2021-22 Early Signing Day: Illinois Girls

Making a decision on where to play college basketball is one of the biggest moments in a young athlete’s life.
All year long we track player commitments. These announcements are generally verbal agreements by the players to the coaches and programs they will most likely play for, but they are not binding.
During multiple windows during the year, athletes can sign official National Letters of Intent (NLI) with their programs, more formally binding athlete to program.
For basketball the Early Signing Period this year is November 10-17. The regular period runs from April 13, 2022, through May 18, 2022.
Below is a list of all official signees during the early period.
Division I Signings From Illinois
Commitments ordered alphabetically by high school.
Tessa Towers, Batavia
College: Wisconsin
Position: Center
Quote: “I just wanted to go to a school where there’s a good coaching staff and there’s coaches who care about their players … all their players told me that that they do deeply care,” Towers told Illinois-Basketball.com in the summer.
NLI signing season is here! Here’s are first two. Girls basketball players Claire Nazos to Dubuque and Tessa Towers to Wisconsin. Great job Bulldogs! pic.twitter.com/FwC0m4PlET
— BataviaAthletics (@BataviaAthletic) November 10, 2021

Morgan Demos, Benet
College: Navy
Position: Forward
Quote: “Everything about that trip felt right,” Demos told Illinois-Basketball.com. “I met some of the players on the team. I saw the court. I saw what they had to offer with the campus.“
🚨🚨 IT’S OFFICIAL!! 🚨🚨
— Benet Girls Basketball (@BenetGBB) November 10, 2021
Morgan Demos has made her commitment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Morgan, we are so proud of you and can’t wait to cheer you on at Navy!! 🤩🏀 @modemos_ pic.twitter.com/n3gjbqV4cG
Ella Lune, Brimfield
College: Eastern Illinois
Position: Forward
It’s Official! National Signing Day for Ella!
— Karen Lune (@karen_lune) November 10, 2021
Eastern Illinois University
Proud To Be A Panther! pic.twitter.com/G0WDxygzpj
Camille Jackson, Butler College Prep
College: Illinois
Position: Guard
Notes: Had offers from DePaul, Louisville, Arizona State, Marquette, Mississippi State, Missouri, Penn State and others.

Tatiana Thomas, Bolingbrook
College: Kent State
Position: Forward
Quote: “I just had a lot of different schools talking to me so I wasn’t pinpoint on one school,” Thomas told Illinois-Basketball.com in July. “But once I visited them, I liked the coaches. They were really nice, kind and genuine. I got to hang out with the girls and they were super sweet, and I would ask them questions and I feel like they told me how it was. Some people just gaslight you … I feel like they were pretty truthful … it seems like a good place to call home.”
Congratulations to Senior Tatiana Thomas on signing her National Letter of Intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Kent State University!!! #TheBrook is proud of you!!! Looking forward to a great Girls Basketball season! #RaiderPride pic.twitter.com/0bT9ybV5bN
— BHS Athletics (@BHSRaiders) November 9, 2021
Grace Sullivan, Carmel Catholic
College: Bucknell
Position: Center
Thank you so much!🧡💙 https://t.co/UUyl8PSchr
— Grace Sullivan (@GraceSu85060009) November 11, 2021
Alecia Doyle, Carterville
College: Southeast Missouri State
Position: Guard
https://twitter.com/officialsemowbb/status/1458611330789822468
Elle Evans, Edwardsville
College: North Dakota State
Position: Wing/Guard
Quote: “Elle has a very quick release and will be a prolific three-point shooter for us, but is also capable of putting the ball on the floor and making plays at the rim,” NDSU coach Jory Collins said in a press release. “Her ability to guard almost all positions defensively is also a plus for our versatility on that end. I think the thing that stands out most about Elle is that she wants to be great. She is coming to NDSU with a very clear picture of the career she wants to have and the legacy she wants to leave. Her maturity and focus will allow her to impact our team immediately when she gets here.”
so excited!!!🤘🏼🤘🏼 https://t.co/tgHwREq2K8
— Elle Evans (@elleevans21) November 10, 2021
Macy Silvey, Edwardsville
College: SIUE
Position: Guard
Quote: “I really enjoy playing basketball at a fast pace, and that is how coach (Samantha Quigley Smith) likes to coach as well,” Silvey told Illinois-Basketball.com in August. “From what I’ve seen so far, the team feels like I would really fit in there which also helps. It helps that the coaches really believe in me, and I think they think I will come in and help shape their program.”
