Bronx, N.Y. – Fordham women's basketball head coach Bridgette Mitchell has today announced the first three additions to her 2023-24 roster for her inaugural season at the helm of the program – graduate transfers
Kailah Harris (Seton Hall),
Emy Hayford (Pittsburgh), and
Mandy McGurk (Penn) all signed their National Letters of Intent.
Harris, a 6'1 forward/center from nearby Ossining, N.Y., appeared in 40 contests for the Pirates, making one start, with averages of 0.9 points and 1.5 rebounds. She shot 37.8% over her career, including hitting all three attempts from the field last season. A two-time Big East All-Academic selection, she was a four-time All-State, All-Section, All-Conference, and All-League selection at perennial powerhouse Ossining High, finishing as her school's all-time leading rebounder and a 1,000-point scorer.
"I'm thrilled that Kailah is joining our RAMily!" Coach Mitchell said, "Competing in the Big East is no easy task. We are excited about the presence that she will bring to our front court because of her competitive nature and work ethic."
Hayford, a 5'8 guard from Maastricht, Netherlands, appeared in 108 contests for the Panthers, including 46 starts, with averages of 3.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.8 steals over 19.2 minutes for her career. The Dutch International was recently named an All-ACC Academic selection last month. Prior to her arrival at Pitt, Hayford competed at the 2019 FIBA U18 European Championship, averaging 9.4 points and 4.9 rebounds. During Hayford's freshman and sophomore campaigns, Coach Mitchell worked with her as an assistant coach prior to her hiring by Northeastern.
"I'm so excited to get the chance to coach Emy again! Her athleticism and explosiveness really elevates our level of play. Off the court, our fans are going to love her passion for social justice and desire to change the world."
McGurk, a 5'6 guard from West Chester, Pa., appeared in 63 contests, making 46 starts, with the Quakers around the canceled 2020-21 season for all Ivy League schools. For her college career, she has averaged 5.6 points on 35.9% shooting, 2.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 steals. While starting all 29 games last year, she averaged 8.0 points, 3.1 boards (30% coming on the offensive glass), 2.8 assists (to 2.3 turnovers), and 1.7 steals over 31.1 minutes.
"I am so pumped that we are Mandy's last stop! She started every game last season at Penn and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge both on and off the court. Her competitive nature and versatile skillset will really elevate our play."
