OTHELLO – Ever since she was little, Annalee Coronado has loved the game of basketball. She has dedicated most of her youth to training and developing as a player to reach the collegiate level.  

“My sister had a good group of girls growing up that she played with and that’s what drew me to it. I saw my big sister doing it. My dad pushed me to do it, and I started when I was in second grade,” she said.  

Coronado is a guard for the Central Washington Wildcats women's basketball team. When she looks back at her journey to Ellensburg, she emphasizes the relationship she built with her dad, Adolfo Coronado. From a young age, Adolfo worked closely with Annalee to build her skillset.  

“I explained to her early I was like, ‘Look Mija, I don't have all the answers, but I will put us around people that have done it before, that have gotten kids that into the next level. I'm going to do my part.’ I told her, ‘I'm going to learn as much as I can, and we're going to get you up there,’” he said.  

Adolfo said he worked hard to be honest with her at all times because he wanted her to reach her potential.  

“I'm a big daddy's girl, for sure. Since I was in second grade, we just were best friends. I think we're so similar in so many ways that it's like, okay, I know my dad's going to tell me the truth all the time, whether I want to hear it or not,” Annalee said.  

Annalee went to a lot of camps throughout her youth where she honed her skills and did what she could to help herself stand out from other players. What she discovered over time was her competitive tenacity, she said.  

“I really loved competing, like I'm just a very competitive person, I loved winning, and I loved that aspect of competing, and I really loved that it bonded my dad and I, and he was my coach most of the time, and we went everywhere together for tournaments and practices, and it really just drew us closer,” she said.  

When she arrived at Othello High School, she saw the court early on. Adolfo was able to continue working closely with her since he was the head coach of the girls basketball team. By her senior season, she was well-decorated.  

Each year, she was named Othello High School’s MVP. Additionally, she made several appearances on the All-CWAC first team, All-State honors for first and second team, and the CWAC player of the Year for the 2022-23 season.  

According to Annalee, her favorite memory while playing at Othello was beating the Clarkston Bantams her senior season to advance to the state tournament. She said it was one of the few times in school history that they have been able to go.  

“I just remember running and jumping into all my teammates' arms, my dad's arms, like it was just an amazing feeling. All four years at Othello were great,” she said.  

During her junior year, she began looking at colleges where she could showcase her talents. She said Central Washington was the first school to reach out to her. After speaking with head coach Randi Richardson, Annalee said she wanted to commit right away. However, Adolfo encouraged her to wait and look at other colleges before making a decision.  

After a few months of hearing what other colleges had to offer and taking visits, Annalee committed to the Wildcats. She said it was the right decision because she felt at home.  

“College basketball is a business, but for Randi, it's not. It's not just a business. For her, she wants her players to leave Central (Washington) a better human, like a better person, ready to take on challenges outside of college and in the real world,” she said.  

Since arriving at Central Washington, Annalee has received a lot of playing time. According to the Wildcats' athletics website, she appeared in all 31 games, starting 27 of them in the 2023-24 season. According to her, being heavily involved early on was intimidating for her, but she did not shy away from the opportunity.  

“I just felt like I was stepping on people's toes, and then I was kind of timid going against the other opponents, and they're older girls, and I'm just this little freshman trying this, so it was pretty intimidating,” she said.  

During her freshman year, she found out her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a devout Christian, she attributes her relationship to God for getting through that tough period and bringing her and her family closer together.  

“He's blessing us, and he's just so good to us, and he gave me this opportunity, and I don't want to waste it,” she said.  

As she looks toward her upcoming junior year, she said she is anticipating the challenge of taking on a bigger role with the Wildcats now that some upperclassmen have graduated. She said she feels confident in what her team can accomplish this upcoming season. With a lot of players returning, she said the team has a great foundation to build on.  

“I know we're going to be good. My coaches are great. We have a good foundation. We have returners that have been here and know what to expect and what's wanted out of them,” she said.  

She said she would love to see them win a conference championship, a regional championship and ultimately a national championship. After reaching the Sweet 16 last year, she said she is confident her team can go further next season.  

Adolfo said he expects good things out of her this season and sees the potential she has. He said he enjoys getting to just watch her play. Since she arrived at CWU, Adolfo stepped away from coaching at Othello High School until she is done playing.  

“That's all been a gift from God as far as I'm concerned and I wouldn't change it for the world, when I think about it, it makes me sad that I won't have her around anymore, but I can definitely see her sitting on the bench next to me, because eventually I hope to go back to coaching at the high school level, because I just loved it so much,” he said.  

    Annalee Coronado drives to the basket against Lynden in a state tournament game. Coronado was a highly decorated player while at Othello, winning MVP all four years and CWAC Player of the Year her senior season.
  

    Annalee Coronado puts up a contested shot against East Valley, when she played for the Huskies. Coronado is heading into her junior year at Central Washington and said she has high aspirations for her team to have a successful season.
  

    Wildcats Annalee Coronado poses for a photo at a team media day. Coronado has seen a lot of playing time since arriving at CWU. She played in all 31 games last season and started 27 of them.