The fourth quarter rolls in. Players are running on fumes as the game tightens in the final minutes.
This is where BYU women’s basketball thrives. These are the moments they have put in the blood, sweat, and tears for.
Going up to the hoop to grab that last rebound, finishing the play, and staying physical was developed long before the big moments. The real preparation evolved in the weight room during the off-season.
Under the direction of strength and conditioning coach Steven Arnold, he structures his program to help his athletes concentrate on exercises that are specifically for the sport of basketball.
Arnold’s work behind the scenes has become a crucial part of the women's basketball team’s foundation and success.
While Cougar Nation sees the results on game day, Arnold’s impact is built long before the ball tips off. The success is built in early morning lifts, individualized training plans, and a focus on both physical and mental development.
From freshmen adjusting to the demands of collegiate basketball to returning players rebuilding their strength, his program is designed not only to prepare athletes for competition but to transform how they play the game.
The impact Arnold has on each athlete goes beyond sets and reps. For him, building trust is the foundation of everything he does in the weight room. He believes that before any program can be effective, athletes have to trust the person behind it.
“Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care,” Arnold said.
Whether the focus is improving performance or reducing the risk of injury, that trust drives the intent and effort he sees from his athletes every day.
This philosophy shapes how he connects with each athlete and creates an environment where players are willing to fully buy into his program.
These connections extend far beyond the weight room. Arnold makes an effort to get to know each athlete as more than just a player.
“I love getting to know them more than basketball. What are their interests? What do they like to do? What are their goals education-wise?” Arnold said.
For Sydney Benally, that environment helped simplify her transition into college basketball. Adjusting to the new speed and physicality of the game can be one of the biggest challenges for freshmen, but Benally quickly found confidence through Arnold’s philosophy.
“Steven is very encouraging and truthful. He will always give it to you straight,” Benally said.
The combination of honesty and constant support from Arnold helped her quickly adapt to the intensity of the Big 12.
“When we are on the court, he is our biggest motivator and biggest supporter,” Benally said.
Benally has found that the work done in the weight room with Arnold has translated directly to her performance on the court.
After a respected freshman season in 2024, Kailey Woolston decided to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Baltimore, Maryland. Woolston returned after 18-months at the beginning of the 2026 season.
For Kailey Woolston, the challenge in the weight room and on the court has looked different. After 18 months away, returning to basketball has required her to find patience within herself and trust the process.
“I’ve always been in shape, so coming back and not feeling like the athlete I once was can be very discouraging,” Woolston said.
Rebuilding strength and confidence has been a process that has not happened overnight, but Arnold’s game plan made the transition for Woolston manageable and reassuring.
“Steven had a whole program set up for us … being able to have that extra work was super beneficial,” Woolston said.
While Arnold demands a high level of effort, he also strives to create an environment that players enjoy being a part of.
“He expects a lot out of us, but he is also our friend… we know that he cares about us completely as people and athletes,” Woolston said.
“I am a big fan of teasing and joking, but I have a standard,” Arnold said.
The balance he establishes between accountability and connection allows players to push themselves while still feeling encouraged.
The roots of Arnold’s program are built on a simple principle: there are no shortcuts.
“You can be super talented, but at the collegiate level, talent can only take you so far … the secret is hard work,” Arnold said.
The Big 12 conference is physical and competitive. The consistency and endurance that Arnold prepares players for often make the difference late in games.
“The weight room is very revealing. It is easy to see the girls who put in the hard work,” he said.
Beyond seeking success on the court, Arnold’s program is designed to keep players on the court.
“I can’t prevent anything, but my goal is to reduce the likelihood of injuries,” Arnold said.
Arnold has researched different data-driven studies done to gain an additional understanding of common basketball-related injuries to target the strengthening of those muscles and joints throughout his training plans.
The willingness to put in extra effort in hopes of implementing beneficial exercises helps athletes stay healthy throughout the season.
His commitment and dedication also show up for his athletes in key moments during games.
Whether it is finishing through contact, battling for rebounds, setting a strong post, or maintaining energy late in the fourth quarter, the details are being put in behind the scenes.
Arnold’s main goal has never been to solely build stronger athletes. He strives to build trust, confidence, and resilience that translate to achievements beyond the court.
Whether it is a freshman finding her place, a returning player rebuilding her identity, or a team pushing through the final minutes of a close game, the impact of his work is felt in every moment.
When the game is on the line, it is not just about who is the most talented.
It is about who put in the work.