Photo by: Kelly Nugent
Waves Announce 2025 Signing Class
5/28/2025 5:11:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Malibu, Calif. – The Pepperdine women's basketball team added nine new faces to join the three previously-signed incoming freshmen for the 2025-26 school year.
As announced last November, Seleh Harmon, Quinn Van Sickle and Zoe Shanahan made up the fall signing class before head coach Katie Faulkner signed nine this spring to make a roster totaling 12 for the upcoming season.
Ilinca Belegante – 6'0 – Guard – Bucharest, Romania
Most recently competing in the Romania-Liga Nationala league, Belegante averaged over 14 minutes a game while shooting .739 from the field, scoring a career-best 21 points on December 11. The guard comes to Malibu fresh off a first-place finish in the Romanian Championship as a part of the Sepsi-Sic league. Belegante will join the team as a true freshman with four years of eligibility.
"We are thrilled to welcome Ilinca to the Pepperdine family. She's a tough, grateful competitor with an incredible amount of international experience," Faulkner said. "She's already done exceptionally hard things in her journey, which speaks volumes about her drive to be her very best. I can't wait to bring her strength, brightness, and joy to Malibu."
Lina Falk – 6'2 – Guard – Wolfenbüttel, Germany
With two years of eligibility remaining, Lina Falk comes to Malibu after spending her freshman and sophomore seasons at Sacramento State. In 63 games, Falk shot .393 from the field and .308 from distance, averaging 9.9 points per game across two seasons. With 4.8 rebounds per game and 49 steals on the season, Falk will make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball.
"We're incredibly excited to welcome Lina to the Pepperdine family," Faulkner said. "She's already proven herself on the international stage with her national team, and brings a level of maturity, competitiveness, and athleticism that's truly elite. Her potential is limitless, combined with her desire to win and serve others. We can't wait to see the impact she'll make on our program both on and off the court."
Ivory Finley – 5'10 – Guard – Minneapolis, Minnesota
After graduating from Utah State, Ivory Finley has decided to spend her final year of eligibility in Malibu. Redshirting for the 2024-25 season, Finley averaged 26.1 minutes per game in 2023-24 and was second on the team in scoring, averaging 6.3 points per game. Prior to Utah State, Finley spent two years at Umass Lowell, where she averaged 8.0 points per game across two seasons, shooting .354 from the field and .247 from beyond the arc.
"Ivory is an incredibly hard worker who not only pushes herself to get better every day but also inspires those around her to rise with her," Faulkner said. "She's a proven leader and three-level scorer with the mindset and skill set to impact winning right away. We believe she's going to help put Pepperdine on the map, and we can't wait to get started with her."
Meghan Fiso – 5'10 – Guard – Seattle, Washington
In her sixth and final year of eligibility, Fiso comes to Pepperdine from San Diego State. In four years with the Aztecs, Fiso appeared in 97 games with 15 starts. Last season, the Washington native averaged 1.4 rebounds a game while scoring a season-high 11 points against Idaho State. Overall, Fiso averaged 3.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game through four years with the Aztecs. With one season spent at Michigan her freshman year, the guard appeared in seven games as a part of the first team to go to the Sweet 16 in Wolverine history for the women's basketball program.
"We're beyond excited to welcome Meghan to Pepperdine. She's selfless, fearless, and exactly the kind of person you want in your locker room to elevate your culture," Faulkner said. "As a versatile guard who knows what it takes to win at the highest level, she brings a championship mentality that will immediately raise the standard. We can't wait to begin working with her and see all she can become at Pepperdine."
Bella Green – 6'0 – Forward – Perth, Australia
Coming for her fifth and final year of collegiate basketball, Green chose Malibu as her final destination after graduating from West Florida (NCAA Division II) this past spring. In one season with the Argonauts, Green started 11 games, averaging 11.7 points per game. As a threat on both sides of the ball, the Australian native shot .451 from the field while grabbing an average of 7.9 rebounds a game.
"Bella brings a unique background and perspective that adds so much value to our program," Faulkner said. "She's fiercely competitive and driven in everything she does, and her versatility and willingness to roll up her sleeves and get the job done set her apart from others on the floor. Choosing to spend her last year of eligibility with us means a great deal, and we can't wait to see the impact she'll make at Pepperdine."
Elli Guiney – 5'11 – Guard – Goodyear, Ariz.
Sophomore Elli Guiney comes to Malibu with three years of eligibility after spending her freshman season at UNLV. Appearing in 10 games, Guiney shot .333 from the field and .857 from the charity stripe, averaging 1.6 points per game. In high school, the Arizona native is a two-time 5A State Champion at Millennium High School, earning two-time Region Player of the Year and 2020-21 Region Offensive Player of the year.
"We're so excited to welcome Elli to Pepperdine. She's a true people person and a selfless teammate—someone who does all the work when no one's watching and leads by example," Faulkner said. "On the court, she's a dangerous three-point threat with the ability to handle the ball and distribute at a high level. She embodies everything Pepperdine Women's Basketball stands for, and we're grateful to have her with us for the next three years."
