LIU Sharks Women’s Basketball Preview: 2024-25
Roster (not yet finalized)
2023-24 Record: 8-22
2023-24: 5th place
LIU Sharks, led by head coach Rene Haynes, are looking to bounce back from an 8-22 season. Entering her fifth season, Haynes, a former assistant at Duke and accomplished coach in the ACC, SEC, and Mid-American conferences, is determined to steer this team upward. The Sharks were tough at home, finishing 6-6 in Brooklyn, but struggled on the road. With no returning player logging over 23 minutes per game last season, the team’s success hinges on several returning and new faces stepping into expanded roles. The Sharks are one of the older NEC teams and have a group of players who have been around college basketball for a long time that should lead them once again into the NEC tournament.
Projected Rotation
Esti Varga (G, Grad.) - Varga returns after missing the 2023-24 season but was a key contributor in 2022-23, averaging 21.3 minutes per game with 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 3.4 points. As a veteran guard, Varga's leadership and playmaking will be crucial to the backcourt. Expect her to anchor the offense and set the tone defensively with her solid all-around game.
Gisela Vazquez Segura (F, Grad.) - A Franklin Pierce transfer, Vazquez Segura brings experience and versatility to the forward position. Last season, she averaged 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5.8 points per game. Her ability to contribute across the board makes her a key addition to the lineup, and she’ll likely play a significant role on both ends of the floor.
Amaya Dowdy (F, Sr.) - Dowdy was a major presence last season, averaging 22.3 minutes, 6 rebounds, and 7.9 points per game, while leading the team in blocks (1.8 per game). Her defense and rebounding make her an essential part of the frontcourt. Dowdy will continue to be relied on for interior defense and scoring around the rim.
Nigeria Harkless (F, Sr.) - Harkless contributed 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in 20.4 minutes last season. Known for her hustle and defense, she’ll bring energy to the lineup and provide consistent support on the glass and in transition. Harkless should be an important two-way player in her senior year.
Janessa Williams (G, Soph.) - Williams is set to be a crucial part of the rotation after playing 30 games as a freshman. She averaged 16.8 minutes, 5 rebounds, and 3.6 points per game, showcasing her defensive abilities with 0.8 steals per game. In her sophomore season, Williams could take a step forward offensively while continuing to excel on the defensive end.
Candela Nevares Garcia (G, Sr.) - A transfer from Charleston, Nevares Garcia saw limited action last season but brings depth to the guard position. She averaged 6 minutes per game with 0.8 rebounds and 0.3 points. Nevares Garcia’s experience will be valuable as a backup, especially in spot minutes for the starters.
Patricia Sherrill (F, Sr.) - Sherrill, a transfer from New Orleans, averaged 6.1 minutes per game, contributing 1.4 rebounds and 0.9 points. She’ll provide frontcourt depth, and her size and physicality will be important in matchups where the team needs additional interior presence.
Sirviva Legions (G, Soph.) - Legions, a transfer from Southern, offers athleticism and scoring. She averaged 13.5 minutes, 3.4 points, and 1.1 rebounds last season. Legions will be expected to provide a scoring spark and defensive intensity when on the floor.
Kayla Tilus (G, Jr.) - Tilus played in 22 games last season, averaging 10.4 minutes, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.7 points per game. Her role as a backup guard will involve providing energy and shooting off the bench. With another year of experience, Tilus could see an increased role in the rotation.
Team Preview
The Sharks are aiming for significant improvement in the NEC after winning 5 conference games in the 2022-23 season. The Sharks have aimed to improve by getting older, including the return of key veterans like Varga and Dowdy. LIU showed that they can be scary to play in Brooklyn last year; now they will look to be competitive both at home and on the road. If the Sharks can build chemistry early and their young players step up, they could surprise some teams in conference play. LIU has a long and storied basketball tradition including a men’s national title. This new generation- now called Sharks instead of Blackbirds- hopes that with their maturity, they can live up to that legacy.