Sydney Harris, Edwardsville
College: Central Michigan
Position: Forward
Notes: Held offers from Cleveland State, Indiana State, Evansville, Murray State, Wichita State, SIUE, Drake, Loyola Bradley and SIU according to the Edwardsville Intelligencer.
'Super exciting' day for Harris, CMU https://t.co/SHMw2sNoLd) via @theintelligencer
— Matthew Kamp (@kamper317) November 11, 2021
Brianna Wooldridge, Fremd
College: IUPUI
Position: Forward
Notes: Has played at Lincoln-Way West and Fremd, as well as for Example Sports. Considered Top 10 prospect in Class of 2022 by several recruiting services.
your girl is signed @IUPUI_WBB @wfhoops1 pic.twitter.com/03F0Hrgmu0
— Brianna Wooldridge (@briwooldridge) November 10, 2021
Kammie Ludwig, Geneseo
College: Providence
Position: Guard
https://twitter.com/ladyleafbball/status/1458884451384111109?s=21
Brooke Blumenfeld, Glenbrook North
College: Northern Illinois
Position: Forward
Quote: “They play fast, they like to push it up the court,” Blumenfeld told Illinois-Basketball.com this summer. “I really wanted to make sure that the school I committed to would allow me to, if I got a rebound, take it and go. … That’s my thing, I’m six foot and I can handle the ball. And I wanted to make sure I wasn’t stuck down low in the five position all game. And the way they run their offense, they’ll allow me to do that.”
Officially official #SigningDay2021 A dream true❤️🐺 @GoHuskiesWBB pic.twitter.com/6H5eJOqYF4
— Brooke Blumenfeld (@Brooke_blume) November 10, 2021
Brianna McDaniel, Kenwood
College: Texas A&M
Position: Guard/Wing
Quote: “I knew that that was the best fit for me because after I hurt myself, they called me to check on me, see the things I needed, asked some of the trainers to give me some information,” McDaniel told Illinois-Basketball.com. “They were really hands-on. Even though I wasn’t physically with them, they were really hands-on with my injury and I really appreciated that. I love the team so much. They called me while I was going through [my recovery] … they checked on me, texted me after I had surgery … they gave me a family-type of vibe and I appreciated that.”
Let’s do it aggie land ❤️❤️ https://t.co/55jkadGoDj
— Brianna McDaniel (@bri_doll23) November 10, 2021
Whitney Dunn, Kenwood
College: Loyola
Position: Guard
Notes: Held offers from Valparaiso, Central Michigan, Cleveland State, UIC, Coppin State, Chicago State, Indiana State, UMKC, SIU, Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
We are thrilled to officially welcome Chicago native Whitney Dunn (@whittt24) of @BleedGbb to the @RamblersWBB family!#OnwardLU #MVCWBB pic.twitter.com/yDGAV8a0Zj
— Loyola Women's Basketball (@RamblersWBB) November 10, 2021
Emily Pape, Maine South
College: Cornell
Position: Wing/Forward
Quote: “The coaches and players have made the decision so easy because on the unofficial visit I had just met the coaches,” Pape told Illinois-Basketball.com. “The players weren’t there yet. They were awesome. They were super welcoming. On the official visit I had met the players and hung out with them for the day and they were super cool.”
A huge congrats to @emilypape_ as she signed her NLI to play basketball at @cornellwbball ! We are so happy for you Emily! You’ve earned it. pic.twitter.com/vRdDaCRLdi
— Maine South Girls' Basketball (@MaineSouthGBB) November 10, 2021
Bella Finnegan, Mother McAuley
College: Indiana State
Position: Guard/Wing
Notes: Averaged 11 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2 assists per game and made 24 3-pointers in 15 games per The Beverly Review.
