Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Kelly Bond-White discusses with her team during a timeout.
Meet the Team: Salukis Bring Depth, Talent, and Potential
08/17/2026 | 9:15:00 | Women's Basketball
CARBONDALE, Ill. — This summer has been full of excitement, hard work, and optimism for the Saluki Women's Basketball team.
Head coach Kelly Bond-White and her staff have assembled a team that is determined write a new chapter for Saluki Women's Basketball. In the 2025-26 season, the Salukis went 10-20 (.333) overall and 7-13 (.350) in Missouri Valley contests.
Five players are returning from last season, three of which played major minutes. Senior guards Kynnedi Davis, Kayla Cooper, and Tkiyah Nelson all return to Southern Illinois. The Salukis also retained two frontcourt centers: juniors Mia Gaines and Carmen Morales.
When you lose or graduate eight players from the previous season, it becomes time to hit the recruiting trail hard.
Four true freshmen joined the squad: Lynelle Awou, a 6-4 center from East Moline, Illinois; Jamisen Green, a 5-9 guard from Harrisburg, Illinois; Chellise Jones, a 6-2 forward from Chicago, Illinois; and Haeli Tart, a 5-9 guard from O'Fallon, Illinois.
Five players transferred to SIU, bringing stacks of potential, including Braxcynn Baker, a 5-11 junior guard from Missouri Valley rival Murray State; Raeven Boswell, a 5-11 senior guard from Pittsburgh; Shakara McCline, a 5-6 senior from DePaul; Yaiza Paredes Diaz, 6-0 forward Eastern Wyoming College; and Fredriecka Wallace, a 6-2 forward from Big 12 powerhouse Arizona.
The Returners
Kynnedi Davis, No. 5
Senior | Guard | 5'7"
Hometown: Brandon, Mississippi
Previously: Trinity Valley Community College
Last season, her first with the Salukis, Davis appeared in 23 of 30 games, averaging 19.3 minutes per contest. She notched a season-high 23 minutes against Illinois State and tallied 4 assists in the same game. In 2024-25, Davis averaged 10.6 points-per-game for Trinity Valley Community College. She made 25 starts for the Cardinals and averaged 3.1 assists that season, including shooting 90 percent from the charity stripe.
Coach Bond-White says: "Kynnedi embodies everything we want our program to be about. The work she put in the moment last season ended has elevated every part of her game. What excites me most is her leadership. She sets the standard, raises the expectations of everyone around her, and reminds our team every day that confidence is earned through the work."
Kayla Cooper, No. 14
Senior | Guard | 5'9"
Hometown: Plano, Texas
Previously: Oklahoma
In Coooper's two seasons with the Salukis, she has played in 59 of 60 games, starting 55 of those contests. In Cooper's career with the Salukis, she has averaged 10.8 points-per-game and 32.7 minutes-per-game. Prior to her time at Southern Illinois, she spent two seasons at Oklahoma, redshirting one season and coming off the bench her true freshman year, playing in six games. Most notably, Cooper is also a defensive threat, tallying 88 steals as a Saluki.
Coach Bond-White says: "Kayla has an energy about her that can't be coached. Her competitive spirit is contagious, and when she's having fun and playing with confidence, our entire team feeds off it. She has embraced the opportunity to share in the leadership of this team and has put together one of her best offseasons. I'm excited to watch her continue to elevate both her game and the players around her."
Tkiyah Nelson, No. 23
Senior | Guard | 5'10"
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Previously: Whitfield HS
Senior guard Tkiyah Nelson has spent all four years at Southern Illinois. Over the last three years, Nelson has cemented herself as a leader and overall threat to the opposition. Last year, she led the team in assists with 124, averaging 4.1 per game. She also finished second in steals with 42. Nelson was also only one of two Saluki to start all 30 games last season. In high school, Nelson was a member of the 1,000 point club, won district four times, and won state once.
