ROLLA, Mo.  –  Four new players are joining the Miners' Women's Basketball program for the 2024-25 season. After graduating two guards in Eryn Puett (Columbia, MO/Rock Bridge) and Jada Lindesmith (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lutheran-St. Charles), the Miners will welcome three new guards as well as one forward in the upcoming year's freshman class.
 
Anna Gilbertson – A 5'11" forward from Lake Zurich High School in Illinois, Gilbertson won all-conference honors her last three seasons, averaging 8.7 points in 98 games during that time. Her high school shooting percentage was 49%, scoring 926 points in her four seasons. Her older sister Ella just finished her senior season with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs where she was a contributor to the 2022-23 team that finished as the NCAA runner up. When asked about Gilbertson's skill set, Coach Kira Carter said, "Anna provides a different dynamic at the forward position as she uses her strength to gain post position around the basket. She also has some versatility in her ability to drive and slash to the basket." 
 
 
Kiarra Kilgore – A 5'10" guard out of Illinois' Galesburg High School, Kilgore also played club/travel ball with Heart of Illinois basketball. She won numerous honors in her time with both teams, making the IBCA All-State 2nd team and Western Big 6 All-Conference 1st team her last two seasons. Kilgore also claimed the all-time scorer for Galesburg High School during her senior season. Kilgore was a dual sport athlete, also competing in volleyball and earning 2nd team All-Conference honors as a setter/outside hitter last season. "Kiara is a scoring guard that brings some height," Coach Carter said, "She has the ability to get into scoring positions around the basket as well as knock down the three."
 
 
Ava Maner – Maner is a 5'6" guard who played for Providence Academy in Rogers, AR. She was part of a Patriots team that was the state runner up twice, earning All-State honors the last three seasons. She 1,461 points during her four seasons with Providence, averaging 12.3 PPG in 119 games. Additionally, her career stats also include 480 assists and 627 rebounds for averages of 4.0 and 5.3 per game, respectively. Coach Carter highlighted Maner's effect both on the court and in the locker room, stating, "Ava is a tough point guard that shoots the three, competes hard and does what is needed to help her team win. She loves the game and will bring her passion to the team."
 
 
Adrianne Tolen – Coming to the Miners from West Lafayette High School in Indiana, Tolen is a 5'10" guard. Tolen played 91 games across her four years with the Red Devils, averaging 16.5 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game. She also became the highest scoring player for both men's and women's basketball in West Lafayette history, scoring 1,499 points. Like Kilgore, Tolen is a multi-sport athlete, competing and earning honors in both soccer and softball. Coach Carter stated that "Adrianne is a versatile scoring guard. She uses her length to defend and rebound while maintaining a knack for getting to the basket."
 
With four returning starters from last year's team, the Miners already had a strong squad that will only be improved by the new recruits. "I am really excited for this class to get to campus and join the culture that our returners have worked hard to build," said Coach Carter, "The 2024s will be a great addition and hopefully add depth on the court this upcoming season. Each of them are also great students and awesome people that will continue to grow and develop in all facets."