Athletics

Drive to Win

Barnard players on this year’s record-breaking team were ‘invaluable’

By Kira Goldenberg ’07

Barnard Magazine

Spring 2022

Columbia Women's basketball in the middle of a game

When Columbia’s women’s basketball team entered the postseason for the first time in 36 years, Noa Comesaña González ’25 was in the starting lineup. With her help, the Lions won the semifinal against Yale — a record achievement — and, with 21 wins, tied their own winningest season for the first time since 1986. The Lions also had the best Ivy League season in team history, with a 12-2 record, and started out with five consecutive wins for the first time ever. Teammates María (Mary) Ángel Lobón ’24 and Nicole Stephens ’24 rounded out the Barnard contribution to a stellar season.

“Nicole, Mary, and Noa have been invaluable members of our program,” says head coach Megan Griffith CC ’07. “Although all three are underclassmen, they have a very good feel for the game and have made their presence known.”

“President Beilock and the Barnard family have been instrumental in their support of our vision,” Griffith says. “They have provided great resources for our student athletes, which has enabled us to recruit at a high level and extend our outreach.”

Meet the Players

Noa Comesaña González ’25

Hometown: Vigo, Spain

Experience: Competed for the U16 national team in Spain

Position: Forward and Center

Major: Planning to major in economics and mathematics with a minor in gender studies

Season Highlight: Scored a total of 80 points this season, with a highlight of 10 points against Davidson

Player says: “I would say my favorite memory from this season so far was the game we played versus Clemson. We had an amazing comeback, and the energy of the team was incredible. That was the turning point when we started to be taken seriously.”

Coach says: “Noa, a first-year starter, has grown into one of the defensive backbones of our team. She has proven to be reliable on both ends of the floor because of her IQ and decision-making.”

María Ángel Lobón ’24

Hometown: Valencia, Spain

Experience: Was captain of the Valencia Basket Club and helped the team to a third-place finish at the National Championship

Position: Forward

Major: Chemistry and mathematical sciences (completed an independent study with President Beilock in her lab)

Season Highlight: Nabbed two rebounds in the Dartmouth game

Player says: “After my freshman year was disrupted due to COVID-19, my favorite memory would have to be the Barnard athletes meet we did in the fall of 2021. Seeing all these amazing and inspiring women, and sharing our stories and experiences, was a very cool moment.”

Coach says: “Mary has a strong work ethic and competitive spirit that makes us better on a daily basis.”

athletics — Photo by Columbia University Athletics / Mike McLaughlin

Nicole Stephens ’24

Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio

Experience: Two-time All-Ohio Capitol Conference selection and two-time All-District 11 honoree

Position: Guard

Major: Sociology

Season Highlight: Scored 42 points this year, including a high of 12 during the Harvard game

Player says: “The most exciting part of the season so far has been breaking records. It is amazing to be a part of a historic team changing Columbia Basketball!”

Coach says: “Nicole has been battling injuries all season, but she has persisted to be a great teammate along the way. She is a savvy playmaker, extremely smart defender, and will be a player to watch next season.”