Coach Bond-White says: "Getting healthy was the first step for Tete, but what impressed me most was her commitment to growing as a leader. Her basketball IQ, communication, and ability to organize our team have all taken another step forward.
Mia Gaines, No. 10
Junior | Center | 6'4"
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Previously: Hyde Park HS
Standing at 6-4, Gaines is tied for the tallest on the team and towers over her opponents. In her two years with the Salukis, she has only started two games but has appeared in 54 of 60. Gaines is the kind of player who won't light up the stat sheet, but makes her presence felt through tough, physical play. When she's on the floor, it's a block party, tallying 29 blocks in two seasons. Gaines' junior year is shaping up to be one full of gritty play, asserting herself as one of the toughest in the Missouri Valley.
Coach Bond-White says: "Mia had a tremendous summer. She's running the floor harder, finishing consistently around the rim, and has really grown as a passer. I'm excited to see that growth translate on game day."
Carmen Morales, No. 22
Junior | Center | 6'2"
Hometown: Grenada, Spain
Previously: Benedictine College
Morales enters her junior year and her second as a Saluki. In her first year with Southern Illinois, she led the team in field goal percentage at 57%. She made 25 appearances and tallied two starts, averaging eight minutes-per-game. During her year at Benedictine College, she appeared in 30 games and shooting 46% from the field. She also tallied 31 blocks during her freshman campaign. Before her time at Benedictine College, Morales played at Granada Mas Baloncesto.
Coach Bond-White says: "The biggest jump for Carmen has been her confidence. She now believes she belongs at this level, and that belief has shown in her consistency, physicality, and willingness to impact winning every day."
The True Freshmen
Lynelle Awou, No. 34
Freshman | Center | 6'4"
Hometown: East Moline, Illinois
Previously: United Township HS
Prior to SIU, Awou attended United Township High School in East Moline, Illinois. During her time as a panther, she earned several accolades including all-conference team, all-conference academic team, and team MVP. Statistically, she ranks third in all-time rebounding and eighth in all-time points scored at United Township.
Coach Bond-White says: " Lynelle commands space in the paint. Once she establishes position, she's extremely difficult to move. She has a relentless motor on the glass and a knack for creating extra possessions for our team."
Jamisen Green, No. 4
Freshman | Guard | 5'9"
Hometown: Harrisburg, Illinois
Previously: Harrisburg HS
Jamisen Green represents Southern Illinois as a local on this year's team, hailing from Harrisburg. During her high school seasons, the Bulldogs won 20 or more games every year, achieved two conference titles, and a regional championship. Green was named to the all-conference team four times, all-south three times, second-team all-state two times, all-state honorable mention three times, and Southern Illinois Player of the Year. She also tallied 700 rebounds and 2,000 points, which leads Harrisburg all-time.
Coach Bond-White says: "Jamisen has an infectious personality and a natural feel for the game. She can stretch the floor, competes on every possession, and has fit seamlessly into our culture. She's the kind of teammate who makes everyone around her better, and we're excited to watch her continue to grow."
Chellise Jones, No. 1
Freshman | Forward | 6'2"
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Previously: Whitney M. Young Magnet HS
During Jones's high school years, she recorded 500+ rebounds and helped lead her team to four city championships. Jones is the kind of player who stretches the floor and can be found anywhere. Her ability to rebound is unparallel and simply impressive. During the summer, Jones has played with her top-talent Example Sports AAU program and continues to refine her skills.
Coach Bond-White says: "Chellise's athleticism impacts both ends of the floor. She has a unique ability to disrupt plays with rebounds, deflections, blocked shots, and loose balls. She simply finds ways to be around the basketball.
