Lindenwood University's women's basketball program has locked in its 2026‑27 roster, confirming a ten‑player signing class that includes six guards and four forwards. Head coach Phil Sayers described the group as a balanced blend of proven contributors and promising newcomers, emphasizing the strategic depth they will add to the team.
A Blend of Experience and Potential
The incoming class showcases a variety of backgrounds, from junior college standouts to high‑school phenoms, each bringing distinct skill sets that align with the Lions' fast‑paced style. Sayers highlighted the collective winning pedigree, noting that the new athletes have already demonstrated competitiveness at their previous stops.
Among the additions, Violet McNece, a 6‑0 junior guard transfer from Morehead State, arrives after averaging 9.5 points and 3.1 assists per game last season. Her sister, Macie McNece, a redshirt freshman guard from Saint Leo University, contributed 6.5 points per game, while senior guard Bianca Silva from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette brings 5.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and three assists per outing.
The roster also welcomes Cadence Dykstra, a senior guard from the University of Toledo, who has logged 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds over the past three seasons, and Elisha Dykstra, a sophomore forward who recorded 107 minutes of play while pulling down eight rebounds and three assists. Additional front‑court pieces include Mariah Dallas, a junior forward from Mineral Area College who posted 16.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, and Ari Martinez, a 6‑0 center from Eastern Wyoming College with eight‑point and five‑rebound averages.
Complementing the newcomers are returning players such as Anna McCarn, Konstantina Mantziori and Justice Macon, alongside high‑school signee Brenna Rucker, who together provide continuity and leadership. Coach Sayers expressed confidence that the combined experience and fresh energy will position the Lions to contend strongly within the conference.
A Balanced Attack
The coaching staff believes the mix of perimeter threats and versatile forwards will create matchup challenges for opponents. By integrating players who excel in scoring, rebounding and playmaking, the team aims to diversify its offensive sets and maintain a high tempo throughout games.
With the roster now set, the focus shifts to chemistry building and preparation for the upcoming schedule. Early practices suggest a competitive environment, as the new faces adapt to the program's expectations while the returning core works to elevate their own performance.