Courtesy of Eurobasket LLC Every week we bring you a list of the top former Bulldogs players who continue their career in pro basketball.
#1. New Zealand's Tayla Dalton, a 24-year-old guard standing at 5'9'' and a Gonzaga graduate of 2025, played a pivotal role in leading her team to victory as the New Zealand League Champion. Currently playing professionally in Australia, Dalton showcased her talent in a recent game for the Waverley Falcons against the 18th-ranked United, contributing significantly to their 72-67 win in the Australian NBL One North division. In this match, Dalton impressed with 15 points and 4 assists in 32 minutes of play, highlighting her skill and adaptability on the court, especially considering it is her debut season in professional basketball. The Waverley Falcons, with a record of 6-5, hold the eighth position in the South group standings. Moreover, Dalton's exceptional performance extended to another game against Geelong U, where she notched up 15 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists. Her remarkable contributions were vital in securing victory, earning her the title of the game's champion. Throughout the season, Dalton has maintained solid statistics, averaging 10.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, showcasing her versatility and impact as a key player for the Waverley Falcons.
#2. Cierra Walker, a 28-year-old Bulldogs alumna from 2022, has been making waves in the Australian basketball scene as a pro player. Recently, she led the Cockburn Cougars to a significant victory over the 13th-ranked Hawks with a score of 97-85 in the Australian NBL One North, the second division league. Walker's stellar performance on Saturday night earned her the title of MVP of the game, showcasing her exceptional skills on the court. In the game, Walker showcased her prowess by recording an impressive 28 points and making 4 steals in 38 minutes of play. Her remarkable contribution not only secured the win for the Cockburn Cougars but also highlighted her as a standout player in the league. This victory further solidified her position as a true champion, demonstrating her ability to lead her team to success. Currently, the Cockburn Cougars hold the second spot in the West group, with a strong record of 8-1. Walker's consistent performance throughout the season is reflected in her impressive stats, averaging 14.8 points per game, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.6 steals. Her dedication and skill on the court continue to elevate her team's performance, making her a key player and a formidable force in the league.
#3. Australian Eliza Hollingsworth, a 6'3'' forward/center who graduated from Gonzaga in 2024 and helped them secure the WCC Regular Season Champion title that year, currently plays professionally in Australia. Recently, Hollingsworth was unable to lead the Nunawading Spectres to victory against the Sabres in the Australian NBL One North league, which is the second division. Despite her efforts, the Spectres were defeated 85-56 on the road by the dominant Sabres team. In the game, Hollingsworth put up a valiant effort, contributing 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 26 minutes of play. Although the Spectres were unable to secure the win, Hollingsworth displayed an impressive performance in another game against Sandringham S., where she recorded 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. Throughout the season, Hollingsworth has maintained solid statistics, averaging 13.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Despite facing challenges, Hollingsworth continues to showcase her skills on the court as a talented player and a true champion.
Other former Gonzaga University players, who play in pro basketball:
Maud Huijbens (6'3''-F/C-2002, played in 2021-25) plays for Rutronik Stars Keltern in German DBBL
Anamaria Virjoghe (6'5''-F-1999, played in 2018-18) plays for Targoviste in Romanian Liga Nationala
Brynna Maxwell (6'0''-G-2000, played in 2022-24) played for Celta Zorka in Spanish LF Challenge few monts ago
Courtney Vandersloot (5'8''-PG-1989, played in 2007-11) plays for Chicago Sky in the WNBA
Emma Stach (5'9''-G-1996, played in 2014-18) played for Halle in German DBBL last year
Kaylynne Truong (5'8''-G-2001, played in 2019-24) played for PAOK in Greek A1 last year
Laura Stockton (5'8''-G-1996, played in 2015-19) plays for Norrkoping in Swedish Damligan
Haiden Palmer (5'9''-PG-1991, played in 2010-10) plays for Snaefell in Icelandic Division I
Kayla Steindl (6'3''-F-1989, played in 2008-12) played for Hobart Chargers in Australian NBL One last year
Shelby Cheslek (6'5''-C-1992, played in 2011-11) plays for Cathay Life Tigers in Taiwanese WSBL
Marie Forsyth (6'1''-SG-1999, played in 2017-21) plays for Adareva in Spanish LF Challenge
Yvonne Ejim (6'1''-F-2002, played in 2020-25) plays for Toronto Tempo in the WNBA
Kayleigh Truong (5'9''-G-2001, played in 2019-24) plays for Ulaanbaatar Amazons in Mongolian MBL
Zykera Rice (6'1''-F-1996, played in 2015-19) played for FBA in Ivorian National 1D last year
Notice: The list above includes only some of alumni playing currently in pro basketball. Check complete list of Gonzaga University basketball alumni.
Tayla Dalton is last week best Bulldogs alumni, who plays professional basketball (Photo: @SMCWomensBasketball)
Ex-Players
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