Haeli Tart, No. 24
Freshman | Guard | 5'9"
Hometown: O'Fallon, Illinois
Previously: O'Fallon Township HS
Tart comes to Carbondale with a laundry list of accolades and records. Some of the records she helped O'Fallon obtain are most wins in four years (106), most wins in a season (34 in 2023), most points in a season (2,285 in 2023), and helped lead them to their first state championship. Individually, Tart was named to second-team all-conference, second-team all-state, recorded 260 career assists, and 1,000+ career points – which makes Tart the eighth-leading scorer in school history.
Coach Bond-White says: "Haeli is a Dawg. She competes on every possession, can score at all three levels, and has the lateral quickness to pressure the basketball defensively. She plays with an edge that's contagious."
The Transfers
Braxcynn Baker, No. 8
Junior | Guard | 5'11"
Hometown: Lowell, Michigan
Previously: Murray State
Baker joins the Salukis after spending two years with Missouri Valley Conference rival Murray State. In her freshman campaign, she shot 38 percent from beyond the arc and appeared in 32 games. During her second year with the Racers, she showcased complete performances throughout the season – most notably scoring 17, grabbing 6 boards, and collecting two steals and assists against Indiana State. In her senior year of high school, baker averaged 25 points-per-game with eight 30-point games.
Coach Bond-White says: " One of the things I respected most about Brax was why she came here. She wanted to become a better defender while expanding her offensive game. She's gotten stronger, embraced the challenge, and fit seamlessly into our culture."
Raeven Boswell, No. 2
Senior | Forward | 5'11"
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Previously: Pittsburgh
In her high school days at Lake Tarvis High School, Boswell helped lead her squad to multiple district championships and earned an all-state selection. In her freshman year at Georgia Tech, Boswell got a taste of ACC experience in five played games, tallying 27 minutes of playing time. She continued her Atlantic Coast career with Pittsburgh for her sophomore and junior years, playing 23 games and shooting 41% from the field.
Coach Bond-White says: "Raeven brings a calming veteran presence and maturity to our locker room. I hated to see the summer end because she was just beginning to regain her form. Her versatility gives us another experienced player capable of impacting the game in multiple ways."
Shakara McCline, No. 20
Senior | Guard | 5'6"
Hometown: East St. Louis, Illinois
Previously: DePaul
During her three years at DePaul, McCline played in 72 games, averaging 12.4 minutes and 4.5 points-per-game. She was also named to the Big East All-Academic Team in the 2024-25 season. During her senior year as an East St. Louis Flyer, she led her team with 26 points-per-game and scored double digits in 25 of 26 contests.
Coach Bond-White says: "Shakara is one of the quickest players we've coached. She's explosive off the bounce, can knock down the three to keep defenses honest, and has the defensive instincts to disrupt opposing guards."
Yaiza Paredes Diaz, No. 11
Junior | Forward | 6'0"
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
Previously: Eastern Wyoming College
Yaiza Paredes Diaz hails from Madrid Spain, and is coming off two phenomenal years at Eastern Wyoming College. Between her freshman and sophomore years, she saw the floor in 63 games, starting 60. In 15.3 minutes-per-game, she averaged 11.2 points-per-game. She was also named to the 2025-26 All-Region Defensive Team. She was also on the third-place team in the 2024 Spanish Championship.
Coach Bond-White says: "Yaiza is our silent assassin. When you watch the film, she's constantly making winning plays, smart shot selection, timely rebounds, deflections, and efficient basketball. She impacts the game in so many ways that don't always show up in the box score."
Fredriecka Wallace, No. 7
Senior | Forward | 6'2"
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Previously: Kansas
Wallace is coming off two years without play – and she is ready to prove to others who she truly is. Previously, she spent a year at Kansas, but did not play due to medical reasons. Prior to her year at Kansas, she spent two years at Butler Community College in Kansas. During her first two years at the junior college, she earned NJCAA All-American Honors both years and cemented herself as one of the greatest Grizzlies to ever walk the court. She is the all-time leading scorer with 1,138 points and averaged 18.4 points-per-game her sophomore year. She was named the Jayhawk Conference Freshman of the Year as well.
