BRONX, N.Y. – Entering her third season at the helm of Fordham University's women's basketball program, Head Coach Bridgette Mitchell continues to elevate the Rams to new heights. Under her leadership, she has improved its record each year and consistently exceeded preseason conference predictions. Now, as momentum builds, Coach Mitchell has brought in five high-impact transfers joining the roster for the 2025–26 season.
Ornella "Lala" Niankan | Graduate | Forward | 6'0 | Montreal, Quebec, Canada
After spending her freshman season at Odessa College in Texas, where she earned All-Conference honors, Ornella "Lala" Niankan spent the past three years at Wichita State, emerging as a reliable and experienced presence on the court. During her senior campaign, she started all but three games, averaging 3.6 rebounds per contest, and pulled down five or more boards in nearly half of her 31 appearances. The 6'0" forward from Montreal, Canada, also chipped in 4.4 points per game, with a season-high 12 points and five rebounds against Oral Roberts, and a season-best eight rebounds in a win over Western Kentucky. As a junior, Niankan recorded a career-high 16 points and came just shy of a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds against Atlantic 10 opponent Saint Louis.
"During my time in JUCO, I earned All-Conference honors, and over the past few years, I naturally stepped into a leadership role because of my experience and position on the team," Niankan said. "I'm someone who leads by example, and I look forward to continuing that here at Fordham, especially stepping into my fifth year."
Coach B on Niankan: "Lala brings a wealth of experience and a high basketball IQ to our team," said Head Coach Bridgette Mitchell. "She's an explosive, versatile player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor, guarding multiple positions and creating mismatches. Her knack for rebounding will give us extra possessions, and her energy and passion are contagious. The Herd is going to love the intensity she brings every time she steps on the court!"
Ugne Sirtautaite | Junior | Forward | 6'1 | Kaunas, Lithuania
Following her sophomore season at Providence College, Ugne Sirtautaite brings international experience and championship pedigree to the Rams. The Kaunas, Lithuania native appeared in 19 games for the Friars in 2024–25, making the most of her time by averaging 1.3 points on 11-of-30 shooting and collecting 18 rebounds. While her collegiate role is still developing, Sirtautaite has already made a name for herself on the international stage. She most recently represented Lithuania at the 2024 FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket, averaging an impressive 9.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, including standout double-doubles with 12 points and 16 rebounds against Israel and 16 points and 10 rebounds against Latvia.
Her international resume includes a gold medal at the 2022 U18 Women's European Championship, where she averaged 12.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest. She also earned a silver medal at the U16 European Championship in 2019 and is a two-time Lithuanian Women's League Champion. A former team captain for Kauno Žalgirio krepšinio akademija, Sirtautaite arrives in the Bronx with a winning mentality and proven leadership experience on and off the court.
"I chose Fordham because it felt like the perfect fit and immediately felt like home," Sirtautaite said. "Coach B, the team, the campus, and the location are all amazing, and it aligns perfectly with my academic and athletic goals. I was especially drawn to how the team plays tough, smart, and with great energy. I can't wait to grow here, contribute to something special, and have fun while winning."
Coach B on Sirtautaite: "Ugne's physicality and soft touch around the rim will immediately strengthen our presence in the paint and provide valuable depth to our frontcourt," said Head Coach Bridgette Mitchell. "Her international experience with the Lithuanian national team has prepared her well for the physicality, pace, and competitiveness of the Atlantic 10. She's battle-tested and ready to contribute."
Lakresha Edwards | Junior | Guard | 6'0 | Chilliwack, British Columbia
Lakresha Edwards arrives in the Bronx following a solid sophomore season at Miami (OH), where she appeared in 29 games and made the most of her time off the bench. A sharpshooter with range, Edwards shot 38.5% from the field and 35.1% from three-point territory, with the majority of her attempts coming from beyond the arc. The Chilliwack, British Columbia native tallied double figures in three games, including a standout 10-point performance on 4-of-7 shooting against Atlantic 10 foe Duquesne in the second round of the WNIT. She also contributed on the glass, recording at least one rebound in 14 appearances.
Before college, Edwards built an impressive resume as a two-time team captain at Fort Erie International Academy and Abbotsford Senior Secondary. She was named a BioSteel All-Canadian in 2023, one of the highest honors for high school players in Canada. A seasoned competitor with deep playoff experience, Edwards earned First-Team All-Star honors in multiple tournaments, including the Bateman Classic, Eastern Valley Athletic Association (EVAA) Championship, Provincial Championship, Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association (OSBA), and the Battle in the Fort. Her leadership, long-range shooting, and winning mentality will make her a valuable addition to the Rams.
