By Arturo Garcia, March 17, 2026
With the scorching sun rising in Palmdale, a ball bouncing, hoop and cones set up, Cal Poly Pomona forward Hunter Hudson starts the day improving her game the same way she’s been since she was 4-years-old.
Fast forward to today, Hudson was named the final CCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Week for the regular season. She is currently averaging 7.8 points and nine rebounds for the Broncos, with a season-high of 19 rebounds against Cal State Dominguez Hills Feb. 26.
The Palmdale native said there were no girls’ leagues in her area at the time, which led to her playing with the boys.
“It’s made me an aggressive and physical player, honestly,” Hudson said.
Hudson said her dad, Michael Hudson, is the person who taught her how to play basketball. Her father was a professional basketball player who played overseas in China. He drilled Hudson in the mornings to help her polish her craft.
“Having him as a dad, he’s very hard on me when it comes to sports because he’s been in higher positions,” Hudson said. “He just wants the best for you, honestly.”
Hudson also draws inspiration from other professional players, like former Las Vegas Ace Candace Parker, Las Vegas Ace A’ja Wilson and Los Angeles Laker legend Kobe Bryant. Hudson said she models her game after Parker’s and takes after Bryant’s footwork.
Hudson had a jump from an average of 11 minutes in the 2024-2025 season to the 22 minutes she is playing this season. Along with the playing time came the accolades like this Player of the Week recognition.
“I feel like I finally got some recognition that I deserve,” Hudson said.
However, Hudson said she wants to continue improving, starting with her deep range shooting and on-the-ball plays.
Just like Bryant, Hudson also believes the “Jobs’s not finished.” CPP guard Andrea Stajic said Hudson constantly repeats that quote from Bryant and that it has become the team’s motto.
Stajic said Hudson would write Bryant’s quote on the board and say it out loud constantly but while they laugh about it, they know it’s serious.
Stajic said Hudson is a great DJ and hype woman in the locker room and keeps her teammates battle-ready when it’s time to hit the court. Stajic also said one of Hudson’s biggest impacts this year is her rebounding, as she had 14 games throughout the regular season with double digit rebounds.
“She has been a huge presence on the boards,” Stajic said. “We can count on her. It hasn’t been just one game. It’s been absolutely consistent this season.”
CPP forward Sydney Nelson said Hudson is highly energetic, and it is very apparent on the court.
Hudson’s game against Cal State Monterey Bay was an example of what her high energy translates to, as she had two blocks and four steals and seven rebounds.
“She’s playing up on defense and is really a bother on defense, and that’s exactly what this team needs,” Nelson said.
Nelson said Hudson can’t help but be loud, high energy and excited when she is in the locker room, so her teammates have to remind her to use inside voices. As her roommate, Nelson senses her energy every time she arrives home.
“It’s honestly really funny, but it’s great to have because she always brings this sort of intensity, but in a good way to the team,” Nelson said. “We just love to laugh with her.”
Nelson said she loves that she and Hudson have that bond together, where there is always conversation, and there is no silence involved. She added it is fun to have her around, and it is never boring when Hudson is there.
Hudson said her teammates motivate her and give her advice on maintaining the effort on defense, even when her shot isn’t falling. She also has similar advice for future Broncos looking forward to joining the team in the future.
“Offense falls when your defense is good and don’t be so hard on yourself coming in,” Hudson said. “Our whole team messes up. Don’t be so stiff. Like just play basketball. Honestly, don’t be so robotic coming in either.”
Feature image courtesy of CPP Athletics
