When I ask analysts, reporters, and sports historians around the country about Arizona High School Women’s Basketball, the first program and name that is mentioned is Seton Catholic Prep led by Coach Karen Self. On Tuesday, November 21, 2023 her Sentinels took on a talented 5A Notre Dame Prep team in a Freedom Regular Season Game. The Sentinels beat the Saints 62-45.
Not only did the Sentinels go 3-0 on the season, but their beloved coach (Coach Self) won her 800th career game in a storied career. In my years of covering Arizona Women’s Basketball, I had the pleasure of following Coach Self’s teams. She has been nothing but professional and supportive of my commitment to cover women’s high school basketball in Arizona.
Her support speaks volumes as she is one of the most respected coaches in the country for the last few decades. Her teams are well disciplined and well coached. It is not a surprise that her team is one of my favorite contenders to go deep into the playoffs as she has a solid core in Sophie Morales, Carmella Gallardo, Caitlynn Benally, and Mia DiPuccio. I am excited to follow her team yet again this season. Earlier this month, she was named to the first class of Most Impactful Figures in Arizona Women’s Basketball from the GC3 Hoops Platform. Ultimately, the entire staff at GC3 Hoops would like to Congratulate Coach Self in reaching the milestone of win number 800 and thank her for all that she has done to grow and support women’s basketball in Arizona.