For Fresno City College guard Remni White, basketball wasn’t always her plan. Born and raised in Fresno, she originally saw herself as a softball player before her senior year at Fresno High School changed her path. Encouraged by her high school coach, David Sambrano, and supported by her family, she decided to pursue basketball in college.
Whether it is helping her teammates stay calm under pressure or helping encourage them, White is a “steady presence” who keeps the FCC women’s basketball team comfortable. White didn’t expect to earn Central Valley Conference Second team.
“I wasn’t really expecting anything, so I was really happy and proud of myself for the work I put in over the two years to kind of matter,” White said.
White alongside teammate Ciena Tumoine earned Central Valley Conference Second Team. T’Yanna Armstrong and Devin Miller were named to the Central Valley Conference First Team on Mar 12, 2025.
FCC women’s basketball head coach Alex Fletcher talked about the importance of players receiving individual awards.
“It’s awesome when they get recognized for their individual successes just as much as our team success,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher recognized White’s contributions to the team, noting how her work ethic and ability to step up in big games set her apart.
“Remni had some big games in league for us,” Fletcher said. “She really showed up when we needed her and played a huge role in our success this season.”
That ability to perform under pressure was tested in the biggest moment of her freshman season. On the morning of the Ram’s semifinal playoff game, White broke her pinky during shootaround. Despite her injury, she remained engaged, supporting her team as they fought to secure a spot in the state tournament.
“I was so excited to play in that game,” she said. “Sadly, we lost that night, too, so it just really sucked. But I came to spring workouts with a little cast on, trying to work out and still get better.”
White embraced a leadership role within the team and described herself as a steady presence for the team, someone who could keep things level when momentum started to shift.
“Coach Avila told me that I was ‘the steady,’” White said. “At first, I didn’t really understand what that meant, but he explained that I was the one who kept the team together when things got tough. If we started going downhill, I’d be the one to pick us up.”
That leadership showed during FCC’s first playoff game against Butte College. The Rams struggled early, but came out with the victory. White remained vocal, keeping her teammates comfortable and focused on the win.
“There’s no way we’re losing this game,” White recalled. “I just kept encouraging my team, and we had a great attitude the whole game.” Teammate Bridie McDonald talked about how White has helped with her confidence and helped her stay positive throughout the season.
“She’s always smiling, and it brings a smile to my face because she’s just a happy spirit everywhere she goes,” McDonald said.
Now looking ahead, White is undecided in her next steps in basketball, with a potential future at Fresno Pacific University. While she isn’t certain what’s next in the long term, she knows the lessons she’s learned through basketball will stay with her beyond the court.
“Basketball is more than just a sport,” she said. “It’s given me confidence, leadership, and time management skills. It’s introduced me to amazing coaches, and even my best friends.”
Fletcher echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how FCC focuses on personal growth just as much as basketball development.
“We really try to stress that our gym is a safe place where players can be themselves and continue to grow,” he said. “Remni and all of our honorees took that to heart. They cared about their teammates and the success of the team just as much as their own, and that’s what makes them special.”
White’s biggest piece of advice to young athletes is simple, just enjoy the game.
“You can get down on yourself mentally, lose confidence, and forget to have fun,” she said. “But at the end of the day, sports make you a better person, and that’s just as important as winning.”
When she’s not on the court, she enjoys watching movies, some of her favorites are the Fast and Furious and Twilight series. She also considers herself a die hard Golden State Warriors fan. If she could meet any athlete, it would be Stephen Curry.
“The Warriors have been my team since I was five, even when they weren’t good,” White said.
