Schoonover Joins Fresno State Roster

A former Clovis West standout is set to make her collegiate debut close to home as Ryleigh Schoonover begins her tenure with the Fresno State women's basketball program. She enters her first season with the Bulldogs as a member of a freshman class the coaching staff has described as talented, ready to contribute immediately to a team pursuing a Pac-12 championship.

Her background involves a high school program built on sustained achievement. Under Craig Campbell, the Golden Eagles have claimed 14 straight Central Section championships, establishing an identity where competing for titles is the baseline. Campbell stated the program aims to remain competitive annually, noting, "We want to be good every year. We're not going to win it every year, but we want to be knocking on the door every year."

Following the departure of other standout players from Clovis West, Schoonover opted to remain in the area. She expressed that representing the local community holds specific weight, stating, "To wear that valley 'V' on your chest, it's something different," a sentiment she noted is not fully grasped outside the region.

Fresno State coach Ryan McCarthy has already lauded her abilities. He asserted, "In my opinion, Riley was the best player in the area for her class of 2026," adding that she demonstrated that capability immediately upon arriving. Schoonover has credited Campbell with preparing her for the rigors of collegiate competition, observing that at both the high school and college levels, "Everything is the standard."

McCarthy emphasized that her history of winning in a championship program has readied her for college expectations. He stated, "She played with a very good high school basketball program here, and all they did to win. And so, that's the expectation when she sets out on the floor."

Attention now shifts to the upcoming schedule. Fresno State's season opener against UC Merced is scheduled for less than two weeks from now, October 24, 2026, and Schoonover is preparing for her first appearance at the Save Mart Center. Her former coach expressed optimism regarding her trajectory, stating, "I think that's one of the things that's so exciting for Coach McCarthy and the staff is she's just scratching the surface on what a gifted player she could be for them."