Head coach Shae Dheensaw has added an exciting trio to the Brock Badgers women's basketball program.
The Badgers announced the signings of Sofia Curcio, Janee Harrison and Mikayla Williams on Thursday, July 31.
"We're thrilled to bring in a dynamic incoming class with a wide range of experience and fresh energy," Dheensaw said. "Each player brings their own unique style, but they all share the same relentless competitive edge. They're ready to raise the bar and make an immediate impact alongside our talented returning group."
Curcio is a five-foot-six guard from Hamilton, Ont., and St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic High School, where she was named the basketball team's Most Valuable Player twice and the school's Female Athlete of the Year three times.
"Sofia is a true point guard, which is a rare trait that we are excited to add," Dheensaw said. "Her high IQ and vision of the floor will be an exciting asset, especially with her coming from a Badger family as both her parents are former student-athletes."
With the Hamilton region team in the Junior Elite League of Ontario (JUEL), Curcio is a two-time medallist, earning gold during an undefeated 2023-24 season and a bronze in 2024-25.
Additionally, Curcio was named a high school basketball all-star twice and participated in the Hamilton All-Star Basketball Classic; an annual event that pits the top public high school basketball players against the top Catholic high school players in the city.
"Ever since I was a little kid, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and what better place than Brock University to fulfill those dreams," Curcio said. "I knew Brock would be the best option for me in my athletic journey as the overall atmosphere created by this team is what I have been looking for."
Coming to the Badgers from nearby Niagara College, Harrison spent four seasons with the Knights, where she had an sensational career, winning the school's Female Athlete of the Year award twice.
"Janee comes to us with a decorated college career," Dheensaw said. "Her natural athleticism and length are going to be fun adds to our inside game. She has a high motor to be better, which will elevate our group."
The local St. Catharines product was named an Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) First Team All-Star and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Academic All-Canadian this past season, and she was selected as a Second Team All-Star in 2023-24.
With roots in the Niagara region, the 5-10 forward brings additional experience playing for Niagara JUEL and Niagara Prep.
"I chose Brock because I wanted to stay close to home," Harrison said. "Being able to complete my studies in Social Sciences while playing basketball is something I'm looking forward to."
The final recruit Dheensaw has signed is Williams, a 5-11 guard from Thornhill, Ont., who has played in the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association (OSBA) with Bill Crothers Secondary School and J. Addison School.
"Mikayla comes to us with vast high-level experience," Dheensaw said. "Her ability to get to the rim, be physical and play inside-out are just a couple of really exciting elements of her game."
After spending her first prep season with the Bill Crothers Colts, the incoming Visual Arts major, played three years with the J. Addison Jaguars before rejoining the Colts for her final high school campaign.
Williams has fought through adversity during her high school career, coming back stronger after suffering an ACL rupture, torn meniscus and dislocated shoulder, and is ready to make an impact at the next level for the Badgers.
"I'm most excited to challenge myself both emotionally and physically with my teammates, applying all I've gained from previous setbacks and experiences," Williams said. "I learned patience, mental toughness and resilience from the experience, and it was tremendously satisfying to play and compete at a high level once more."
The three new recruits join a program that has reached the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) postseason the past six seasons.
