Baltimore – The Loyola University Maryland women's basketball team announced Ava Kopetskie, Talia Shumate, Allister Caretti, and Kaitlin Totaro have signed their letter of intent during the NCAA"s early signing period.

"As with every class, we have been very intentional with building our 2026 class," Head Coach Danielle O'Banioin said. "We needed to find the right people and families to come in to make an instant impact in continuing to move our program forward. Fortunate for us, we found our people! Ava, Talia, Allister, and Kaitlin, all have an unmatched winning spirit, willingness to steadily improve, and are amazing young ladies in all facets. We have no doubt each will make a positive impact with their commitment within the classroom, community, and on the court."

Allister Caretti  •  Post  •  Mercersburg, PA  •  Mercersburg Academy
Before Loyola: Attended Mercersburg Academy where she was a four-year member of the varsity basketball team, played volleyball for three years, and softball for two … Placed second place in League Tournament her sophomore year and won St. Stephens St. Agnes invitational during junior year … Played AAU basketball for Global Squad and Elevate Elite E40.  
Personal: Daughter of Syd and Erin … One sister, Quin … Named distinguished scholar her first three years of high school … Plays electric bass in schools jazz band.
 
"Allister arrives from a highly -espected high school program and will strengthen our frontcourt. She brings valuable size to our post group as a reliable rim protector and a strong low-post scorer and rebounder. She's active, communicates well, and can anchor the defense with her presence. Her ability to finish around the rim and control the glass elevates our interior play and will pay dividends for our program." – Head Coach Danielle O'Banion.
 
Ava Kopetskie  •  Guard  •  Bethlehem, PA  •  Liberty High School
Before Loyola: Attended Liberty High School where she was a four-year member of the basketball team and a two year member of the volleyball team … Named EPC All-Area First Team and MVP, Lehigh Valley Live Girls Basketball Player of the Year last season … Reached PIAA Sweet Sixteen in State Playoffs … Played AAU basketball for Team Northeast P24, Exodus EYBL, and Topnotch.   
Personal: Daughter of Mark and Krista … one sibling, Matthew … Named to National Honor Society.
 
"Ava was our first commit for the 2026 class. She has excelled throughout her career at Bethlehem High School, distinguishing herself both academically and athletically. Ava is a sharpshooter -- a dynamic three-level scorer with impressive shooting range and strong ball-handling abilities. She's also a tenacious defender. Her leadership qualities and high-level decision-making will positively influence our program in every aspect. We are thrilled to welcome Ava as the anchor of our 2026 recruiting class." – Head Coach Danielle O'Banion.

Talia Shumate  •  Post  •  Sicklerville, NJ  •  Gloucester Catholic
Before Loyola: Attended Winslow Township High and Gloucester Catholic where she has been a four-year varsity basketball member … Named First Team All-Conference last season … Won South Jersey Championship, Sectional and Conference Championships … Played AAU for Books and Basketball.

Personal: Daughter of Timothy and Joynell … Four siblings; Ayanna, Yaz, TJ, and Tamiya.
 
"Talia will be joining us from a storied high school program, a highly competitive high school basketball league and AAU program (Books & Basketball). Bringing with her a winning pedigree, a relentless motor, a vocal leadership presence, and some New Jersey toughness.
Her explosive rebounding, knack for scoring, and ability to handle the ball, elevate our frontcourt versatility.
Additionally, she competes at such a high-level on the court and in the classroom, that'll raise the standard for those around her.
We're so excited for the impact Talia will have within our program and Loyola community alike." – Head Coach Danielle O'Banion.

Kaitlin Totaro  •  Post  •  Chicago, IL  •  DePaul College Prep
Before Loyola: Attended DePaul College Prep where she was a four year varsity basketball member … Named GCAC All-Conference and All-State Honorable Mention last season …  Member of IHSA Regional Champions last season … Played AAU basketball for All In Athletics AAU.

Personal: Daughter of Leslie and Steven … Three siblings; Sydney, Ellen, and Gwen.
 
"We're so excited to have Kaitlin join our family from Chicago's Depaul Prep & All In Athletics AAU program. She's a versatile, long forward who excels playing inside-out and disrupting opponents with her shot blocking and defensive presence. She runs the floor hard like a deer, rebounds and stretches the defense with her three-point range. Her confidence, motor and competitiveness are constant separators that makes her the perfect fit for our team. Welcome home, Kaitlin!" – Head Coach Danielle O'Banion.