COCHRAN, Ga. – The Middle Georgia State University women's basketball program and head coach Steven Rhodes are proud to announce the signing of eight new student-athletes for the 2025–26 season. This class marks the first under Coach Rhodes' leadership and comes at a pivotal time in program history, as the Knights officially begin their transition into NCAA Division II and the Peach Belt Conference.

"This class is incredibly special to me," said Rhodes. "Not only is it my first as a head coach, but it's the foundation of where we're going. I was very intentional about bringing in not only great players but more importantly great people. Each of these young women elevate us on the court and prepare us to compete at a high level as we transition to the Peach Belt, but more importantly, they all operate at a championship level off the court. I'm also really excited about how this group will blend with our returners as we have a strong core coming back, and together this group gives us a great balance of experience, energy, and hunger. I am extremely excited to build this program with these young women as the foundational pieces."

Mauryah Jones | 5'2 | Rossville, TN | UT Martin

Jones led her team to back-to-back MidSouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) state championships and earned consecutive MAIS Miss Basketball Player of the Year honors as a junior and senior. She is a member of her program's 1,000-point club.
Coach Rhodes: "Mauryah was my very first commit as a head coach, and I knew I wanted to coach her from our very first conversation because of who she is as a person. She's a hard worker with great character and comes from a great family. On the court, she's a dynamic playmaker who can score at all three levels and has great vision to create for her teammates. Mauryah is also a winner — she's been to three state championships and brought home two titles. I'm excited to welcome her to the Knight Shift, because she'll make a major impact on and off the court over the next three years."

Cali Levine | 5'6 | Vinton, VA | USC Upstate

Levine appeared in 50 games at Division I USC Upstate, recording a career-high 14 points against Southern Wesleyan and logging her highest minutes against Virginia Tech. In high school, she led Staunton River to Blue Ridge District season and tournament championships, as well as a 3C Regional runner-up finish.
Coach Rhodes: "I had the pleasure of coaching Cali over the past three years at USC Upstate, and I couldn't be more excited that she's chosen to stay with me on this journey. She elevates every single aspect of our program — she's a relentless worker, an amazing teammate, and even graduated pre-med in just three years. On the court, she shoots the ball at a high level and impacts the game in so many ways because of how hard she competes. I'm elated to welcome Cali to the Knight Shift — she's going to be a catalyst in shifting our culture and leading us through this transition."

Ellie Southards | 5'8 | Tiger, GA | Presbyterian College

Southards played in 25 games as a freshman at Division I Presbyterian College. At Rabun County High School, she was the 2023 Class A Best Shooter, a two-time First Team All-Region selection, Second Team All-State in 2023, and the GHSA 3-Point Champion. She helped lead her team to three state playoff appearances — including two Sweet 16s and a state runner-up finish — along with a region title and two additional finals.
Coach Rhodes: "Ellie is someone who operates at a championship level both on and off the court. I've known her for about three years now and recruited her out of high school — I've always wanted to coach her because of her character, work ethic, and drive to be the best. She's a knockdown shooter and will be a defensive anchor for us as well. Ellie only knows one speed, and that's 100%. I'm thrilled to finally welcome her to the Knight Shift."

Ella Pritchard | 6'0 | Minneapolis, MN | Kirkwood Community College

Pritchard played in 34 games and started 19 at Kirkwood, averaging 7.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. She helped lead her team to a 33–2 record, Region 11-A and North Central B District championships, and a Final Four appearance in the NJCAA national tournament.
Coach Rhodes: "Ella is a game-changer for us on and off the court. Not only is she a winner, but she has an infectious personality that will be pivotal to our culture in year one. As a post player, she fits our system perfectly — she plays with an extremely high motor, is an elite rebounder, and has the versatility to defend and score in multiple ways. I'm ecstatic to welcome Ella to the Knight Shift because she's going to make a huge impact from day one."

Kennedi Hawkins | 6'1 | Florence, AL | Calhoun Community College

Hawkins averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game at Calhoun Community College. She was named an NJCAA Division I All-American Honorable Mention in her final season.
Coach Rhodes: "Kennedi is another player who elevates us in every way. She's the perfect fit for our system — she plays with an incredibly high motor, dominates the glass, and is extremely versatile offensively. Off the court, she brings a level of maturity and focus that will benefit our team culture. I'm very excited to welcome Kennedi to the Knight Shift!"

Norah Osu | 5'7 | Barcelona, Spain | Hoosac School

Osu played at the Hoosac School in New York, helping her team reach back-to-back NEPSAC playoff appearances and finish ranked in the top six both years — the first playoff berths in program history. She also competed on the AAU circuit with the Albany Capitals.
Coach Rhodes: "When you're trying to elevate a program's culture, Norah is the dream type of player to bring in. She's an incredible person and player — someone who will help move us toward a championship-level standard in every way. She played for one of the best high school coaches in the country in Julie McBride, and her toughness, IQ, and willingness to do the little things make her a winner. I'm ecstatic to welcome Norah to the Knight Shift — we're lucky to have her."

Kristen Foglia | 5'9 | Troy, NY | Catholic Central HS

Foglia had a standout high school career at Catholic Central in New York. She helped lead her team to a 2025 Section 2 Class AA Regional Championship and a 2024 New York State Class A State Championship. Over her final two seasons, she earned multiple NY State Section 2 All-Star honors and was named to the NY State Sportswriters Association All-State teams in both 2024 and 2023.
Coach Rhodes: "Kristen is a player I watched a lot while I was an assistant, and I've always loved her game. She's extremely skilled, has one of the highest basketball IQs I've seen, and has a relentless drive to be great. Kristen is a winner, a tireless worker, and someone who raises the standard just by being in the room. She's an elite competitor with incredible character. She and Norah were AAU teammates and were both coached by Julie McBride — so she's coming in ready to contribute. I'm thrilled to welcome Kristen to the Knight Shift and can't wait to see the impact she'll make over the next four years."

Mireia Pou | 5'5 | Barcelona, Spain | Femení Sant Adrià

Pou played for Femení Sant Adrià, a club in Spain's 1a Nacional Femenina. She also competed with Elite Sports Academy and gained experience coaching within her club system.
Coach Rhodes: "Mireia is another perfect fit for us on and off the court. She's a great shooter who can score in multiple ways, but also has a high feel and IQ for the game. Beyond that, she brings a maturity from playing at a high level in Spain and even coaching within her club system. I'm excited to welcome Mireia to the Knight Shift because she's going to make a major impact across the board."
The Knights will open their season on November 14th against Converse University at Lincoln Memorial University. That game is slated for 6:30pm. Stay tuned to our website and social media for our full schedule release as well as other news.