Wheeling, W. Va. - The Wheeling University women's basketball team enters the 2026-27 season looking to build on the foundation established during its first year under head coach Ella Skeens. After navigating the highs and lows of last season, the Cardinals return several key contributors while welcoming a talented group of newcomers as they look to climb the Mountain East Conference (MEC) standings.
Wheeling opened last season with a 4-2 record before hitting a difficult stretch during the middle of the schedule. Between December 20 and January 14, the Cardinals battled through a series of tough games, including a triple-overtime loss at Cedarville, a 72-67 setback at West Virginia Wesleyan, a 76-67 home loss to Fairmont State, and a 66-54 defeat against Concord, with a win over Frostburg State mixed into the stretch. The Cardinals eventually found their footing, closing the regular season with five straight wins over Frostburg State (57-48), Concord (84-71), Glenville State (62-50), Point Park (71-56), and rival West Liberty (79-76) on Senior Day. That late-season surge carried Wheeling into the MEC Tournament before its season ended with a 69-55 loss to eventual conference champion Charleston.
Leading the returning group is junior guard Emi Sierra Lacosta, who earned Second Team All-MEC honors after averaging 12.7 points per game last season.
Emma Reynolds also brings experience back to the frontcourt after averaging 5.2 rebounds per game and finishing second on the team with 152 total rebounds.
Layla Merriweather provides another familiar presence after making 16 starts in 18 appearances while shooting 42.5% from the field, 31.8% from three-point range, and 75.8% from the free throw line.
Kaylee Marvin also returns to the program after playing in 26 games as a freshman, including two starts, following a brief stint at Daemen before transferring back to Wheeling during the spring semester.
The Cardinals also welcome an impressive incoming class, highlighted by several accomplished freshmen and an experienced transfer.
Gianna Pompelia arrives from Warren JFK High School after earning Ohio Division VII Player of the Year and First Team All-Ohio honors, averaging 20 points and nine rebounds per game as a senior while surpassing 1,000 career points.
Tia Yellock joins the Cardinals after earning multiple WPIAL First Team All-Section and All-District selections, along with Post-Gazette All-WPIAL recognition during her standout career at Rochester Area High School. Wheeling also adds frontcourt size with 6-foot-1
Sophia Hall and 6-foot-2
Eden DeBord, giving the Cardinals added depth in the post, a position that often proves pivotal in the MEC. The transfer class is led by Izzy Profit, a former Anderson and UVA Wise guard who was ranked as the No. 26 player in Tennessee by Prep Girls Hoops coming out of high school.
With a blend of returning production, added frontcourt size, and an influx of new talent, Wheeling enters year two under Skeens with optimism heading into the new campaign. The Cardinals were picked eighth in the MEC Preseason Coaches Poll. Wheeling opens the 2026-27 season on Monday, Nov. 9, when it welcomes Walsh University to the Alma Grace McDonough Center for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.
