WASHINGTON (November 18, 2024) - Howard University women's basketball team has added a forward and trio of guards to the 2025-26 roster.
 
The newcomers:
 
Ariella Henigan - (Chicago, Ill.) - 5-foot-7, Guard
 
Henigan joins HU after winning her third consecutive regional championship.
 
"Ari is a quick, dynamic guard who can score at three levels," shared Bison head coach Ty Grace. "She is smart and a competitor who plays with poise and skill. At point guard, she is a solid passer, but can score at will off the ball."
 
The 1000-point shooter was named the 2023-24 Player of the Year garnering a top-three ranking in the state of Illinois. She was voted team MVP twice (2023 & 2024) while earning Tournament MVP in the Naperville Central Tipoff Tourney.
 
"She will be a leader and role model. I cannot wait to see her in a Howard uniform," expressed Grace.
 
The IBCA All-State player excels on and off the court, maintaining a 4.2 GPA.
 
Jada Kendrick (Thomson, GA) - 5-foot-10, Guard / Forward
 
Kendrick eclipsed 1000 points during the 2023-24 season while notching her 500^th career rebound. During the same season, Kendrick earned First Team All-Region 4AA and First Team All-State.
 
"I am super excited to welcome Jada to The Bison family," said Grace. "She is a strong versatile guard that present toughness and grit. She can play inside and out and can score in multiple ways."
 
The year prior, she led the program to its first-ever region 4AA championship, earning All-State Honorable Mention and 2022-2023 Region 4AA Player of the Year. During the 2021-22 campaign, Kendrick earned First Team All-Region 3AAA.
 
"Jada has a defensive presence and is not afraid of physicality," Grace added. "She plays with passion and her demeanor of determination is contagious. She will be a leader on and off the court."

Emma Naquay (Waldorf, Md.) – 5-foot-9, Guard
 
Naquay is a local talent who has been tabbed as ESPN's Hoop Gurlz 2025 Stand Out Player.
 
"Having another local player from the DMV is not by coincidence," Grace expressed. "We have some of the best players right here and Emma exudes that talent and elite character."
 
The DMV native excelled in the competitive WCAC (Washington Catholic Athletic Conference) league at Elizabeth Seton H.S., where she served as team captain. The junior All-Star was named 2024 EYBL Standout Player while ranking top 10 in the state of Maryland. Prior to being named to the Nike Girls EYBL 2024 All-Circuit team, Emma earned WCAC All-League Honorable Mention in 2022.
 
"Emma is a smart, strong lead guard who can play multiple positions," Grace added. "Her versatility gives us a big advantage against opponents. She has the ability to guard four positions and can stretch the floor with her capability to shoot the three."
 
Penelope Swarn- (Hightstown, N.J.) - 6-foot-3, Forward
 
Swarn hails from New Jersey as the 2023-24 Defensive Player of the Year. Before earning the honor, she was named 2022-23 Most Improved Player and went on to earn the recognition in 2024.
 
"Penelope is a long, athletic forward who runs the floor well and can block shots," Grace commented. "Her size and length will cause disruption in the paint."
 
Swarn ended her junior year with 500 career rebounds.
 
"She is a solid rebounder and can shoot the 15-foot shot," Grace continued. "I look forward to seeing her development as a productive presence inside. She is well rounded and an asset on and off the court."
 
Outside of basketball, the New Jersey native holds her school record for Shuttle Hurdle Relay (1:10:60).
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.