MALIBU, Calif. – The Pepperdine women's basketball team had an eventful NLI signing day, adding three to the roster for 2020-21. Isabel Montoya, Jane Nwaba and Rosemary Odebunni will join the team next year.
"We are in the midst of filling the huge shoes our seniors have had over the course of their careers," head coach Kristen Dowling said of the signees. "Isabel, Jane and Rosemary are competitors; they are well-coached, high-character and winners both on and off the court. Our program is better because they chose to become a part of it. We are looking forward to what Isabel, Jane and Rosemary will present as we continue to finish our 2020 class."
Isabel Montoya – 5'6" Guard – Albuquerque, N.M.
Montoya is a guard from Cibola High School in Albuquerque, N.M. In high school, she was a member of the state and district runner up 2018, and was named to the All-District academic team.
Montoya on choosing Pepperdine: "I have built a great relationship with Coach (Brian) Rosario over the past year. Coming to visit the campus I learned Pepperdine is an amazing place: spiritually, emotionally/mentally, and physically. The coaching staff is full of genuine people. Coach (Kristen) Dowling being a former point guard is a great aspect to the culture. (Skye) Barnett (Director of Basketball Operations) is a Cibola Alumni in which also creates great camaraderie. I feel I can compete and excel in the WCC."
Dowling on Montoya: "Isabel will be a great addition to what has been a long tradition of Pepperdine point guards. She is a relentless winner, competitor and tenacious when it comes to her development. Her skill of being a pass-first point guard will complement the weapons we will have next season."
Jane Nwaba – 5'10" Small Forward – Los Angeles, Calif.
Nwaba is a forward from right down the road at Palisades Charter High School. As a junior, she was named the Division 1 MVP and scored 18.5 points per game and brought down 13 rebounds per game.
Nwaba on choosing Pepperdine: "I chose Pepperdine because I love the area and all of the people are really nice!"
Dowling on Nwaba: "Jane moves up and down the court with great speed and explosiveness. She has tremendous athleticism combined with a great work ethic. Her tenacity on the defensive end and unwavering presence on the boards will put a stamp on what we hope our style of play to be."
Rosemary Odebunni – 6'1" Small Forward – Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
Odebunni is a forward from Sierra Canyon High School who looks to add size and speed to the Waves. Her team won the CIF Championship and are currently ranked number 5 in the nation for prep basketball. Her team has four Division I commits as of now, including Rosemary.
Odebunni on choosing Pepperdine: "I chose Pepperdine because it is the perfect fit for me in terms of family, how religious they are and the education. I also see myself contributing to the team in a positive way. It is the perfect place for me to grow and become better in whatever I do."
Dowling on Odebunni: "Rosemary represents what it means to play championship basketball and we're going to be better because of it. Her ability to run the floor, defend and rebound will give us so many quality possessions. I'm excited for her growth and what she will mean to our program.
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