A new chapter in the Midwest transfer market
Erica Finney, a former Illinois guard who was sidelined by knee injuries, has announced her move to Loyola Marymount University. The former Illini entered the transfer portal in mid‑April and will now begin her college career as a redshirt freshman in Los Angeles.
LMU’s coaching staff confirmed the addition of two other guards, Shawnee Nordstrom and Janay Brantley, completing a trio of newcomers for the program.
Ripple effects across the conference
The ripple effect of the Illinois exodus continues. All three players who left Coach Shauna Green’s roster have secured new destinations, with Hayven Smith heading to Western Kentucky and Naomi Benson joining Cincinnati.
Illinois’ current squad now counts 12 athletes, highlighted by a recent transfer from LSU, underscoring the dynamic nature of the transfer market in women’s basketball.