Officially official!!!! 💙@MightyMacBball @LadyLightningIL @IndStWBB pic.twitter.com/gy2PBXcCrk
— Bella Finnegan (@bellafinnegann) November 10, 2021
Kenzie Hare, Naperville North
College: St. Louis
Position: Guard
Quote: “The way they recruited me made me feel comfortable,” Hare told Illinois-Basketball.com. “I have a great relationship with the staff. I talk to the head coach, coach (Lisa) Stone, every Sunday at 7 (p.m.). That’s been going on for over a year-and-a-half now. Definitely felt comfortable making that decision early.”
🚨It’s official!! NLI signing for @anicetohope - SUNY Canton and @kenzie_hare12 to - St. Louis University! Congrats gals! So proud of you ladies! 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/ew5WMS0N8w
— NN Huskie Girls Basketball (@BballNnhs) November 11, 2021
Simone Sawyer, Stevenson
College: Penn
Position: Guard
Huge congratulations to both @AvaBardic and @SimoneSawyerrr on their commitments! 🖊 Wonderful ambassadors of our program! 🏀 @PennWBB @UISWBB pic.twitter.com/PPjJNKQ3Uy
— Stevenson Girls' Basketball (@SHS_girlshoops) November 10, 2021
Faith Feuerbach, Sycamore
College: St. Thomas
Position: Guard/Wing
Notes: Interstate 8 co-MVP as a junior.
@FaithFeuerbach signs her NLI to continue her education and basketball career for @USTTommiesWBB ! Congratulations to Faith and her family! @dc_preps @SycamoreHS pic.twitter.com/k7HK1NG57r
— Sycamore Athletics (@SycoSpartans) November 10, 2021
Joy Bergstrom, St. Viator
College: South Dakota
Position: Guard
Notes: Held offers from likes of Akron, St. Louis, UMKC, Valparaiso and UAB.
Joy Bergstrom officially commits to @SDCoyotesWBB!!!! #GoYotes #GoLions https://t.co/hgHe8TLvij
— Saint Viator GBB (@ViatorGBB) November 10, 2021
Sophie Sullivan, Willowbrook
College: SIUE
Position: Guard
Quote: “I absolutely loved SIUE right when I stepped on campus,” Sullivan told Illinois-Basketball.com in August. “Edwardsville is a really beautiful town I would say. I feel like no one really knows it until you get there. It just gave me a feeling of home, and I knew I could end up going there. I’ve also known coach Quigley for a long time. She’s seen me play since I was a freshman at Montini. She’s such a nice person. I can’t wait to learn more from her experiences as a player and a person because we played the same position.”
it’s officially official!!❤️🤍 @SIUEWBB @LadyWarriors4 @WB_ATHLETICS pic.twitter.com/vK82ufG8rP
— Sophie Sullivan (@SophieSully3) November 11, 2021
Division II Signings From Illinois
Avery Larson, Antioch
College: Truman State
Position: Forward/Center
Big thanks to everyone who has been along side me on this exciting journey. So excited to officially be a bulldog!! Also big congrats to everyone that signed today, I wish you all the best of luck in college!! @CoachTheoDean @CoachAmyBriggs @Truman_WBB @TrumanState @SequoitsScore pic.twitter.com/VFPz0A2G2B
— Avery Larson (@averyyyl4) November 10, 2021
Amanda Hansen, Fenwick
College: Adelphi
Position: Forward
Friar Nation is so proud of you @Amanda_20222 ! Especially your Fenwick basketball family!! 🏀Congratulations! #SigningDay @AdelphiWBB pic.twitter.com/TNzR7jh0xe
— Fenwick Girls Basketball (@friargirlsbball) November 10, 2021
Mya Davidson, Harlem
College: Lindenwood
Position: Forward/Wing
Quote: “That’s what Lindenwood was for me when I first set foot on campus, it … really felt like home,” Davidson told Illinois-Basketball.com in July.
𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝. 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝.
— Lindenwood Women’s Basketball (@LindenwoodWBB) November 11, 2021
Help us welcome @Mya_Davidson_3 to the lion family as she ✍️ today. pic.twitter.com/32BHpNK424
Oliva Mezan, Lyons Township
College: Missouri-St. Louis
Position: Guard
Signing day celebrating these 3 amazing student-athletes!!! @HaileyMarkworth on her way to @WinonaStateWBB, @MezanOlivia to @umsl, and Izzy Lee to @IlliniSoccer. These 3 are relentless workers and committed to compete; all 3 schools got great ones! #LTPride pic.twitter.com/REJW2jvydr
— LT Girls Basketball (@LTHSGirlsBBall) November 10, 2021
Hailey Markworth, Lyons Township
College: Winona State
Position: Point Guard/Shooting Guard
Notes: 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game as a junior.
