4 SDSU Women's Basketball Teammates Thrive as Roommates

Naomi Panganiban, Nat Martinez, Bailey Barnhard and Kaelyn Hamilton share a two-bedroom apartment and have become the backbone of the Aztecs' 20-win season.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Four sophomores - guards Naomi Panganiban and Nat Martinez, forward Bailey Barnhard, and 'Sixth Woman' Kaelyn Hamilton - have been the driving force behind San Diego State's women's basketball team's 20-4 record and 14-1 conference mark this season. The four also happen to be roommates, living together in a two-bedroom apartment on campus, which has helped their on-court chemistry and off-court friendship blossom.

Why it matters

The close relationship between these four key players has been a major factor in the Aztecs' success this season. Their living arrangement has allowed them to grow closer as friends and teammates, translating to improved play on the court. In an era of high roster turnover in college sports, this level of continuity and chemistry is rare and valuable for a team.

The details

Panganiban, Martinez, Barnhard and Hamilton account for 54% of the Aztecs' points and 34% of their rebounds this season. They will be in action on Wednesday night when SDSU hosts second-place UNLV in a crucial Mountain West matchup. The four players were already close friends, having played together as freshmen, and the coaching staff suggested they become roommates to further strengthen their bond.

  • The Aztecs returned for preseason drills this year.
  • SDSU (20-4, 14-1) hosts UNLV (17-8, 12-3) on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

The players

Naomi Panganiban

A sophomore guard from La Jolla Country Day.

Nat Martinez

A sophomore guard.

Bailey Barnhard

A sophomore forward from Del Norte High School.

Kaelyn Hamilton

A sophomore guard being promoted as the best 'Sixth Woman' in the Mountain West.

Stacie Terry-Hutson

The head coach of the San Diego State women's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We're a young team, but we're mature. A lot of that goes to the growth of those four sophomores. And they've done it together.”

— Stacie Terry-Hutson, Head Coach, San Diego State Women's Basketball (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Rooming together has definitely helped us grow tighter on and off the court.”

— Nat Martinez, Sophomore Guard, San Diego State (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Getting to know each other's personalities on a deeper level has been fun. We get to see each other outside of basketball. We'll eat together and go to movies together. Just hang out together.”

— Kaelyn Hamilton, Sophomore Guard, San Diego State (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“There's a lot to like about this arrangement. We're all from different backgrounds, although Naomi and I have known each other since we played on the same club team while sophomores in high school. And it's helped with the basketball chemistry on the court. We like each other. And we're all committed to advancing San Diego State basketball.”

— Bailey Barnhard, Sophomore Forward, San Diego State (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This close-knit group of four sophomores has been the driving force behind San Diego State's successful women's basketball season. Their living arrangement has allowed them to develop an even stronger bond both on and off the court, which has translated to improved team chemistry and performance. In an era of high roster turnover, this level of continuity is rare and valuable for a college basketball program.