University of Richmond Athletics
Women’s Basketball Signs Three in 2023 Class
11/09/2022 | Women's Basketball
RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond women's basketball head coach Aaron Roussell welcomed the signing class of 2023 to the program on National Signing Day Wednesday. Joining the Spiders in for the 2023-24 season include post player Melissa Mwanza, point guard Ally Sweeney and forward Courtney Swider.
"This class is a perfect complement to the players that we will have our returning to the program next season," Roussell said. "They will help us immediately upon entering school next year and will be huge pieces to our future during their careers. In addition to their on-court abilities, they will be tremendous assets to the entire Richmond community--- we will all be fortunate to have these three student-athletes impact the university over their years. I am very grateful to them and their families for choosing the University of Richmond."
Melissa Mwanza, a post player from Harare, Zimbabwe, averaged 11 points and six rebounds per game as a junior at Life Christian Academy in Richmond, Va. Mwanza moved to Life Christian from Zimbabwe prior to the start of her sophomore season that was cut short due to COVID-19 pandemic. She also gained a lot of experience playing with AAU team Cap City Ballerz.
Roussell on Mwanza: "Melissa is already a beast on the floor, but her potential and work ethic has me excited for the impact she will have on our program. The combination of her size and athleticism will give us a boost on both ends, but her ball skills and ability in the open floor will really open everyone's eyes and give a glimpse into the impact player she can become."
Ally Sweeney, a point guard, comes to Richmond as a four-year starter for Sparta High in Sparta, N.J. She led her squad to a State Championship in 2021 and 2022, as well as three-straight league and county championship titles. She is a three-time All-League and All-County selection and Sparta High team MVP, while twice serving as team captain.
Roussell on Sweeney: "Ally is a very gifted PG that can completely control a game and make each of her teammates better. Her decision making is on a level you don't typically see in a HS player and her shooting range is unlimited."
Courtney Swider, a 6-4 forward from Portsmouth, R.I., helped Tabor Academy to a NEPSAC Class AA Championship last season. From a basketball family, both her parents played college basketball, her mother at University of New Hampshire and her father at Fordham University. Her brother Cole is a rookie on the Los Angeles Lakers and her sister Kylie is a Junior on the Villanova Women's Basketball team. Courtney is also a member of the varsity volleyball team at Tabor.
Roussell on Swider: "Everyone sees the 6'4 height, her wingspan and unfairly pigeonholes as a 'post player'. In reality, Courtney is incredibly athletic with amazing footwork that can wreak havoc everywhere on the court. We look forward to utilizing her versatility in many ways on both ends of the court."
"This class is a perfect complement to the players that we will have our returning to the program next season," Roussell said. "They will help us immediately upon entering school next year and will be huge pieces to our future during their careers. In addition to their on-court abilities, they will be tremendous assets to the entire Richmond community--- we will all be fortunate to have these three student-athletes impact the university over their years. I am very grateful to them and their families for choosing the University of Richmond."
Melissa Mwanza, a post player from Harare, Zimbabwe, averaged 11 points and six rebounds per game as a junior at Life Christian Academy in Richmond, Va. Mwanza moved to Life Christian from Zimbabwe prior to the start of her sophomore season that was cut short due to COVID-19 pandemic. She also gained a lot of experience playing with AAU team Cap City Ballerz.
Roussell on Mwanza: "Melissa is already a beast on the floor, but her potential and work ethic has me excited for the impact she will have on our program. The combination of her size and athleticism will give us a boost on both ends, but her ball skills and ability in the open floor will really open everyone's eyes and give a glimpse into the impact player she can become."
Ally Sweeney, a point guard, comes to Richmond as a four-year starter for Sparta High in Sparta, N.J. She led her squad to a State Championship in 2021 and 2022, as well as three-straight league and county championship titles. She is a three-time All-League and All-County selection and Sparta High team MVP, while twice serving as team captain.
Roussell on Sweeney: "Ally is a very gifted PG that can completely control a game and make each of her teammates better. Her decision making is on a level you don't typically see in a HS player and her shooting range is unlimited."
Courtney Swider, a 6-4 forward from Portsmouth, R.I., helped Tabor Academy to a NEPSAC Class AA Championship last season. From a basketball family, both her parents played college basketball, her mother at University of New Hampshire and her father at Fordham University. Her brother Cole is a rookie on the Los Angeles Lakers and her sister Kylie is a Junior on the Villanova Women's Basketball team. Courtney is also a member of the varsity volleyball team at Tabor.
Roussell on Swider: "Everyone sees the 6'4 height, her wingspan and unfairly pigeonholes as a 'post player'. In reality, Courtney is incredibly athletic with amazing footwork that can wreak havoc everywhere on the court. We look forward to utilizing her versatility in many ways on both ends of the court."
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