2023-11-15 20:34:52
Story Links
LOS ANGELES – On November 8th, National Signing Day for collegiate sports marks the beginning of LMU’s exciting lineup for the 2024-2025 season. Southern California boasts a wealth of women’s basketball talent, and Coach Aarika Hughes, is committed to keeping local players home, evident in the 2024 class.
As the women’s basketball team commemorates the 20th anniversary of the 2004 WCC championship-winning squad, a team with many SoCal natives, Coach Hughes aims to infuse the new recruits with that winning spirit. Get acquainted with the upcoming talents: Zawadi Ogot, Madison Watts, Allison Clarke, and Aniyah Riddell.
Ogot is a 5’10, guard hailing from Corona, CA, and attends Corona Santiago High School. “Zawadi means gift in Swahili, and she certainly is a gift to our program. She is a high-motor, relentless, two-way player who can defend multiple positions,” says Hughes. “She is electric in transition and will be a match-up problem in our conference.” Ogot is one of Santiago High School’s most consistent players, scoring 18 points and collecting eight rebounds in the CIF State Division I regional quarterfinal game her junior year. “I chose LMU because of the environment. The wonderful coaching staff made me feel nothing but loved and welcomed when I visited,” says Ogot. “I love the fire, intensity, and style of play on the court, and I know I will strive to achieve my best at Loyola Marymount University.”
Another Lion coming to The Bluff is a 5’10 guard, from San Pedro, CA, Madison Watts. “Maddie has the ability to change the game in a matter of seconds,” says Coach A. “Her instincts cannot be taught, and her athleticism stands alone in the WCC.” Watts attends Leuzinger High School, where she played in 33 games and averaged 21 points per game in her junior year. “Out of all of the schools I visited and talked to, LMU made me feel like family,” said Watts. “They practice hard, take accountability for one another, and everyone on the team is a leader!”
Teaming up with Ogot and Watts, is Anaheim Hills, CA native, Allison Clarke.”We are thrilled to add Allison to our Lion family. Allison’s basketball IQ and toughness are unmatched,” says Hughes. “Her relentless work ethic, discipline, and dedication to the game fit perfectly with what we are building here at LMU. She will elevate our culture, both on and off the court.” Clarke is a 5’10 guard and attends Rosary Academy, where she has multiple All Trinity League, All Orange County, All CIF and All-State accolades. “I knew LMU was the right place for me to continue my journey, said Clarke. “The environment aligned perfectly with where I saw my future academically and athletically.”
The last Lion joining the squad is Aniyah Riddell, a 6’1 forward from Phoenix, AZ. “I felt in my spirit that I belonged at LMU,” says Riddell. “The people there are amazing, from the coaches and players, to the professors and faculty. Not only are the people amazing, but the campus and academic programs are also.” Riddell attends Desert Vista High School, where she played in 24 games, averaging 15.7 points and 13.3 rebounds in her junior year. “She is a true student of the game, the ultimate teammate, and a warrior in the classroom,’ says Hughes. “Aniyah lights up any room she walks into. Her character, values, ambition, and impact on others represent everything our program stands for.”
The horizon of possibilities for the LMU women’s basketball program appears brilliantly illuminated, promising an era of growth, success, and an exciting brand of basketball. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, the infusion of a talented recruiting class and Hughes at the helm, her program’s trajectory is super promising.
Season Tickets:
It’s not too late for fans to have the opportunity to buy season tickets. Purchase your season tickets for all ticketed sports at www.LMULions.com/tickets
Mobile Ticket Information & Entry Procedures:
To provide an efficient and safe experience for our fans; we utilize mobile ticketing delivery through the AXS app. Mobile ticketing allows fans to enter LMU athletic venues via their mobile app instead of a physical, paper ticket. Make sure to have your ticket available on your phone upon arrival to ensure the quickest entry process. For assistance, please call 310-338-LION (5466).
Donate Today:
Fans interested in making a contribution to the Lions Athletic Fund can do so by clicking here. Your gift will help provide a transformational student-athlete experience athletically, academically, and culturally for every LMU student-athlete. We appreciate your continued support of LMU Athletics.
Follow Along With The Action:
For complete coverage of Loyola Marymount University athletics, visit LMULions.com. We encourage you to follow along with all the action on social media as well. Follow along by following us on Twitterliking us on Facebookand following us on Instagram.
1700091618
#LMU #Womens #Basketball #Score #Big #Signing #Week
