Ronald Banks
Staff Photographer
After leading one of the nation’s top girls’ high school basketball programs through a historic season, Alicia Komaki, head coach at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, and her Trailblazers team captured the 2025-26 CIF Open Division Championship. It was her fifth state title. Known for her calm presence and strategic approach during high-pressure moments, Komaki has helped shape Sierra Canyon into a powerhouse program recognized across the nation.
Komaki reflects on the team’s championship journey, the challenges faced throughout the season, and the mindset that helped guide Sierra Canyon to one of the most memorable seasons in program history.
Ronald Banks: Can you take us through your coaching journey and what led you to Sierra Canyon?
Alicia Komaki: I have been coaching high school basketball for 22 years. This was my 14th season as a head coach, and coach at Sierra Canyon. I have known since fifth grade that I was going to be a basketball coach. I never imagined all that this game would give me but I am so blessed and all glory goes to God.
RB: What does it mean to lead a program like Sierra Canyon?
AK: Sierra Canyon is my family. I am so grateful to Rock Pillsbury (former Sierra Canyon athletic director) who took a chance on me with no head coaching experience 14 years ago. He thought I would be here for five years and move on but I love what we have built here.
RB: What does this past season mean to you, especially winning the CIF championship?
AK: Winning this year was everything. The belief this team had, their coachability, overcoming big moments that other teams haven’t been able to overcome, like winning at Etiwanda, made the journey even more special.
RB: What moment this season will stick with you the most years from now?
AK: Nothing compares to celebrating with kids who mean so much to me and this program. Hugging Emilia [Krstevski], a four year senior starter, when the buzzer sounded and then the moment me and Jerzy [Robinson] shared on the court during the celebration was very special. Also celebrating in the locker room afterwards.
RB: What was the biggest challenge your team faced this season?
AK: The biggest challenge we faced was playing the first six games without Jerzy Robinson. But I also think it prepared us well for putting others in positions they wouldn’t normally find themselves in and developing confidence in those roles and moments.
RB: What do you think separated your team from others this season?
AK: They played for each other. That isn’t normal for high schoolers.
RB: What does this championship say about the culture of Sierra Canyon girls’ basketball?
AK: We are here for the long run. We won our first championship 13 years ago and have kept at it.
RB: What common traits do players like your seniors – Jerzy Robinson, Emilia Krstevski, Delaney White and Payton Montgomery – share that define Sierra Canyon’s success?
AK: They put the team first. They know that you can’t do it alone at this level and their bond off the court helped us on the court.
RB: How do you ensure that each new group of players carries forward the same standard and culture built by those before them?
AK: We are very intentional in how that happens and we will continue to make sure they know the standard is the standard.
RB: How has this team changed you as a coach?
AK: For a coach there is not a much better feeling than the validation when small or big conversations shape a young person’s journey and I felt very validated this season from the maturity, growth and hard work of this team.
RB: What are you most proud of beyond the wins and the title?
AK: The reason I coach this level is because of the impact on young women at a formidable time in their lives. To see their growth and be a part of their journey brings me the most joy. I am most proud of this senior class individually and collectively.
RB: What do you hope people outside the program now understand about Sierra Canyon girls’ basketball?
AK: I hope they see how we win. We are family first, we give kids confidence, we do it with joy and authenticity.
RB: Who are some behind-the-scenes contributors that played a key role in this championship run?
AK: Too many to list. Successful programs always have a ton of people behind the scenes and we are no different.
RB: Looking ahead, what are your expectations for the 2026–2027 season?
AK: We are always looking to compete for a championship. Next year we will have a great core of returners to compete.
RB: What message do you have for your returning players and incoming athletes?
AK: Better people make better basketball players.
RB: For young athletes watching this team’s success, what lesson do you hope they take away?
AK: Be a great teammate. It makes winning easier and more fun.
RB: Finally, what’s next for you personally as a coach after achieving this milestone?
AK: Vacation! No, to be honest, I coach for the relationships and impact. This season was special but it’s time to focus on the next one.
Ronald Banks can be reached at ronald.banks@laverne.edu.
Ronald Banks is a senior photography major and a staff photographer for the Campus Times and La Verne Magazine.