Signing day celebrating these 3 amazing student-athletes!!! @HaileyMarkworth on her way to @WinonaStateWBB, @MezanOlivia to @umsl, and Izzy Lee to @IlliniSoccer. These 3 are relentless workers and committed to compete; all 3 schools got great ones! #LTPride pic.twitter.com/REJW2jvydr
— LT Girls Basketball (@LTHSGirlsBBall) November 10, 2021
Ava Bardic, Stevenson
College: Illinois-Springfield
Position: Guard
Huge congratulations to both @AvaBardic and @SimoneSawyerrr on their commitments! 🖊 Wonderful ambassadors of our program! 🏀 @PennWBB @UISWBB pic.twitter.com/PPjJNKQ3Uy
— Stevenson Girls' Basketball (@SHS_girlshoops) November 10, 2021
Division III Signings From Illinois
Laura Mahlum, Barrington
College: Illinois Wesleyan
Position: Guard/Wing
Officially official💙💙 @UD_WBB pic.twitter.com/q73kqyQC82
— Claire Nazos (@ClaireNazos) November 10, 2021
Claire Nazos, Batavia
College: Dubuque
Position: Guard
Notes: Played for Illinois Lady Lightning program for 6 years.
Officially official💙💙 @UD_WBB pic.twitter.com/q73kqyQC82
— Claire Nazos (@ClaireNazos) November 10, 2021
Myah Udell, Harlem
College: Rockford
Position: Guard
Sara Balli, Lake Park
College: Illinois Wesleyan
Position: Point Guard
Notes: First-team all-conference in the DuKane as a junior.
Can’t wait for the next 4!!💚💚 #Official pic.twitter.com/QawQ4dnPRi
— sara balli (@sara_balli) November 10, 2021
Hope Anecito, Naperville North
College: SUNY Canton
Position: Guard
🚨It’s official!! NLI signing for @anicetohope - SUNY Canton and @kenzie_hare12 to - St. Louis University! Congrats gals! So proud of you ladies! 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/ew5WMS0N8w
— NN Huskie Girls Basketball (@BballNnhs) November 11, 2021
Megan Duzansky, Providence Catholic
College: Benedictine
Position: Forward/Center
Congrats to these Celtics on #nationalsigningday, as they commit to their future universities for collegiate athletics!
— Providence Catholic (@PCHS_Celtics) November 11, 2021
Megan Duzansky of Mokena committed to Benedictine University to continue playing basketball. @BenUEagles @BenU1887
Read more at https://t.co/TSGxTEo3oz. pic.twitter.com/J4pY2lVwoe
Laurelei Thormeyer, Providence Catholic
College: St. Francis (IL)
Position: Guard
Congrats to these Celtics on #nationalsigningday, as they commit to their future universities for collegiate athletics!
— Providence Catholic (@PCHS_Celtics) November 11, 2021
Laurelei Thormeyer of Frankfort committed to the University of St. Francis to continue playing basketball.@USFSaints
Read more at https://t.co/TSGxTEo3oz. pic.twitter.com/2kaWRnkTA7
Christina Simonetti, Resurrection College Prep
College: Dubuque
Position: Forward
Payton Jacob, St. Joseph-Ogden
College: Illinois Wesleyan
Position: Guard
Congrats to Payton Jacob! Payton just signed to play girls basketball at Illinois Wesleyan University next school year. We are so proud of you Payton! @Maroon_Platoon @Stjosephrecord @sjodaily @SJOSportsPage @ngpreps @WCIA3Bret pic.twitter.com/qvSVEvOGM1
— SJO AD (@SJOsports) November 10, 2021
Annika Gustafson, Warren
College: UW-La Crosse
Position: Center
Big congrats to Annika Gustafson on signing today to further her basketball career at UW La Crosse! We are so proud of you! pic.twitter.com/jhtIKOpAAO
— WTHS Girls basketball (@GirlsWths) November 10, 2021