Coach Bond-White says: "Freddie has been an incredible leader for our program. Even while working her way back to the court, she's invested in our younger players, found her voice, and continues to elevate the people around her."
Head coach Kelly Bond-White and her staff have assembled a team that is determined write a new chapter for Saluki Women's Basketball. In the 2025-26 season, the Salukis went 10-20 (.333) overall and 7-13 (.350) in Missouri Valley contests.
Five players are returning from last season, three of which played major minutes. Senior guards Kynnedi Davis, Kayla Cooper, and Tkiyah Nelson all return to Southern Illinois. The Salukis also retained two frontcourt centers: juniors Mia Gaines and Carmen Morales.
When you lose or graduate eight players from the previous season, it becomes time to hit the recruiting trail hard.
Four true freshmen joined the squad: Lynelle Awou, a 6-4 center from East Moline, Illinois; Jamisen Green, a 5-9 guard from Harrisburg, Illinois; Chellise Jones, a 6-2 forward from Chicago, Illinois; and Haeli Tart, a 5-9 guard from O'Fallon, Illinois.
Five players transferred to SIU, bringing stacks of potential, including Braxcynn Baker, a 5-11 junior guard from Missouri Valley rival Murray State; Raeven Boswell, a 5-11 senior guard from Pittsburgh; Shakara McCline, a 5-6 senior from DePaul; Yaiza Paredes Diaz, 6-0 forward Eastern Wyoming College; and Fredriecka Wallace, a 6-2 forward from Big 12 powerhouse Arizona.
The Returners
Kynnedi Davis, No. 5
Senior | Guard | 5'7"
Hometown: Brandon, Mississippi
Previously: Trinity Valley Community College
Last season, her first with the Salukis, Davis appeared in 23 of 30 games, averaging 19.3 minutes per contest. She notched a season-high 23 minutes against Illinois State and tallied 4 assists in the same game. In 2024-25, Davis averaged 10.6 points-per-game for Trinity Valley Community College. She made 25 starts for the Cardinals and averaged 3.1 assists that season, including shooting 90 percent from the charity stripe.
Coach Bond-White says: "Kynnedi embodies everything we want our program to be about. The work she put in the moment last season ended has elevated every part of her game. What excites me most is her leadership. She sets the standard, raises the expectations of everyone around her, and reminds our team every day that confidence is earned through the work."
Kayla Cooper, No. 14
Senior | Guard | 5'9"
Hometown: Plano, Texas
Previously: Oklahoma
In Coooper's two seasons with the Salukis, she has played in 59 of 60 games, starting 55 of those contests. In Cooper's career with the Salukis, she has averaged 10.8 points-per-game and 32.7 minutes-per-game. Prior to her time at Southern Illinois, she spent two seasons at Oklahoma, redshirting one season and coming off the bench her true freshman year, playing in six games. Most notably, Cooper is also a defensive threat, tallying 88 steals as a Saluki.
Coach Bond-White says: "Kayla has an energy about her that can't be coached. Her competitive spirit is contagious, and when she's having fun and playing with confidence, our entire team feeds off it. She has embraced the opportunity to share in the leadership of this team and has put together one of her best offseasons. I'm excited to watch her continue to elevate both her game and the players around her."
Tkiyah Nelson, No. 23
Senior | Guard | 5'10"
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Previously: Whitfield HS
Senior guard Tkiyah Nelson has spent all four years at Southern Illinois. Over the last three years, Nelson has cemented herself as a leader and overall threat to the opposition. Last year, she led the team in assists with 124, averaging 4.1 per game. She also finished second in steals with 42. Nelson was also only one of two Saluki to start all 30 games last season. In high school, Nelson was a member of the 1,000 point club, won district four times, and won state once.
Coach Bond-White says: "Getting healthy was the first step for Tete, but what impressed me most was her commitment to growing as a leader. Her basketball IQ, communication, and ability to organize our team have all taken another step forward.