Irune Orio – 6'2 – Guard – Balmaseda, Euskadi, Spain
Representing one of six different countries on the Waves roster this year, Irune Orio, originally from Spain, comes to Pepperdine from Xavier with one year of eligibility remaining. Starting her college career on the west coast, Orio spent two seasons at Sacramento State, averaging 9.4 points per game along with 3.8 rebounds before transferring to Xavier. In her one season with the Musketeers, Orio averaged just under 18 minutes per game, shooting .309 from distance.
"We're fired up to have Irune join us for her final year. She plays with a confidence and swag that's undeniable, and she's a proven scorer who creates serious matchup problems for any defense," Faulkner said. "What makes her even more special is her drive—she's ready to give everything she has to this program, and we know she's going to make a major impact."
Shorna Preston – 6'1 – Forward – Gold Coast, Australia
In two years at Dodge City Community College, Shorna Preston showcased her talent on both sides of the ball. Shooting .517 from the field with an average of 11.2 points and 8.5 rebounds a game, Preston scored a career-high 25 points against Barton Community College Feb. 15. Originating from Australia, Preston is one of three from the land down under on next year's roster.
"We are thrilled to welcome Shorna to Pepperdine," Faulkner said. "She's had tremendous success at the JUCO level, and her high basketball IQ allows her to impact the game in so many ways. She's efficient, sharp, and simply knows how to win. But what really sets her apart is who she is as a person—she cares deeply about those around her and will make a major impact in our locker room and culture. We can't wait to get to work with her."
Taija Sta. Maria – 5'6 – Guard – Vaughn, Ontario, Canada
Last but not least is Taija Sta. Maria. The junior comes to Pepperdine with two years of eligibility after spending her first two seasons at Fresno State. Her freshman year, the Canada native played the most minutes on the squad, earning a spot on the Mountain West all-freshman team. Last season in 15 games played, Sta. Maria scored a total of 70 points with 47 assists. Through her two years with the Bulldogs, Sta. Maria averaged 6.6 points per game.
"We are thrilled to have Taija join our program. She brings an incredible joy and energy that's contagious, and her presence as a true floor general will be a game-changer for us," Faulkner said. "She leads with confidence, commands the court with poise, and above all, has a heart for giving her best to her teammates and everyone around her. She embodies everything we value at Pepperdine, and we're excited for what's ahead."
Details will be released about the 2025 schedule as they become available. Season tickets and single-game options will be released at a later date.
As announced last November, Seleh Harmon, Quinn Van Sickle and Zoe Shanahan made up the fall signing class before head coach Katie Faulkner signed nine this spring to make a roster totaling 12 for the upcoming season.
Ilinca Belegante – 6'0 – Guard – Bucharest, Romania
Most recently competing in the Romania-Liga Nationala league, Belegante averaged over 14 minutes a game while shooting .739 from the field, scoring a career-best 21 points on December 11. The guard comes to Malibu fresh off a first-place finish in the Romanian Championship as a part of the Sepsi-Sic league. Belegante will join the team as a true freshman with four years of eligibility.
"We are thrilled to welcome Ilinca to the Pepperdine family. She's a tough, grateful competitor with an incredible amount of international experience," Faulkner said. "She's already done exceptionally hard things in her journey, which speaks volumes about her drive to be her very best. I can't wait to bring her strength, brightness, and joy to Malibu."
Lina Falk – 6'2 – Guard – Wolfenbüttel, Germany
With two years of eligibility remaining, Lina Falk comes to Malibu after spending her freshman and sophomore seasons at Sacramento State. In 63 games, Falk shot .393 from the field and .308 from distance, averaging 9.9 points per game across two seasons. With 4.8 rebounds per game and 49 steals on the season, Falk will make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball.
"We're incredibly excited to welcome Lina to the Pepperdine family," Faulkner said. "She's already proven herself on the international stage with her national team, and brings a level of maturity, competitiveness, and athleticism that's truly elite. Her potential is limitless, combined with her desire to win and serve others. We can't wait to see the impact she'll make on our program both on and off the court."
Ivory Finley – 5'10 – Guard – Minneapolis, Minnesota
After graduating from Utah State, Ivory Finley has decided to spend her final year of eligibility in Malibu. Redshirting for the 2024-25 season, Finley averaged 26.1 minutes per game in 2023-24 and was second on the team in scoring, averaging 6.3 points per game. Prior to Utah State, Finley spent two years at Umass Lowell, where she averaged 8.0 points per game across two seasons, shooting .354 from the field and .247 from beyond the arc.
"Ivory is an incredibly hard worker who not only pushes herself to get better every day but also inspires those around her to rise with her," Faulkner said. "She's a proven leader and three-level scorer with the mindset and skill set to impact winning right away. We believe she's going to help put Pepperdine on the map, and we can't wait to get started with her."
