By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst

May 28, 2026

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Just when it appears Illinois women’s basketball has finished building its roster for next season, another addition arrives for head coach Shauna Green and the Illini.

Illinois announced the signing of Ona Riopedre, a 6-foot guard from Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg, New Jersey. The addition comes as somewhat of a surprise because the Illini already appear loaded in the backcourt heading into the upcoming season.

Illinois returns standout freshman guard Destiny Jackson along with Jasmine Brown-Hagger and Aaliyah Guyton. The Illini also bring back key reserve Maddie Webber, one of the team’s top contributors off the bench, and Gretchen Dolan, who is returning from a knee injury. Illinois also added former LSU transfer and former five-star guard Divine Bourrage during the offseason.

Even with the depth at guard, Green and her staff continued to add experience and versatility to the roster.

Riopedre appeared in and started five games before missing the remainder of the season because of an injury. During those appearances, she averaged 12.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.0 steals while playing 33 minutes per game.

Green said Riopedre’s versatility and scoring ability made her an attractive addition to the program.

“I am so excited to have Ona join our famILLy! Ona is long and versatile. She scored the ball at a high level in her freshman season and will add depth to our backcourt. We can't wait for Ona to get here and get to work!” Green said in a statement.

Injuries affected Illinois at multiple positions last season, which makes adding experienced depth even more important entering the new year. The Illini also recently added 6-foot-4 post player Lana Brenjo from Nevesinje, Bosnia. Brenjo is considered a mobile post player who is comfortable playing both inside and on the perimeter.

For Riopedre, the combination of academics and basketball made Illinois the right fit.

“I chose Illinois because it's the perfect place for me to grow as both a student and athlete. I am excited to be a part of The Grainger College of Engineering while competing at the highest level on the court. The welcoming energy and connection with the staff made me realize there is no better place to challenge myself and contribute to this amazing program,” Riopedre said in a release.

With another skilled guard joining an already talented roster, Illinois continues to position itself as one of the deeper teams in the Big Ten heading into next season.

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Email: KedIlliniGuys@gmail.com