JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Head coach Addae Houston announced that eight new players have joined the Lincoln women's basketball team for the 2026-27 season. The newcomers include five freshmen, two sophomores and a junior.

Joining the Blue Tigers as freshmen are Makiya Moore, Clara Williams, Kumani Clark, Ava Vanecek and Whitney Smith. Lydia Kemnitzer and Kierstyn Lawson are each sophomores, and Aaliyah Riley enters the program as a junior.

A native of Oklahoma City, Okla., Moore graduated from Putnam City North High School, where she completed her career by being selected to the 2026 Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association All-State team. During her senior campaign, Moore averaged 6.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game and helped lead Putnam City North as it won the 2026 OSSAA Class 6A State Championship.
 
"Makiya adds depth, length, and athleticism to our squad this year," Houston said. "Her ability to rebound, defend multiple positions and score around the basket will provide versatility to our frontcourt." 
 
A 5-foot-6 guard from Tipton, Mo., Williams developed into a standout two-way player whose impact extended well beyond the offensive end of the floor. She finished her high school career with 1,637 points, 689 rebounds and 446 steals. Williams is a two-time state champion, an all-state performer, and a multiple-time all-district and all-conference honoree.  

"Clara brings championship experience and two-way versatility to the guard position," Houston said.
 
A native of Columbia, Mo., Clark is a 6-foot-1 post that graduated from Battle High School. During her senior season, Clark averaged 7.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. She also set a school record with 34 blocks. Clark brings a combination of scoring, rebounding and rim protection to Lincoln's front court.
 
"Kumani has great hands and can facilitate for others with her passing from the post," Houston said. "Her interior scoring, rebounding, and defense will have an impact on both ends of the floor."

Vanecek is a 5-foot-9 guard and graduate of Webster Groves High School. A skilled shooter, Vanecek had a career night where she scored 33 points, connected on five three-pointers and went 9-for-11 from the free-throw line. During her senior season she eclipsed the 1,000-point milestone and was also selected to the Class 5 All-District team. 
 
"Ava has a quick release from three-point range that can stretch the defense," Houston said. "She adds size, shooting and depth to the guard position."
 
Smith is a 5-foot-8 combo guard from Union High School. During her senior season, Smith averaged 10.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, while shooting .428 from the field and .324 from three-point range. Smith was recognized as a first-team all-district performer and was invited to both the Oklahoma Coaches Associate and the Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association All-State Games, events which showcase the area's top high school senior athletes.
 
"Whitney is a versatile guard and great addition to our backcourt," Houston said. "She can quickly convert in transition to facilitate or score."
 
A 5-foot-5 guard, Kemnitzer comes to Lincoln after spending one season at Mineral Area Community College. Kemnitzer appeared in 29 games at Mineral Area, averaging 5.7 points per game while shooting .307 from three-point range. At St. James High School, Kemnitzer was a two-time first team All-Four Rivers Conference selection and a Class 4A All-State honoree. During her senior season, Kemnitzer averaged 17.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.2 steals. 
 
"Lydia is a competitor with collegiate experience that will create depth at the guard position," Houston said. "She is a threat from deep and has good instincts on the defensive end."

Lawson is a 5-foot-6 guard from California, Mo. She earned Tri-County Conference first team honors and all-district recognition during her high school career at California High School. She continued her basketball journey at Stephens College, appearing in 24 games during the 2025–26 season.

"Kierstyn is a player with excellent court vision and a high basketball IQ," Houston said. "She has collegiate experience that will help the development of our backcourt."
 
Riley is a 5-foot-7 guard and native of Des Moines, Iowa. Riley comes to Lincoln after spending one season at Kirkwood Community College. Riley graduated from Johnston High School and led the Dragons to four state championship appearances, capturing two Iowa Class 5A state championships and finishing as the state runner-up twice. She earned three All-CIML accolades, a CIML Central Conference Player of the Year honor and two-time all-district awards, and she was a three-time All-State selection during her high school career. She averaged 8.5 points and 3.1 assists per game while shooting .520 percent from the field
 
"Aaliyah's success and experience will bring so much value to our program," Houston said. "She's quick in transition and has great playmaking ability."

The Blue Tigers will play the University of Missouri in an exhibition game in Columbia, Mo. on Thursday (Oct. 29) at 6:30 p.m. CT, and will host an exhibition contest against William Woods in Jefferson City on Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m. CT. LU will open the 2026-27 season on Monday, Nov. 9, with a trip to Maryville, Mo. to play Northwest Missouri at 5:30 p.m. CT.