GARY, Ind. — The Indiana University Northwest women's basketball team enters the 2026-27 season with a blend of returning experience and new talent as the RedHawks prepare for a 28-game regular season and another campaign in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Head coach Nicki Monahan-Keith enters her third season leading IU Northwest after guiding the RedHawks to a 23-8 record and their sixth NAIA Women's Basketball National Tournament appearance in 2024-25. With five players returning and several newcomers joining the roster, IU Northwest will look to build chemistry and establish itself as a contender in the CCAC.
Leading the returning group is Ava Kingery, who brings experience from the RedHawks' 2024-25 national tournament team. Kingery started all 27 games last season, finishing with 265 points, 83 rebounds, 62 assists and 35 steals. She also connected on 56 3-pointers, ranking among the program's top single-season performers from beyond the arc.
Isabella Soria returns after playing in 13 games during her freshman season and earning CCAC All-Freshman Team honors. Soria averaged 9.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, totaling 119 points, 49 rebounds and 36 assists. Her recognition among the conference's top first-year players provides another promising foundation for the RedHawks heading into the new season.
Gracie Little also returns after averaging 8.0 points per game in 21 appearances. Little recorded 167 points, 43 rebounds and 54 assists while shooting 43% from the field. Her ability to contribute as a scorer and playmaker will give IU Northwest another experienced option in the backcourt.
Aniyah Hinton-Henry returns after appearing in 26 games last season, totaling 72 points, 53 rebounds, 18 assists and 15 steals. She averaged 2.8 points and 2.0 rebounds per game while continuing to develop within the RedHawks' system.
Rounding out the returning group is Deniza Fuentes, who appeared in 11 games and recorded 19 points, 11 rebounds and 16 assists. With another offseason in the program, Fuentes will look to build on that experience and contribute to the team's depth.
The RedHawks will also welcome several newcomers expected to make an impact. Freshman Jordan Steele has stood out during practices and scrimmages and is expected to compete for important minutes. Transfers Nia Allen, Ciara Bonner and Aaliyah Keil will also be counted on for key contributions as IU Northwest works to integrate its returning players with its incoming talent.
"We have a strong blend of returning talent and incoming players whom we expect to impact our program significantly," Monahan-Keith noted. "Ava gained invaluable experience with our national tournament squad two years ago and has leveraged that leadership to guide this year's team. Bella earned CCAC All-Freshman Team honors despite playing only half of last season. Meanwhile, Gracie, Aniyah, and Deniza have another year of system experience under their belts and have shown exceptional dedication this offseason. Among our newcomers, freshman Jordan Steele had a standout offseason and continues to transition seamlessly into college basketball, while transfers Nia Allen, Ciara Bonner, and Aaliyah Keil bring crucial junior college experience. As this group continues to build chemistry, we expect to grow into a strong contender in the CCAC."
IU Northwest opens the regular season Oct. 28 on the road against Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, before traveling to Spring Arbor University on Oct. 31. The RedHawks will then compete in the ONU Classic in Bourbonnais, Illinois, Nov. 6-7, facing Grace College and Bethel University at neutral sites.
The RedHawks will make their home debut Nov. 11 against Saint Xavier University at Savannah Center Gymnasium. Other key matchups include contests against the University of St. Francis and Olivet Nazarene University in November, along with two meetings against Indiana University South Bend — on the road Nov. 14 and at home Jan. 20.
The schedule includes 13 home games, 13 road games and two neutral-site contests, giving IU Northwest opportunities to compete across the region while preparing for the challenges of conference play.
The RedHawks will close the regular season Feb. 20 at Savannah Center Gymnasium against Judson University. The contest will also serve as Senior Day, providing an opportunity to recognize the team's graduating student-athletes.
With a mix of returning contributors, conference recognition and newcomers expected to play significant roles, IU Northwest will look to strengthen its team chemistry and build momentum throughout the 2026-27 campaign.
The regular season begins Oct. 28 at Cornerstone University.
Stay up to date with IU Northwest Women's Basketball via social media at @iun_wbb
