EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE women's basketball signed four players for the 2026-27 season, welcoming Alex Nicastro (St. Charles, Mo.), Brooke Blankenship (Festus, Mo.), Taylor Trame (Aviston, Ill.) and Jayla McClinton (Raytown, Mo.), announced Head Coach Samantha Quigle-Smith.  

"This dynamic freshman class will be a great addition to our program," Coach Smith said. "Not only more local women, but their versatility and ability to make an immediate impact is something our staff is really excited about." 

McClinton a 6-2 forward joins the Cougars from Bishop Miege Catholic High School, where she participated in track and field and played basketball. For basketball she set a school record of most blocks per game and was recognized to the All-State team and First Team all-conference.  

"Jayla McClinton's strength in the post and ability to step out and be versatile from the perimeter will be a huge asset," Smith stated. "With a couple senior power forwards graduating, adding Jayla to our returning size is going to prove to be the balance we need." 

Nicastro a 6-1 forward comes to Edwardsville from St. Charles West High School, where she played basketball and volleyball for four years and was on the soccer team for three years. During her time, she was named to the first team All-Conference team twice, Conference Player of the year, All-District first team three times, All-District Player of the year twice, All-State once and All-Metro player once. She also helped to guide her team to the 2025 state championships.  

"Alex Nicastro, at 6-1 has the skill and length to step out and hit outside shots but also take defenders off the dribble," Smith said. "We're excited for another local woman to join our program." 

Blankenship a 6-1 power forward, comes to SIUE from St. Pius X. During her time there she has set school records for All-Time field goal percentage in a season at (54.7), most blocks in a single game (10) and average blocks per game (2.91). Blankenship was named to the All-State team in 2024 and was All-Conference Player of the Year.  

"Brooke Blankenship's size, length, and competitiveness is something we're really excited about," Smith Said. "She is a winner and is willing to do whatever she needs to help her team be successful." 

Trame a 5-11 forward joins the Cougars from Breese Central, where she has played basketball and softball all four years.  

"Taylor Trame has a great versatile skill set," Smith stated. "She can guard guards and guard power forwards, which is rare. We can't wait to have another local woman join our group."