With the winter season fast approaching, Pahrump Valley High School girls’ basketball is gearing up for a fresh year under the leadership of longtime head coach Bob Hopkins. Entering what marks his 50th year of coaching, Hopkins brings unmatched experience, steady optimism, and a deep belief in his athletes—qualities that have become hallmarks of his tenure.
Despite losing four seniors from last year’s already young team, Hopkins sees encouraging signs from a group that is still young but already showing commitment. “We only have two seniors this year,” he said, “but our young kids, a lot of them come to the gym every morning, and so I’m very impressed with that. It’ll be kind of a growing year again, but hopefully we’ll improve on our wins from last year.”
The team returns eight lettermen, a testament to how young last season’s roster was. Among them is standout returner Riley Saldaña, who led the Lady Trojans in both scoring and rebounding last year. As the only returning letterman from the season before, she is expected to anchor the team on both ends of the floor. Hopkins also noted strong early impressions from Olivia Veloz, as well as sophomore Adrian Rogers, who is back after spending last season out of town.
When discussing his backcourt, Hopkins pointed to the youth movement already taking shape. “Our guards will be young,” he said, referencing players like Ella Odegard and Addi Nelsen, two sophomore athletes who are stepping into bigger roles this year. Both have shown promise in early practices and are part of the group of dedicated players who arrive at the gym every morning before school. Their energy and willingness to work have been early bright spots in the preseason.
The roster also gets a boost with the addition of transfer Kaitlyn Brown from Montana, whom Hopkins believes will strengthen the team immediately. Several incoming freshmen have already caught his attention in the opening practices, suggesting a foundation being built not just for this season, but for the future.
Juliana (Jules) Ondrisko, one of the team’s two seniors, remains a question mark due to lingering shoulder issues, but Hopkins praised her athleticism and presence whenever she’s able to take the court.
One major change this season is the implementation of the 35-second shot clock, officially enforced statewide for the first time. Hopkins doesn’t expect the adjustment to rattle his group. “I don’t ever remember us not getting a shot up because of that,” he said in reference to games where it has been enforced in the past. “It’s a good deal if you’re behind because you get a better chance to get the ball. If you’re ahead… maybe not as good,” he added with a laugh.
Hopkins is still working out exact player roles, but the team’s size is already a noticeable advantage. “I think I’ve got probably four kids that are right at six foot,” he said. “This is probably the tallest team I’ve ever had in my life.” With more height, a committed offseason group, and returning experience, the Lady Trojans look poised to take strides forward.
Their first test comes quickly: a home game on Wednesday, December 4, against Needles. Though a smaller school, Needles brings impressive talent—its girls’ team won the state championship last year. Hopkins sees the matchup as an opportunity for growth right out of the gate.
Behind the scenes, Hopkins is supported by a familiar and trusted coaching staff. “Brittany Wagner is varsity assistant, Darla Shepard is JV coach, and Erik Odegard is the B team coach,” he confirmed. The continuity, he believes, is important for players who’ve already experienced so much transition in past seasons.
As he reflects on half a century in coaching, Hopkins acknowledges how much the game—and the kids—have changed. “Kids are softer,” he said with a smile. “You’ve got to be a little softer. I just have expectations of the kids. And I think one reason I’ve been fairly successful is that I make kids believe they can do more than they ever dreamed they could do themselves.”
His impact is clear to generations of athletes who return to say hello, thank him, or simply reconnect. “Kids that play for me—they’re always in my family,” he said. “I love my kids that I’ve coached. And I think they love me.”
Whether this will be Hopkins’ final season is a decision he hasn’t made yet—and won’t rush. “There’s times I get excited when I get to practice, and there’s times I wish I had my own time to go do something when I wanted to,” he said. “I’ll just see how it plays out this year.”
But one thing is certain: he’s looking forward to the journey ahead.
A team that’s young, tall, hungry, and growing under a coach who has spent decades shaping athletes and building belief—PVHS girls’ basketball enters the 2025–26 season with optimism and a chance to continue building something strong for years to come.
