Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Eastern Kentucky on March 19, 2026 , Loss , 58, to, 72
Final Score
Women's Basketball
58
at Eastern Kentucky
72
The University of Utah Athletics
Arianna LaLonde: A Bright Future
2/21/2018 8:29 AM | Women's Basketball
By Nick Gruet
Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Growing up in a household that is big into sports, Arianna LaLonde knew that she would find a sport she loved and continue to pursue in her life. Stemming from her father, who is an avid sports lover, she knew athletics would be in her life one way or another.
Her father, John, was an all-around athlete while her mother, Jacquelyn played volleyball and definitely had a competitive nature to her. Being as active as they were, they encouraged their two children to try as many sports as possible and find the one they love.
Starting in fifth grade, LaLonde tried out basketball for the first time. Being new to the game can be tough and almost defeating, but continuing to work hard and get better, LaLonde had found the sport she loved. Moving into junior high, LaLonde took basketball a little more seriously and joined a couple of club basketball teams. Despite playing other sports such as softball, volleyball, and soccer, LaLonde chose to put all of her energy into basketball as she was going into high school.
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"I started playing basketball in the fifth grade and then in junior high I took it more serious which then led me to put all my energy into basketball during high school," LaLonde said. "My dad really just encouraged my brother and I to play as many sports as we could so that we could find one that we really liked."
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During high school, LaLonde was a three-year varsity player that appeared in 66 games for Chandler High School. LaLonde was also first team all-state and was named team MVP along with Most Improved. With Lalonde's height and talent, there was no doubt in any of her peer's minds that she was going to play collegiate basketball, the only question was where.
As Utah came knocking on the door, there was no way LaLonde wasn't going to answer it. Being so different from Arizona, that was what LaLonde loved so much about Utah and all it had to offer. From the beautiful campus and scenery to the people and the coaching staff, LaLonde definitely saw something special with Utah.
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"I just love the forest and the mountains here and actually getting snow is amazing," LaLonde explained. "Everyone here was so friendly and welcoming and that really made me feel like I belonged here."
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Coming to Utah to play basketball, LaLonde knows and believes that this coaching staff and program can develop her into the player she dreams to be. This being LaLonde's freshman season, the coaching staff decided to have her redshirt and use this year as a development and transitional year.
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"My goal for this season is to get into the college shape," LaLonde stated. "When I came here I wouldn't say that I would have been able to keep up at all with the players, but now as I am getting better I am conditioning every day and gaining that college basketball experience."
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Basketball may be life for LaLonde, but she also understands the importance of her academics and trying new hobbies to keep a balanced lifestyle. Having quick access to tutors for any subject is one aspect that LaLonde loves about the University of Utah. In high school, LaLonde was a part of the hiking, math, and chess clubs.
Although she wasn't able to participate very much because of basketball, LaLonde loved to try new things and add more experiences to her life. LaLonde enjoyed being a part of the chess club, being able to meet many different people from around her community and travel to some places you wouldn't usually go to in Arizona.
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"I definitely think that basketball shouldn't be the only thing that you are constantly doing," LaLonde explained. "It can get very repetitive and easily burn you out, so I think it is important to explore and see what you are interested in because who knows you might be interested in many different things."
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The future is bright for LaLonde and although you won't be able to see her on the court this season, Utah fans should be excited to have another six-foot-four forward on the roster. Bringing her rebounding skills and defensive presence right into the game, LaLonde will definitely make an impact while she is on the court.
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Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Growing up in a household that is big into sports, Arianna LaLonde knew that she would find a sport she loved and continue to pursue in her life. Stemming from her father, who is an avid sports lover, she knew athletics would be in her life one way or another.
Her father, John, was an all-around athlete while her mother, Jacquelyn played volleyball and definitely had a competitive nature to her. Being as active as they were, they encouraged their two children to try as many sports as possible and find the one they love.
Starting in fifth grade, LaLonde tried out basketball for the first time. Being new to the game can be tough and almost defeating, but continuing to work hard and get better, LaLonde had found the sport she loved. Moving into junior high, LaLonde took basketball a little more seriously and joined a couple of club basketball teams. Despite playing other sports such as softball, volleyball, and soccer, LaLonde chose to put all of her energy into basketball as she was going into high school.
Â
"I started playing basketball in the fifth grade and then in junior high I took it more serious which then led me to put all my energy into basketball during high school," LaLonde said. "My dad really just encouraged my brother and I to play as many sports as we could so that we could find one that we really liked."
Â
During high school, LaLonde was a three-year varsity player that appeared in 66 games for Chandler High School. LaLonde was also first team all-state and was named team MVP along with Most Improved. With Lalonde's height and talent, there was no doubt in any of her peer's minds that she was going to play collegiate basketball, the only question was where.
As Utah came knocking on the door, there was no way LaLonde wasn't going to answer it. Being so different from Arizona, that was what LaLonde loved so much about Utah and all it had to offer. From the beautiful campus and scenery to the people and the coaching staff, LaLonde definitely saw something special with Utah.
Â
"I just love the forest and the mountains here and actually getting snow is amazing," LaLonde explained. "Everyone here was so friendly and welcoming and that really made me feel like I belonged here."
Â
Coming to Utah to play basketball, LaLonde knows and believes that this coaching staff and program can develop her into the player she dreams to be. This being LaLonde's freshman season, the coaching staff decided to have her redshirt and use this year as a development and transitional year.
Â
"My goal for this season is to get into the college shape," LaLonde stated. "When I came here I wouldn't say that I would have been able to keep up at all with the players, but now as I am getting better I am conditioning every day and gaining that college basketball experience."
Â
Basketball may be life for LaLonde, but she also understands the importance of her academics and trying new hobbies to keep a balanced lifestyle. Having quick access to tutors for any subject is one aspect that LaLonde loves about the University of Utah. In high school, LaLonde was a part of the hiking, math, and chess clubs.
Although she wasn't able to participate very much because of basketball, LaLonde loved to try new things and add more experiences to her life. LaLonde enjoyed being a part of the chess club, being able to meet many different people from around her community and travel to some places you wouldn't usually go to in Arizona.
Â
"I definitely think that basketball shouldn't be the only thing that you are constantly doing," LaLonde explained. "It can get very repetitive and easily burn you out, so I think it is important to explore and see what you are interested in because who knows you might be interested in many different things."
Â
The future is bright for LaLonde and although you won't be able to see her on the court this season, Utah fans should be excited to have another six-foot-four forward on the roster. Bringing her rebounding skills and defensive presence right into the game, LaLonde will definitely make an impact while she is on the court.
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Players Mentioned
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