Penn Women’s Basketball Gains Four New Stars

The University of Pennsylvania Quakers women’s basketball team has announced its latest addition of four promising student-athletes. These new players, hailing from two states and three countries, are set to make their debuts in the Red and Blue this winter.

Coach Mike McLaughlin Expresses Excitement

“We’re thrilled to welcome this talented group to Penn Women’s Basketball. Each of them brings a unique skill set that will make our program stronger.”

Mike McLaughlin, Penn Women’s Basketball Head Coach

The Quakers, under the leadership of Coach McLaughlin, the program’s all-time winningest head coach, are looking to build on their recent success with their latest recruits.

Meet the Newest Quakers

1. Ruke Ogbevire

   Position: Guard
   Height: 5-7
   Hometown: Houston, Texas
   High School: Fulshear

   <p>A creative guard with exceptional ball skills, Ruke Ogbevire led Fulshear High School to a third-place finish at the state championships. She was named All-State, 20-6A Offensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Most Valuable Player. Ruke’s impressive career includes scoring 1,895 points and registering 471 assists, making her the school's all-time leading scorer and the record holder for triple-doubles.</p>
   
   <p><strong>Coach McLaughlin on Ruke:</strong> "We're excited to welcome Ruke to Penn Women's Basketball. She's a dynamic guard with tremendous ball skills… We can't wait to get to work with Ruke!"</p>

2. Ari Paraskevopoulou

   Position: Forward
   Height: 6-0
   Hometown: Athens, Greece
   High School: 16th General HS of Athens

   <p>A tough and physical forward, Ari Paraskevopoulou has represented Greece on the international stage with both U20 and U18 national teams. She was named Best Performer in both tournaments and led her teams in scoring and rebounding. Ari also played at the club level for Athinaikos, earning Most Valuable Player honors and achieving promotion to the A1 Division.</p>
   
   <p><strong>Coach McLaughlin on Ari:</strong> "We're thrilled to welcome Ari to Penn Women's Basketball. She's a tough, physical forward who brings grit and competitiveness to the post position… Her toughness and work ethic will make her a great fit for our program!"</p>

3. Kate Lipatova

   Position: Center
   Height: 6-3
   Hometown: Moscow, Russia
   High School: Putnam Science Academy (Conn.)

   <p>A versatile forward with international experience, Kate Lipatova has played for the Russian National Team and won multiple championships with her Moscow club team. Moving to the United States at 17, Kate brings maturity and skill to the post position.</p>
   
   <p><strong>Coach McLaughlin on Kate:</strong> "We're excited to welcome Kate to our program. She's a versatile forward with the ability to play both inside and outside, which makes her a difficult matchup… Kate brings maturity to her game well beyond her years, and we expect her to have an immediate impact in the post position."</p>

4. Sarah Gordon

   Position: Guard
   Height: 5-11
   Hometown: Sight Hills, Ala.
   High School: Sight Hills

   <p>An elite shooter with impressive range, Sarah Gordon had a successful high school career, earning All-State honors all four years and being named the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham Girls Basketball Player of the Year. She finished her high school career as Vestavia Hills' all-time leading scorer with 2,168 points.</p>
   
   <p><strong>Coach McLaughlin on Sarah:</strong> "We're thrilled to add Sarah to our Penn Women's Basketball family. She's an elite shooter with great range and the ability to spread the floor… Sarah plays with confidence, toughness, and a competitive edge that fits perfectly with our team's identity."</p>

Penn Women’s Basketball Set for another Strong Season

The Quakers, who have won the Ivy League Rookie of the Year honor in the past two seasons, are poised for another successful year with this talented incoming class. Each recruit brings a unique skill set and a competitive edge that will strengthen the team.

With the right balance of talent, work ethic, and determination, these four new student-athletes are set to make their mark on the court this winter, contributing to Penn Women’s Basketball’s ongoing success.