Mia Gaines, No. 10
Junior | Center | 6'4"
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Previously: Hyde Park HS
Standing at 6-4, Gaines is tied for the tallest on the team and towers over her opponents. In her two years with the Salukis, she has only started two games but has appeared in 54 of 60. Gaines is the kind of player who won't light up the stat sheet, but makes her presence felt through tough, physical play. When she's on the floor, it's a block party, tallying 29 blocks in two seasons. Gaines' junior year is shaping up to be one full of gritty play, asserting herself as one of the toughest in the Missouri Valley.
Coach Bond-White says: "Mia had a tremendous summer. She's running the floor harder, finishing consistently around the rim, and has really grown as a passer. I'm excited to see that growth translate on game day."
Carmen Morales, No. 22
Junior | Center | 6'2"
Hometown: Grenada, Spain
Previously: Benedictine College
Morales enters her junior year and her second as a Saluki. In her first year with Southern Illinois, she led the team in field goal percentage at 57%. She made 25 appearances and tallied two starts, averaging eight minutes-per-game. During her year at Benedictine College, she appeared in 30 games and shooting 46% from the field. She also tallied 31 blocks during her freshman campaign. Before her time at Benedictine College, Morales played at Granada Mas Baloncesto.
Coach Bond-White says: "The biggest jump for Carmen has been her confidence. She now believes she belongs at this level, and that belief has shown in her consistency, physicality, and willingness to impact winning every day."
The True Freshmen
Lynelle Awou, No. 34
Freshman | Center | 6'4"
Hometown: East Moline, Illinois
Previously: United Township HS
Prior to SIU, Awou attended United Township High School in East Moline, Illinois. During her time as a panther, she earned several accolades including all-conference team, all-conference academic team, and team MVP. Statistically, she ranks third in all-time rebounding and eighth in all-time points scored at United Township.
Coach Bond-White says: " Lynelle commands space in the paint. Once she establishes position, she's extremely difficult to move. She has a relentless motor on the glass and a knack for creating extra possessions for our team."
Jamisen Green, No. 4
Freshman | Guard | 5'9"
Hometown: Harrisburg, Illinois
Previously: Harrisburg HS
Jamisen Green represents Southern Illinois as a local on this year's team, hailing from Harrisburg. During her high school seasons, the Bulldogs won 20 or more games every year, achieved two conference titles, and a regional championship. Green was named to the all-conference team four times, all-south three times, second-team all-state two times, all-state honorable mention three times, and Southern Illinois Player of the Year. She also tallied 700 rebounds and 2,000 points, which leads Harrisburg all-time.
Coach Bond-White says: "Jamisen has an infectious personality and a natural feel for the game. She can stretch the floor, competes on every possession, and has fit seamlessly into our culture. She's the kind of teammate who makes everyone around her better, and we're excited to watch her continue to grow."
Chellise Jones, No. 1
Freshman | Forward | 6'2"
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Previously: Whitney M. Young Magnet HS
During Jones's high school years, she recorded 500+ rebounds and helped lead her team to four city championships. Jones is the kind of player who stretches the floor and can be found anywhere. Her ability to rebound is unparallel and simply impressive. During the summer, Jones has played with her top-talent Example Sports AAU program and continues to refine her skills.
Coach Bond-White says: "Chellise's athleticism impacts both ends of the floor. She has a unique ability to disrupt plays with rebounds, deflections, blocked shots, and loose balls. She simply finds ways to be around the basketball.
Haeli Tart, No. 24
Freshman | Guard | 5'9"
Hometown: O'Fallon, Illinois
Previously: O'Fallon Township HS
Tart comes to Carbondale with a laundry list of accolades and records. Some of the records she helped O'Fallon obtain are most wins in four years (106), most wins in a season (34 in 2023), most points in a season (2,285 in 2023), and helped lead them to their first state championship. Individually, Tart was named to second-team all-conference, second-team all-state, recorded 260 career assists, and 1,000+ career points – which makes Tart the eighth-leading scorer in school history.
