Women's Basketball Announces 2021 Signing Class

DEPOSITS FOR NEW SEASON TICKETS FOR THE 2021-22 UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PROGRAM ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED! CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DEPOSIT TODAY.

April 27, 2021

CINCINNATI – When the 2021-22 season gets underway, the University of Cincinnati women's basketball roster will feature eight new faces.

Clarissa Craig and Braylyn Milton were announced back in November during the early signing period. The additional six newcomers include four transfers and two international players who will join the eight current members of the team in building upon the growth of the program under Head Coach Michelle Clark-Heard.

In three seasons, Coach Clark-Heard has guided the program to 54 wins, including back-to-back 20 win seasons and the program's first conference tournament final appearance in 17 years, from 2018-20.
 
"I am excited to announce our 2021 signing class," Clark-Heard said. "My staff and I have worked hard to identify & recruit student-athletes that will represent Cincinnati women's basketball and help take this program to another level. They are all quality young women that understand my vision for this program & are excited to put in the work to compete for championships. We have signed a well rounded class and one of my biggest takeaways is the competitive nature and winning characteristics they all share.  We have added size, athleticism, & players that can score in multiple ways. We will have a good balance of returners and newcomers. We can't wait to show Bearcats Nation the future ahead."
 
Get to know the newest members of the programs with their list of accomplishments below: 
 
EMERITA MASHAIRE Height: 6-0
Position: Wing
Hometown: Helsinki, Finland
School: HBA Marsky / Finland U20 National Team
Notable Stats:

• World School Championship Gold Medal
• European Championship Division B Gold Medal
• Finnish Championship Bronze
• Finland U15, U16, U18 Teams

Coach Clark-Heard on Emerita: "Emerita is a strong and skilled wing that can shoot the three and knows how to score.  She has played at a high level on the international stage and her experiences playing on the Finland National Team will be invaluable as Emerita transitions to playing here in the states.  She has a winner's mentality, works hard & competes in everything that she does."  
 
LOJAIN ELFATAIRY Height: 5-5
Position: Point Guard
Hometown: Giza, Egypt
School: Smart Village School / Egypt U17 National Team
Notable Stats:

• Best 3pt shooter award in Africa (African U16 Championship)
• Egyptian U16 National Team 

Coach Clark-Heard on Lojain: "Logi is a smart, savvy, and quick point guard that brings international playing experience.  She has competed with the Egyptian National Team for several years and has experienced success on many levels.  She has great court vision and can knock down the 3. Logi's ability to push the ball in transition fits perfectly into our style of play."
AKIRA LEVY Height: 5'7
Position: Point Guard
Hometown: Baxter, Tennessee
School: Upperman HS / Vanderbilt
Notable Stats:

• SEC All-Freshman Team
• ESPN: #67 Nationally; #18 PG Nationally
• 2-time Miss Basketball (Tennessee) and 2-time AA State Champ

Coach Clark-Heard on Akira: "Akira is a winner and has experienced success at every level as a player.  She is a tremendous leader and plays the game with a love that is contagious.  Her passion & love for the game mirrors that of a champion.  Akira has tremendous IQ and has the ability to impact the game on multiple levels.  Her energy and enthusiasm will make her a fan favorite.  I am ecstatic to finally coach her and we are looking forward to doing big things"
NEVAEH DEAN Height: 6-2
Position: Forward/Center
Hometown: West Chester, Ohio
School: Lakota West HS / Virginia Tech
Notable Stats:

• ESPN: #23 Forward; 90 ranking
• Collegiate Girls Basketball Report: #165 Nationally; #30 Forward
• 93-13 record at Lakota West; 2nd in career rebounds; 3rd in career blocked shots

Coach Clark-Heard on Nevaeh: "Nevaeh is a Cincinnati native that we are so excited to welcome back home.  She experienced a great deal of success in high school at Lakota West & truly understands what it takes to be a winner.  Nevaeh is a tireless worker and takes a tremendous amount of pride in the 'little things'.  She is always willing to take a charge or secure the game winning rebound.  I know that our Cincinnati fanbase will be excited to welcome back one of our own!" MALEA WILLIAMS Height: 6'4
Position: Forward
Hometown: Georgetown, Kentucky
School: Scott County HS / Louisville
Notable Stats:

• All Star Girls Report: #119 Nationally
• Collegiate Girls Basketball Report: #120 Nationally; #12 Small Forward

Coach Clark-Heard on Malea: "Malea is a long, athletic stretch forward who can drain 3s from deep.  She gained invaluable experience playing at Louisville last year and being a part of a Top 5 program in the country.  Her size, athleticism, and ability to score makes her a tough match-up and I look forward to her bringing that winning mentality to our program." TAZIAH JENKS Height: 6'1
Position: Wing
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
School: Mercy Academy / West Virginia
Notable Stats:

• ESPN: #29 Wing; 90 ranking
• Collegiate Girls Basketball Report: #123 Nationally; #27 Shooting Guard
• All Star Girls Report: #144 Nationally

Coach Clark-Heard on Taziah: "Taziah is a wing with great size and athleticism.  She is extremely versatile and can score the basketball in a variety of ways.  Her length on the wing, her ability to get to the rim, and shoot the 3 will allow her to be very successful in our system.  Taziah also brings a winning mentality from high school and college, this mindset will help us build towards our ultimate goal." 

FOLLOW THE BEARCATS
For all the latest information on Cincinnati women's basketball, please visit GoBEARCATS.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow Cincinnati WBB (@GoBearcatsWBB) and Coach Michelle Clark-Heard (@Coachheard) on Twitter. You can also follow the team on Facebook and Instagram.