MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State women's basketball head coach Emilee Thiesse is pleased to announce the signing of five players. Mallory Czinano, Elisabeth Gadient, Rhyan Holmgren, Lucy Leininger, and Hannah Leverson will join the Mavericks for the 2024-25 season.
 
All signings are contingent upon admission to Minnesota State and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
 
"We are excited to officially welcome Mallory, Elisabeth, Rhyan, Lucy, and Hannah to our Maverick family," Thiesse said. "This is a talented group of student-athletes with a diverse skillset that will complement each other and our current team well. The future of Maverick Basketball is very bright."
 
Mallory Czinano, a 6'0 forward from Watertown, Minn., is a three-year letter winner in basketball, volleyball, and track at Watertown-Mayer High School. Mallory averaged 11 points and 5.7 rebounds for the Royals during her junior season. In addition, she has been a 3-time All-Conference selection and was named the team's Most Improved Player as a freshman and sophomore. Czinano has competed in multiple track and field events, including the 100m, 200m and 400m sprints along with qualifying for state in the shot put. She plans to major in Exercise Science at Minnesota State. Mallory is the daughter of Theresa and Gyula Czinano.
 
"Mallory brings a great presence in and around the paint," Thiesse said. "She has great touch, soft hands, and is a good passer out of the post. Her ability to rebound the ball is also going to help us on both ends of the court and we really like what she will bring to our inside game."
 
Elisabeth Gadient is a 5'11" point guard from Goodhue, Minn. As a junior at Goodhue High School, Elisabeth averaged 18.2 points, 5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 4.3 steals per game. She surpassed the 1,000-point mark during her junior season and is currently 3^rd All-time in steals for the Wildcats. Last season, Gadient led her team to a Minnesota State Class AA 3^rd place finish and was an All-State Honorable mention selection.  The two-time Hiawatha Valley League all-conference player also participates in volleyball and is a member of the National Honor Society. Elisabeth is the daughter of Brett and Heather Gadient and is undecided on a major.
 
"Elisabeth is a fierce competitor and a high energy player," Thiesse said. "Her length at the point guard spot will bring an incredible presence on the ball. She can finish in traffic, stretch the floor, and create shots for others with her ability to distribute the ball. On the defensive end, Liz's size and talent for creating steals will provide a great spark for our backcourt."
 
Rhyan Holmgren, a 5'9" guard from St. Peter, Minn., is a four-year basketball letter winner at St. Peter High School. As a junior, Rhyan led the Saints to their first girls' basketball Big South Conference Championship while averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3.1 steals per game. She holds several season and career records for the Saints including points in a game (43), points in a season (684) and career points (1,658). The National Honor Society member, also participates in tennis and softball. Rhyan is the daughter of Kyle and Staci Holmgren and plans to major in Exercise Science at Minnesota State.
 
"Rhyan is a phenomenal play maker and a true scorer that will be a great fit in our up-tempo style," said Thiesse. "Her high basketball IQ along with her multi-dimensional skillset allow her to score from all areas of the court. Her strength and toughness in the guard spot will make her a difficult match-up in our system."
 
Lucy Leininger, a 5'11" wing from Germantown, Wis, helped lead Germantown High School to a 23-6 record and a Wisconsin State Division 1 tournament appearance as a junior. Last season, Lucy averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2.6 blocks per game.  Leininger finished the season 3^rd in the state in blocks (74) and was a 2^nd team All Greater Metro Conference selection.  She is a member of the National Honor Society and currently ranks first in her class. Lucy is the daughter of Greg and Kim Leininger and is undecided on a major.
 
"Lucy is a long wing that has an incredible knack for getting her hands on the ball defensively," said Thiesse. "Between deflections, steals, and blocked shots she makes a huge impact on the game and will fit perfectly in our disruptive defensive system. Her length and versatility will be a great asset to our perimeter game."
 
Hannah Leverson, a 5'5'' combo guard from Sisseton, S.D., is a three-year letter winner at Sisseton High School. In her junior year, Hannah averaged 15.6 points, 3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 4 steals per game for the Redmen. She is a two-time First Team All- Conference selection and surpassed the 1,000-point mark during her junior season. Hannah is a member of the National Honor Society and on the 'A' Honor Roll. Hannah is the daughter of Tim and Jessica Leverson and plans to major in Exercise Science and pursue a career as a physical therapist.
 
"Hannah will be a great addition to our perimeter attack," said Thiesse. "She sees the floor very well and is an outstanding passer as she draws so much attention with her scoring ability. On the defensive end of the floor, she's got great anticipation and will be a dynamic threat in our full-court aggressive defense."
 
 
 

Name	Position	Height	Hometown/High School
Mallory Czinano	Forward	6'0"	Watertown, Minn. / Watertown-Mayer High School
Elisabeth Gadient	Point Guard	5'11"	Goodhue, Minn. / Goodhue High School
Rhyan Holmgren	Guard	5'9"	St. Peter, Minn. / St. Peter High School
Lucy Leininger	Wing	5'11"	Germantown, Wis. / Germantown High School
Hannah Leverson	Combo Guard	5'5"	Sisseton, S.D. / Sisseton High School