Four players from the UIC women's basketball team have been recognized in the Missouri Valley Conference's 2025-26 Women's Basketball Players to Watch list. The selected athletes are seniors Jessica Carrothers and Amelia Strong, redshirt junior Jaya McClure, and sophomore Samantha Serrano. Coach Ashleen Bracey expressed excitement about their potential impact following a strong preseason. Each player brings significant collegiate experience and proven scoring ability.

By the Numbers
  • Jessica Carrothers led NAIA in scoring with 31.4 points per game during her final season at IU Northwest.
  • Samantha Serrano averaged 19.0 points per game, shooting 41% from the field at Florida Southwestern.
State of Play
  • UIC is looking to build on the momentum from a productive preseason with these key players.
  • The Flames are preparing for a competitive season in the Missouri Valley Conference, with expectations high for the quartet's contribution.
What's Next

The Flames will kick off their season soon, aiming to leverage the skills of these four talented players. There is anticipation around how their experience and scoring capabilities will translate in real game scenarios.

Bottom Line

The addition of these four recognized athletes positions UIC women's basketball as a formidable contender in the upcoming season, underscoring the program's commitment to excellence and competitive readiness.