LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The Loyola Marymount University Women's Basketball program and Head Coach Aarika Hughes have officially announced the addition of three student-athletes to the 2026-27 roster, bringing in a talented mix of international experience, proven Division I production, and emerging talent to the Bluff.

The Lions welcome Shawnee Nordstrom, Janay Brantley, and Erica Finney, three guards who bring versatility, scoring ability, and a strong competitive background to LMU's backcourt.

Shawnee Nordstrom | Junior Transfer | Guard | California Baptist 
Shawnee Nordstrom arrives at LMU following a strong sophomore campaign at California Baptist, where she played in all 34 games with 23 starts and emerged as a key contributor for the Lancers. Averaging 8.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, Nordstrom showcased her ability to impact the game in multiple ways while helping lead CBU to both the WAC Regular Season and Tournament titles.

Her season was highlighted by a breakout performance in a road win over Utah Valley, where she poured in a career-high 21 points behind seven made three-pointers. Nordstrom's consistent play throughout the postseason earned her a spot on the WAC All-Tournament Team, underscoring her ability to perform on the biggest stage.

As a freshman, Nordstrom appeared in 18 games with four starts while leading the team in free throw percentage at .824, demonstrating early efficiency and poise.

Prior to her collegiate career, Nordstrom starred at Lone Peak High School in Utah, where she helped lead her team to three consecutive state championships. A highly decorated prep standout, she earned back-to-back 6A State Player of the Year honors, was named Region MVP and State Tournament MVP in 2024, and garnered All Valley Offensive MVP recognition. She was also a McDonald's All-American nominee and competed internationally at the U18 Asia Cup representing New Zealand.

A native of Auckland, New Zealand, Nordstrom brings a wealth of experience and competitive edge to LMU. Known for her scoring ability, leadership, and work ethic, she adds both experience and upside to the Lions' guard rotation.

Janay Brantley | Senior Transfer | Guard | Stony Brook 
Janay Brantley joins the Lions after three impactful seasons at Stony Brook, where she developed into a versatile and consistent two-way contributor. As a junior, Brantley started 24 of 28 games she appeared in, averaging 12.4 points per game while totaling 347 points on the season. She also contributed across the stat sheet with 125 rebounds, 40 steals, and 21 blocks, highlighting her ability to make plays on both ends of the floor.

During her sophomore campaign, Brantley started 23 games and averaged 8.7 points per game while posting 134 rebounds, 41 assists, and 33 steals. She recorded eight double-digit scoring performances, including a career-high 25-point outing against Northeastern, and added two double-digit rebounding performances, demonstrating her versatility and impact beyond scoring.

As a freshman, Brantley appeared in all 33 games and quickly established herself as a reliable contributor, leading all freshmen on the team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game. She also led the team in assist-to-turnover ratio and ranked among the team leaders in total assists and blocks, showcasing her all-around game early in her collegiate career.

Before arriving at Stony Brook, Brantley was a dominant force at Catskill High School, where she led her team to a Patroon Conference championship and compiled one of the most decorated careers in program history. She averaged 28.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, 7.2 steals, and 6.6 assists per game as a senior, recording five triple-doubles and even a 51-point performance. A three-time conference MVP and the program's all-time leading scorer with 2,433 points, Brantley also recorded the first quadruple-double in school history.

Erica Finney | Redshirt Freshman Transfer | Guard | University of Illinois
Erica Finney joins LMU as a highly regarded international prospect with significant upside. A redshirt freshman, Finney spent the 2025-26 season at Illinois sidelined due to injury after undergoing surgery prior to the start of the season, ultimately preserving her year of eligibility.

Prior to her collegiate career, Finney was a four-star prospect ranked No. 47 in the Class of 2025 and No. 14 at her position by 247Sports. She has already competed on the international stage, representing Team Australia at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup in Mexico, where she averaged 8.0 points and shot 35.9 percent from three-point range.

Finney has consistently excelled at the national level in Australia, representing New South Wales at the 2024 Australian National Championships while averaging 12.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, along with a 41.1 percent mark from beyond the arc. Her ability to stretch the floor and contribute across multiple statistical categories has been a defining part of her game.

She has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including 2023 NBL1 East Defensive Player of the Year and 2024 NBL1 East Most Improved Player honors, while helping lead the Norths Bears to a state championship in 2024. Finney is also a two-time Australian National Champion with New South Wales and was named the 2024 Metro Junior Female Player of the Year.

A native of Australia, Finney brings a high basketball IQ, defensive tenacity, and perimeter shooting ability to the Lions' backcourt. With her international experience and continued development, she adds another dynamic layer to LMU's incoming class.

With the addition of Nordstrom, Brantley, and Finney, LMU continues to build a roster defined by versatility, experience, and global talent. The trio's combined skill sets and competitive backgrounds position the Lions for continued success as the program builds toward the 2026-27 season.


2026-27 Season Ticket Deposits
Secure your season tickets for 2026-27 LMU Women's Basketball by placing a $25 deposit today!
 
Returning Season Ticket Holders: If you held season tickets for the 2025-26 season, you do not need to place a deposit. Your seats are currently being held, and renewal information will be sent directly to you soon.