OLYMPIA, Wash. – Allison DeBerry (Sr.) from The Evergreen State College women's basketball team is the Evergreen Featured Athlete of the Week for April 30, 2025. DeBerry played point guard for the Geoducks over the past two seasons.

DeBerry is from Arlington, Washington, where she attended Arlington High School. She transferred to Evergreen from Park University-Gilbert prior to the 2023-24 season.

In two seasons with the Geoducks, DeBerry started all 50 games. She scored 298 points (6.0 avg.), earned 189 assists (3.8 avg.), registered 55 steals (1.1 avg.) and grabbed 127 rebounds (2.5 avg.). During 2024-25, she averaged 6.4 points per game and tied for fifth in the Cascade Collegiate Conference with 3.9 assists per contest.

DeBerry provided Evergreen with one of its most important plays of the year when she scored on a 3-point shot with 0.3 on the clock to give the Geoducks a 64-63 win at Multnomah on February 7, 2025. The victory was the second win in a five-game winning streak that helped Evergreen qualify for the CCC Tournament.

"Apart from the obvious thrill that comes with hitting a game-winner, this was one of the moments where the community and the support you have is showcased," DeBerry noted. "I am so appreciative of my teammates for trusting me to take that shot in a game where playoffs were on the line. I loved the confidence we showed even while being down with only seconds left, and the trust we had in each other that whoever was open would get the ball and make the shot.

"It really showed how far we've come as a team to push through in such a close game," DeBerry added. "I remember rewatching the video to see everyone's reactions. It was so much fun to see the celebrations of each other and our friends and families in the crowd, and to see the excitement and support they all have for us."

DeBerry provided leadership for the Geoducks as a point guard on offense.

"I like to think I always lead by example by going 100%, paying attention to the small details that lead to success, and staying composed on and off the court, while encouraging my teammates to do the same," DeBerry asserted. "As a point guard, I acted as the bridge between the coaches and my teammates, keeping everyone on the same page and implementing the coaches' strategies. It was my job to control the pace of the games as the decision-maker on the court, and to know my teammates' strengths and using that to set them up … to succeed."

She also contributed in other ways. She was able to move past defenders on offense, while applying pressure when needed on defense.

 "I've had coaches call me 'a human press break' because of my ability to get around defenders while staying in control and making the right decisions," DeBerry commented. "My court vision is also one of my greatest strengths: finding the open person and being able to make the pass through defenders, setting up my teammates to score. I would say I take the most pride in my defense, being able to top anyone in front of me and never letting my player get to the rim or get any easy shot."

After playing college basketball in Arizona for two seasons, DeBerry transferred to be just a few hours away from her family. She wanted her parents to be able to watch the Geoducks in action. In addition, DeBerry was excited to join the Evergreen women's basketball team.

"I chose Evergreen initially because of the environment set by the coaching staff and the players," DeBerry recalled. "I saw the improvement the program was making and the direction it was heading, and I thought I could be a positive contributor to that."

Being a member of the team has been a great result of her decision to attend Evergreen. She's seen the team improve and have moments of success.

"I love the feeling when everything comes together, when we can visibly see the work we've put in show up on the court," DeBerry said. "Our team these last two years has faced a lot of adversity, and there's nothing better than the feeling of us overcoming that in big games and big moments. I loved the fight that his team had and the trust we showed for each other when the game was on the line."

She looks forward to continuing to be near some of her teammates, as she plans to be back at Evergreen during the 2025-26 season as an assistant coach.

At the moment, as she finishes up her academic efforts, DeBerry is focusing on classes in business.

"I don't know exactly what I plan to do in the long run yet, but I would love to pursue coaching and give back to the sport and community that has given so much to me," DeBerry said.