four-year college career except one, which came during his sophomore year, and is on track to finish his career that way.

(Photo by Parker Robb | Collegian) In her freshman year last year, sophomore guard Bri Craig had to step up and take leadership when the Wildcats found their roster dwindling down to a mere seven players due to injuries. Her time on the court as a freshman has already paid off in her sophomore season, as she now leads her fellow teammates with her experience, confidence and energy.