Coach Shereka Wright took the opportunity of a spring press conference to outline the future direction of the UT Arlington women’s basketball program, revealing a recruiting class that could redefine the team’s competitive edge. The announcement underscores a strategic blend of athleticism, shooting prowess and post presence, all geared toward a rapid return to conference contention.
A Class Built for Immediate Impact
The incoming group features ten athletes who have each distinguished themselves at the high school or collegiate level. From a dominant post player who earned national player‑of‑the‑year honors to a sharpshooter who topped her college scoring charts, the roster is designed to fill multiple gaps left by recent graduations. The coaching staff emphasized that the class is not merely about filling numbers but about adding pieces that can contribute from day one.
Among the newcomers, Journey Hampton stands out as a hometown hero from Lancaster High School, where she led her team to its first state championship and posted a double‑digit scoring average. Her playmaking ability, highlighted by double‑digit assists and steals, offers the Mavericks a dynamic backcourt option. Meanwhile, Morane Dossou, a forward from Charleville‑Mézières, France, brings a European pedigree, having averaged 5.0 points and 7.7 rebounds at New Mexico State, adding size and defensive versatility.
The class also welcomes international talent such as Liz Murphy, an Australian shooter who posted a 37.6 percent three‑point clip at Akron, and Ava Raymond, a Louisiana native who was named MVP of the 2026 LHSAA Division I Non‑Select State Championship game after scoring 27 points. Both players are expected to stretch defenses and provide reliable scoring options from the perimeter and paint.
Other notable additions include Ahniyah Bennett, a guard from Indiana who contributed 12 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in high school, and Keshanti Gordon, a wing from Texas who posted 10.8 points and 4.0 rebounds as a sophomore at Murray State College. Their versatility should allow the coaching staff to experiment with multiple lineups, fostering depth that can sustain a rigorous schedule.
Coach Wright concluded the announcement by stressing the importance of chemistry and work ethic, noting that the new recruits will be integrated gradually to ensure they adapt to the program’s standards. The ultimate goal, she said, is to build a foundation that not only competes for conference titles but also prepares players for professional opportunities. The excitement surrounding the class reflects a broader ambition to elevate UT Arlington’s women’s basketball profile on a national stage.