Meghan Fiso – 5'10 – Guard – Seattle, Washington
In her sixth and final year of eligibility, Fiso comes to Pepperdine from San Diego State. In four years with the Aztecs, Fiso appeared in 97 games with 15 starts. Last season, the Washington native averaged 1.4 rebounds a game while scoring a season-high 11 points against Idaho State. Overall, Fiso averaged 3.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game through four years with the Aztecs. With one season spent at Michigan her freshman year, the guard appeared in seven games as a part of the first team to go to the Sweet 16 in Wolverine history for the women's basketball program.
"We're beyond excited to welcome Meghan to Pepperdine. She's selfless, fearless, and exactly the kind of person you want in your locker room to elevate your culture," Faulkner said. "As a versatile guard who knows what it takes to win at the highest level, she brings a championship mentality that will immediately raise the standard. We can't wait to begin working with her and see all she can become at Pepperdine."
Bella Green – 6'0 – Forward – Perth, Australia
Coming for her fifth and final year of collegiate basketball, Green chose Malibu as her final destination after graduating from West Florida (NCAA Division II) this past spring. In one season with the Argonauts, Green started 11 games, averaging 11.7 points per game. As a threat on both sides of the ball, the Australian native shot .451 from the field while grabbing an average of 7.9 rebounds a game.
"Bella brings a unique background and perspective that adds so much value to our program," Faulkner said. "She's fiercely competitive and driven in everything she does, and her versatility and willingness to roll up her sleeves and get the job done set her apart from others on the floor. Choosing to spend her last year of eligibility with us means a great deal, and we can't wait to see the impact she'll make at Pepperdine."
Elli Guiney – 5'11 – Guard – Goodyear, Ariz.
Sophomore Elli Guiney comes to Malibu with three years of eligibility after spending her freshman season at UNLV. Appearing in 10 games, Guiney shot .333 from the field and .857 from the charity stripe, averaging 1.6 points per game. In high school, the Arizona native is a two-time 5A State Champion at Millennium High School, earning two-time Region Player of the Year and 2020-21 Region Offensive Player of the year.
"We're so excited to welcome Elli to Pepperdine. She's a true people person and a selfless teammate—someone who does all the work when no one's watching and leads by example," Faulkner said. "On the court, she's a dangerous three-point threat with the ability to handle the ball and distribute at a high level. She embodies everything Pepperdine Women's Basketball stands for, and we're grateful to have her with us for the next three years."
Irune Orio – 6'2 – Guard – Balmaseda, Euskadi, Spain
Representing one of six different countries on the Waves roster this year, Irune Orio, originally from Spain, comes to Pepperdine from Xavier with one year of eligibility remaining. Starting her college career on the west coast, Orio spent two seasons at Sacramento State, averaging 9.4 points per game along with 3.8 rebounds before transferring to Xavier. In her one season with the Musketeers, Orio averaged just under 18 minutes per game, shooting .309 from distance.
"We're fired up to have Irune join us for her final year. She plays with a confidence and swag that's undeniable, and she's a proven scorer who creates serious matchup problems for any defense," Faulkner said. "What makes her even more special is her drive—she's ready to give everything she has to this program, and we know she's going to make a major impact."
Shorna Preston – 6'1 – Forward – Gold Coast, Australia
In two years at Dodge City Community College, Shorna Preston showcased her talent on both sides of the ball. Shooting .517 from the field with an average of 11.2 points and 8.5 rebounds a game, Preston scored a career-high 25 points against Barton Community College Feb. 15. Originating from Australia, Preston is one of three from the land down under on next year's roster.
"We are thrilled to welcome Shorna to Pepperdine," Faulkner said. "She's had tremendous success at the JUCO level, and her high basketball IQ allows her to impact the game in so many ways. She's efficient, sharp, and simply knows how to win. But what really sets her apart is who she is as a person—she cares deeply about those around her and will make a major impact in our locker room and culture. We can't wait to get to work with her."
Taija Sta. Maria – 5'6 – Guard – Vaughn, Ontario, Canada
Last but not least is Taija Sta. Maria. The junior comes to Pepperdine with two years of eligibility after spending her first two seasons at Fresno State. Her freshman year, the Canada native played the most minutes on the squad, earning a spot on the Mountain West all-freshman team. Last season in 15 games played, Sta. Maria scored a total of 70 points with 47 assists. Through her two years with the Bulldogs, Sta. Maria averaged 6.6 points per game.
"We are thrilled to have Taija join our program. She brings an incredible joy and energy that's contagious, and her presence as a true floor general will be a game-changer for us," Faulkner said. "She leads with confidence, commands the court with poise, and above all, has a heart for giving her best to her teammates and everyone around her. She embodies everything we value at Pepperdine, and we're excited for what's ahead."
Details will be released about the 2025 schedule as they become available. Season tickets and single-game options will be released at a later date.