"I chose Fordham because it felt like the right place for me both on and off the court," Edwards said. "Coach B's vision and the team's competitive spirit really stood out. I'm excited to contribute my shooting and energy to help the Rams win, and I look forward to growing as a player and person in this program."
Coach B on Edwards: "Kre brings valuable size and a reliable shooting touch from beyond the arc, making our offense more difficult to defend," said Head Coach Bridgette Mitchell. "Her strong work ethic and passion for the game are evident in how much she loves being in the gym. Those traits align perfectly with the culture we have established here at Fordham."
Alexis Black | Junior | Guard | 5'9" | Washington, D.C.
Alexis Black, a Washington D.C. native, joins the Rams after two productive years at Appalachian State. During her time, Black appeared in 59 games with 17 starts, averaging 9.5 points per game on 35.6% shooting from the field and 32.4% from three-point range. She also contributed 151 rebounds (2.6 per game) and 1.2 assists per contest, with a career-best 44 assists last year. A reliable 77.2% free throw shooter, Black posted a career-high 24 points against Marshall and dished out five assists in a game versus Atlantic 10 foe Richmond during her sophomore year.
Black's basketball journey began at Word of Life Christian Academy, where she averaged 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists her senior year, earning a 2022 Washington Post All-Met honorable mention and a spot on the 2021 VISAA All-Conference team. She made her collegiate debut against EKU on November 11, playing 27 games and starting once as a freshman while averaging 6.1 points per game. She scored a career-high 18 points against Coastal Carolina and ranked fourth on the team in free throw percentage (.796).
In her sophomore season, Black nearly doubled her scoring output with 303 points, ranking third on the team with 9.5 points per game. She recorded double-digit scoring in 15 games, led the Mountaineers in points in two contests, and set a career-high six steals against Texas State. Her consistent improvement and all-around game make her a dynamic addition for the Rams.
"As much as I love the game of basketball, it was Coach B and the staff that caught my attention. I could immediately feel the positive energy and the care the staff has for each and every one of their players," Black said. "I gravitated towards their honesty and transparency and their willingness to guide me to become a great young woman. I thank Cocah B and the rest of the staff for this opportunity to be a student-athlete here at Fordham!"
Coach B on Black: "Lex is a talented player who has had strong seasons at Appalachian State," said Head Coach Bridgette Mitchell. "She's ready to keep growing both on and off the court. She adds valuable depth to our backcourt and has the skills and toughness to excel in the Atlantic 10."
Tia Morgan | Graduate | Guard | 5'8" | Chicago, Ill.
Tia Morgan brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Rams, having played in 28 games off the bench during the 2024-25 season, where she scored back-to-back double-digit games against Defiance and No. 15 Kentucky. She contributed key performances throughout the season, including eight points in a road win at IU Indianapolis and six rebounds in 19 minutes during the WNIT Second Round against Old Dominion. Previously, at Arkansas Pine Bluff, Morgan appeared in 15 games with six starts in 2023-24, averaging 4.5 points per game and shooting a career-best 35.1% from three-point range, highlighted by a season-high 13 points versus Texas Southern. In the 2022-23 season, she posted 5.7 points per game over 26 contests, shooting 40.2% from the field and scoring a season-best 15 points twice. Morgan's collegiate career began at Tyler Junior College, where she started half of 32 games in 2021-22, averaging 8.7 points per game while shooting 37.8% from the floor. She played a vital role in leading Tyler to a remarkable 28-8 record and secured the NJCAA National Championship in 2022. A four-time team captain and 2020 MVP, Morgan's consistent excellence extends off the court with three appearances on the Dean's and Honors lists, underscoring her commitment both academically and athletically.
"I chose Fordham because of the amazing coaching staff. I really connected with Coach B during my visit," Morgan said. "I also loved the campus and the environment. I believe Fordham gives me the perfect opportunity to finish my college career the way I want to: as a champion."
Coach B on Morgan: "Tia comes from a winning background and is eager to finish her college career with the Rams," said Head Coach Bridgette Mitchell. "She's a versatile scorer who can attack the basket, shoot from outside, and score in between, all of which will boost our offensive production. Her defensive intensity and work ethic set the tone daily and raise our team's standard."
Stay tuned to FordhamSports.com and the Fordham Women's Basketball social channels throughout the summer for more updates on the 2025-26 campaign.
