Boca Raton, Florida - The Lynn University women's basketball team has signed nine newcomers ahead of the 2022-23 season, with each hoping to make an immediate impact on the program in the upcoming season.
The nine signees include Emilie Black, Ella Fiore, Makayla Hemingway, Lucija Kostic, Marianna Klavina, Jada Marone, Faith O'Donnell, Danielle Montelbano, and Meghan Cramb.
Black, the first signed player from this class, is a 6'0 forward from Kingston, England. Coach Julia Tucker is excited to see Black's versatility in action as she will be used at many positions this season. But even more exciting than her ability to play numerous positions is what she brings to the floor. "As our fans know, we don't recruit anyone unless they bring grit to the court," said Coach Tucker. "Emilie brings that GRIT and even more young talent to our roster next year."
Fiore is the first of five transfers from Division I institutions. She previously played at the University of New Hampshire, and the 5'11 guard will look to use that experience to make an impact for the Fighting Knights this year. "Ella immediately adds another tough, gritty player to our roster who knows how to win, "Coach Tucker said. "I have watched Ella play since high school, and to finally have a chance to coach her is incredible!"
Hemingway transfers from Colorado State University, where she previously played. Tucker believes the 5'11 guard from Aurora, Colorado has the ability to use her high basketball IQ to make everyone's job on the court easier. "I absolutely love her positive attitude and team-first approach," Tucker said. "Even though Makayla has an incredible ability to score, she takes great pride in her passing skills."
Lucija, a 6'2 forward from Zagreb, Croatia, transfers to Lynn after playing at the University of San Francisco. She will have two years of eligibility with the Fighting Knights. "Lucija brings more size to our roster that is much needed to compete with the very best teams in the SSC!" Tucker said. "Her experience playing against post players in the WCC will immediately help strengthen our inside game."
Lucija will be joined by her teammate from San Francisco, Marianna Klavina. The 5'9 guard from Riga, Latvia, will also have two years of eligibility as she completes her Master's. "She has such a fun and positive energy that everyone will feed off of," Tucker said. "Marianna's ability to use her body in the paint and then spot up for a three is an exciting addition to our team!
Marone transfers from Notre Dame (OH), where she was named a WBCA All-American during the 2020-21 season. The 5'4 guard from Berea, Ohio, has one year of eligibility as she completes her Master's. "Jada brings a wealth of experience at the point guard position," Tucker said. "We are excited to have another explosive playmaker join our program! Jada will help lead by example with her work ethic and competitive nature."
O'Donnell is a 5'7 guard from Guilford, Connecticut, who will look to use her work ethic and positivity to push her teammates. "We are very excited to welcome Faith to our 22-23 Lynn Family," said Tucker. "We cannot wait to see Faith grow as a person and a basketball player here at Lynn."
Montelbano, a 5-8 guard from Boynton Beach, Florida, moves closer to home after playing for one season at Radford University. She brings a toughness with her that Coach Tucker looks for in all her recruits. " She brings a winning mentality along with a steady mindset at the guard position," Tucker said. "We cannot wait for our fans to see Danielle's GRIT in action at Lynn!"
Cramb, the final addition of the 22-23 roster, transfers from Assumption College, where she had one of the top three-point percentages in all of Division II. The 5-9 guard from New Boston, New Hampshire, will look to make an impact at both ends of the floor. " She will bring a wealth of experience to our Lynn Basketball Program!" Tucker said. "Meg will help stretch the floor on the offensive end & bring strength to our defense! We are so excited to have Meg for her final grad season!"
The Fighting Knights will begin their season this fall as they look to add these newcomers to a list of talented returners that will hope to compete for a Sunshine State Conference Championship.
About the Lynn University Fighting Knights
Lynn's NCAA Division II Fighting Knights have won 25 national championships, 14 individual titles and 48 conference championships. The Blue and White are a member of the Sunshine State Conference, the Division II "Conference of National Champions." Lynn University is an independent college based in Boca Raton, Florida. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Lynn for its innovation, international students and value. To keep up to date on Lynn Athletics, follow @Lynn_Knights on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
