MARQUETTE, Mich. – Northern Michigan University women's basketball head coach Casey Thousand has announced the addition of six signees to the program's newest recruiting class. Taylor Gifford, Adysen Fanta, Alli Jirsa, Izzy Ivezaj, Teagan Schoenecker, and Claire VanDamme have all signed National Letters of Intent to join the Wildcats in 2026-27.

"We are absolutely thrilled about our incoming 2026 recruiting class," said Thousand. "Each of these young women embodies the values that define our program, and we can't wait to watch them grow as individuals and teammates. They represent a talented and well-rounded group from across the Midwest region, and we are confident they will make a positive impact within our team while continuing to build our culture of excellence."


Taylor Gifford | 6'0 | Forward | Waukesha West High School (WI)
A versatile forward from Waukesha, Wisconsin, Gifford averaged 12.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per game at Waukesha West. She is a two-time Second Team All-Conference selection and earned a spot on the Classic 8 All-Defensive Team. In the classroom, she's been honored twice with a Scholar-Athlete Award.


Adysen Fanta | 5'9 | Guard | Downers Grove North High School (IL)
Fanta, a guard from Downers Grove, Illinois, averaged 7.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game for Downers Grove North. She earned West Suburban Silver All-Conference honors, along with DuPage County All-Area Honorable Mention recognition. Fanta helped lead her team to two Regional Championships and a West Suburban Silver Conference title.

Off the court, she is heavily involved in leadership and service, serving as Head Ambassador for Morgan's Message, Yearbook Editor-in-Chief, and a National Honor Society member. Fanta's resume also includes multiple academic honors, student council involvement, and community outreach initiatives such as Pretty in Purple, Lights of Love, and Ecard/American Heart Association fundraising.


Alli Jirsa | 5'8 | Point Guard | Verona Area High School (WI)
From Verona, Wisconsin, Jirsa brings an all-around skillset to NMU. She averaged 13.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals per game during her junior season. A consistent performer, Jirsa earned First Team All-Conference and D1 All-State Honorable Mention honors in 2025, in addition to All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition in 2024.

Academically, she owns a 3.97 GPA, is a three-time Academic All-State honoree, and is a National Honor Society member.


Izzy Ivezaj | 6'3 | Center | Stoney Creek High School (MI)
A dominant interior presence from Oakland, Michigan, Ivezaj averaged 7.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game for Stoney Creek. She holds school records for most blocks in a season (86) and most rebounds in a season (223). A four-year varsity player and three-year captain, Ivezaj helped lead her team to MHSAA Division I District and Regional Championships, earning All-Conference honors twice.

Ivezaj is equally accomplished in the classroom and community, serving as a two-time National Honor Society officer, Athletic Leadership Club president, and Student Council representative. She also earned the Michigan Student Leadership Unsung Hero Award and has been a S.A.F.E. Ambassador and Link Crew Leader.


Teagan Schoenecker | 6'1 | Guard/Forward | Oregon High School (WI)
A high-impact two-sport athlete from Oregon, Wisconsin, Schoenecker averaged 19.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last season. She was named First Team All-Conference and All-State Honorable Mention in 2025 after earning All-Conference Honorable Mention the previous year.

Schoenecker also excelled on the soccer field, helping her team win the 2024 State Championship while being named Second Team All-Conference. Academically, she holds a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.


Claire VanDamme | 6'3 | Center | Theodore Roosevelt High School (OH)
Hailing from Kent, Ohio, VanDamme is a skilled post player who averaged 12 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks per game. A five-year letterwinner, she earned All-Suburban League honors in both 2024 and 2025, along with WTCBA and Inland District recognition. VanDamme was also featured on the Prep Hoops Top Performer list and the All-American Watch List.

In the classroom, she boasts a 4.34 GPA and is a National Honor Society member.