Northwest Wayne News

The Wayne State University women's basketball team has added three freshmen to its roster for the 2025-26 season. Head coach Carrie Lohr, who is entering her 15th year with the program, announced the signings of guard DeMaya Asberry from Warren Cousino High School, guard Maddy Benard from Grosse Pointe South High School, and center AJ Rickli from Paw Paw High School.

"DeMaya, Maddy and AJ all fit the WSU model of academic excellence, athletic success and community service," said Coach Lohr. "Each player brings a unique skill set that will benefit our program on and off the court."

DeMaya Asberry was a multiple-year letterwinner at Warren Cousino High School under coach Amy Mitchell. She helped her team to a 15-11 record as a senior and contributed to three state tournament wins. Asberry also competed in cross country and track & field, running in regional meets and achieving a personal best in the 400m dash at the 2023 MHSAA regional track meet. She graduated Cum Laude and played summer basketball for Always 100 with coach K'Len Morris. Her brother played men's basketball at Lawrence Tech (https://ltuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/arthur-asberry/3593).

Maddy Benard was a four-year letterwinner at Grosse Pointe South High School coached by Kevin Richards. She set school records for points in a season, steals in a season, career steals, assists in a game, and became one of only four players to score over 1,000 career points. Benard earned several All-State honors from organizations including the Associated Press, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, MAC, and BCAM. She also played summer basketball for Michigan Storm UAA with coach A.W. Canada.

AJ Rickli was a four-year letterwinner at Paw Paw High School under coaches Dan Thornton and Ernie Ramirez. She led her team to a District title while averaging 22 points and 18 rebounds per game. Rickli received First Team All-State recognition from Michigan Sports Writers in 2025 and was named a Miss Basketball Finalist. She is also PPHS's all-time leading scorer and participated in volleyball and track & field during high school.

Last season, Wayne State finished with an overall record of 20-12 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament but will need to replace graduating seniors Shea Tripp, Alyssa Leister, Ally Shagena, and ZaMaria Polk.