Women's Basketball | July 22

DeKalb, IL – NIU Women's Basketball Head Coach Jacey Brooks has brought in four freshmen for the upcoming 2026-27 season. This quartet brings distinguished accolades to the Huskies' roster as it embarks on its first season in the Horizon League.
 
Emma Close is a 5'7" guard from Wauwatosa, Wis. Close led her high school, Wauwatosa East, to a 29-1 record and the WIAA Division I state championship game in 2026. She averaged 13.5 points, 2.4 assists and 2.2 steals per game and was an All-State selection. Close averaged 14.5 points per game and shot 46.0 percent from the three-point line in leading the Red Raiders to the 2025 Wisconsin Division 2 state title, earning All-State accolades. Wauwatosa East had a 96-19 record and three state tournament appearances in Close's high school career.
 
Brooks on Emma Close: "Emma is a winner who knows what it takes for a team to be successful. She has an unselfish approach and does a great job of getting her teammates involved, all while being a consistent threat from the three-point line. Her ability to stretch the defense with her quick release and deep range will be key for us this season." 

 
Laniah Davis is a 5'7" guard from Michigan City, Ind. She holds Marquette Catholic High School's career scoring record with 2,100 points as well as the career steals record at 345. As a senior Davis led the Blazers to a 23-4 record and a sectional championship while averaging 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.4 steals per game. She was a nominee for the 2026 McDonald's All-America Game and selected to the Indiana-Kentucky All Star series. Davis is a three-time Associated Press All-State selection.
 
Brooks on Laniah Davis: "We are thrilled that Laniah is a Huskie. She is a strong, versatile guard who has the ability to finish at the rim and shoot from beyond the arc. She is a difficult matchup for opponents and her work ethic and passion for the game will make an immediate impact on our program. The energy she plays with is contagious, especially on the defensive end of the floor."

 
Komari Booker is a 6'1" forward from Indianapolis, Ind. She averaged 8.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game as a senior, leading Pike High School to a sectional championship. Booker is sixth all-time on the Red Devils' career rebounds list with 662. She was an AP high honorable mention All-State selection as well as a two-time IBCA Large School All-State honoree. Like Davis, Pike was also selected for the Indiana-Kentucky All Star series.
 
Brooks on Komari Booker: "We are better on both ends of the floor with Komari. She's a high energy player who can defend multiple positions and rebounds at a high level. On the offensive end she creates matchup problems that will work to our advantage. She attacks the basket with confidence and finishes well around the rim, making her a dynamic presence on the floor."

 
Fiona Madigan is a 5'9" guard from North Bay, Ontario, Canada. She played her prep basketball at Orangeville Prep and was the 2025 recipient of the Mort Fellman Award from the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame as Female Athlete of the Year. Madigan played AAU basketball for the Kia Nurse Elite club in the Nike EYBL circuit.
 
Brooks on Fiona Madigan: "Fiona embodies everything we stand for here at NIU. She's a hard worker who competes at a high level every day. Her athleticism and knowledge of the game will allow her to play multiple positions for us. She is the ultimate team player and we are excited she is a part of our program."