Women's Basketball Adds Four Newcomers

LEWISBURG, Pa.- Bucknell women's basketball completed its 2025-26 roster with the addition of four players. Three are freshmen with a sophomore transfer rounding out the quartet.

"We believe it is a talented group that will fill some of our needs following graduation," said head coach Trevor Woodruff. "All four can score in multiple ways while providing defensive versatility. Most importantly, they fit well with our current players and will contribute immediately to our overall team culture."

Marisa Smith joins Bucknell after spending a redshirt season at Binghamton University. The forward will provide additional strength in the paint. Her high school credentials are impressive. She was a four-year letterwinner at Johnson City. Smith averaged 19.6 points and 11 rebounds during her senior season to win 2023-24 Section Four Class A Player of the Year. Her heroics led Johnson City to the Metro Division Championship and the NYS Section Four Title.

Woodruff on Smith: "Marisa adds size to our front line, which was critical for us. I think her ability to stretch the floor at the center position gives our offense a new look."

Mariah Hardy arrives in Lewisburg from the Baltimore area after a career at St. Timothy's School. Her father Tavaras Hardy was the head men's basketball coach at Loyola (Md.) for six seasons. She earned First Team All-IAAM and Second Team All-Metro honors. The 6-2 forward will provide youthful energy to the post position and is a dual threat, averaging a double-double every game during her senior season.

Woodruff on Hardy: "Mariah is a bit of a late bloomer and I'm excited about how much she's improved in the last year. Throughout the next few seasons, I believe she can become a very versatile player for us and provide production at multiple positions."

The fertile recruiting ground of New Jersey yields another exceptional player in Ella Kreuzer. The Chatham native is an eagle-eye shooting guard breaking multiple high school records, including freshman scoring record (310), single-game scoring record (34), and most three-pointers (225). A 1000+ point scorer, she earned multiple First Team honors while leading her squad to several Sectional Titles and Conference Championships.

Woodruff on Kreuzer: "I believe Ella will quickly become a major contributor for us. She plays with great maturity and affects the game in every way. Additionally, she is a force multiplier for her teammates, making the game easier for everyone around her."

Kaila Richards ventures to Bucknell from Far Rockaway, New York. The point guard collected 1000+ points while leading her team in assists and steals. She made an immediate impact as a freshman, guiding The Hotchkiss School to its first playoff appearance in ten seasons. Richards won the Upson Prize – an award established in 1903 for the Prep Class member who distinguishes in scholarship, athletics, and citizenship.

Woodruff on Richards: "Kaila is an explosive playmaker at both ends of the floor. She can score at all three levels and creates opportunities for her teammates with her driving ability. She will allow us to play with more pace both offensively and defensively."

Bucknell finished the 2024-25 season 17-14 overall and 11-7 in Patriot League play. The Bison upset the No. 3 seed Colgate Raiders in the Patriot League Tournament Quarterfinals before dropping a tenacious battle against the second-seeded Army Black Knights at West Point in the semifinals.

The 2025-26 schedule will be released in the upcoming weeks.

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