CARBONDALE, Ill. – Women’s basketball head coach Kelly Bond-White has announced the signing of Angela Uzoamaka Samuel ahead of the 2023-24 season.

“Angela Samuel, a member of the Nigerian National Team circuit, is headed to Carbondale this semester,” Bond-White said. “I can’t wait for her to share her journey with our community. This is a student-athlete arriving to the States with only a carry-on. After every one of our conversations, she always expresses her appreciation. She had researched every single detail about the Southern Illinois community, and I know our community will embrace her the same.”

Samuel will be a freshman heading into the 2023-24 campaign.

“The first time we saw her film, her physicality jumped off the screen,” Bond-White said.

Samuel worked with the Nukam Sports Academy, which aided in her transition to SIU. The 6’4 center from Lagos, Nigeria, is expected to provide strength down low on the defensive end, along with a solid stroke from the high post, according to Bond-White.

“Angela, who is currently en route to Carbondale, will bring a much-needed boost to our front court,” Bond-White said. “A defensive rim protector that can block shots, run the floor, and finish. Angela has a fun, hardworking, humble, faith-driven demeanor that will fit in with our young ladies.”

Samuel will be majoring in sports administration in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Southern Illinois.

To watch Samuel’s highlights, click here.

“The patience and diligence of my coaching staff, compliance office, and international admissions staff has been outstanding throughout,” Bond-White said. “I’m so thankful for the people that believe in our vision for this program here in Carbondale. We’ve established some great relationships and have worked extremely hard to make this pipeline come to fruition.”