Coach Bond-White says: "Haeli is a Dawg. She competes on every possession, can score at all three levels, and has the lateral quickness to pressure the basketball defensively. She plays with an edge that's contagious."
The Transfers
Braxcynn Baker, No. 8
Junior | Guard | 5'11"
Hometown: Lowell, Michigan
Previously: Murray State
Baker joins the Salukis after spending two years with Missouri Valley Conference rival Murray State. In her freshman campaign, she shot 38 percent from beyond the arc and appeared in 32 games. During her second year with the Racers, she showcased complete performances throughout the season – most notably scoring 17, grabbing 6 boards, and collecting two steals and assists against Indiana State. In her senior year of high school, baker averaged 25 points-per-game with eight 30-point games.
Coach Bond-White says: " One of the things I respected most about Brax was why she came here. She wanted to become a better defender while expanding her offensive game. She's gotten stronger, embraced the challenge, and fit seamlessly into our culture."
Raeven Boswell, No. 2
Senior | Forward | 5'11"
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Previously: Pittsburgh
In her high school days at Lake Tarvis High School, Boswell helped lead her squad to multiple district championships and earned an all-state selection. In her freshman year at Georgia Tech, Boswell got a taste of ACC experience in five played games, tallying 27 minutes of playing time. She continued her Atlantic Coast career with Pittsburgh for her sophomore and junior years, playing 23 games and shooting 41% from the field.
Coach Bond-White says: "Raeven brings a calming veteran presence and maturity to our locker room. I hated to see the summer end because she was just beginning to regain her form. Her versatility gives us another experienced player capable of impacting the game in multiple ways."
Shakara McCline, No. 20
Senior | Guard | 5'6"
Hometown: East St. Louis, Illinois
Previously: DePaul
During her three years at DePaul, McCline played in 72 games, averaging 12.4 minutes and 4.5 points-per-game. She was also named to the Big East All-Academic Team in the 2024-25 season. During her senior year as an East St. Louis Flyer, she led her team with 26 points-per-game and scored double digits in 25 of 26 contests.
Coach Bond-White says: "Shakara is one of the quickest players we've coached. She's explosive off the bounce, can knock down the three to keep defenses honest, and has the defensive instincts to disrupt opposing guards."
Yaiza Paredes Diaz, No. 11
Junior | Forward | 6'0"
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
Previously: Eastern Wyoming College
Yaiza Paredes Diaz hails from Madrid Spain, and is coming off two phenomenal years at Eastern Wyoming College. Between her freshman and sophomore years, she saw the floor in 63 games, starting 60. In 15.3 minutes-per-game, she averaged 11.2 points-per-game. She was also named to the 2025-26 All-Region Defensive Team. She was also on the third-place team in the 2024 Spanish Championship.
Coach Bond-White says: "Yaiza is our silent assassin. When you watch the film, she's constantly making winning plays, smart shot selection, timely rebounds, deflections, and efficient basketball. She impacts the game in so many ways that don't always show up in the box score."
Fredriecka Wallace, No. 7
Senior | Forward | 6'2"
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Previously: Kansas
Wallace is coming off two years without play – and she is ready to prove to others who she truly is. Previously, she spent a year at Kansas, but did not play due to medical reasons. Prior to her year at Kansas, she spent two years at Butler Community College in Kansas. During her first two years at the junior college, she earned NJCAA All-American Honors both years and cemented herself as one of the greatest Grizzlies to ever walk the court. She is the all-time leading scorer with 1,138 points and averaged 18.4 points-per-game her sophomore year. She was named the Jayhawk Conference Freshman of the Year as well.
Coach Bond-White says: "Freddie has been an incredible leader for our program. Even while working her way back to the court, she's invested in our younger players, found her voice, and continues to elevate the people around her."
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