#MUWBB Inks Two Signees in Class of 2021

MILWAUKEE - Marquette University women's basketball head coach Megan Duffy and her staff have announced the Golden Eagles' 2021 recruiting class, their second class since taking over the women's basketball program in 2019.

The two new additions are Kendra Gillispie (Norman, Oklahoma/Harding Charter Prep) and Makiyah Williams (River Forest, Illinois/Trinity HS), who signed National Letters of Intent as members of the class of 2025 Wednesday morning.

"We couldn't be more excited to bring two great additions to our Marquette family in Kendra and Makiyah," Duffy said. "Fans are going to love their versatility and competitiveness on the court. Special thanks to Itoro Coleman, Tony Greene and recruiting coordinator Justine Raterman for their energy and work to help bring two great young women to Marquette."

Gillispie is a 6-foot-2 forward who ranks as the No. 58 player in the class of 2021 by ESPN. She led Norman High School to a Class 6A state title as a sophomore in 2019, averaging 20.8 points, 13.9 rebounds and three blocks per game. She netted 16 points and grabbed 15 boards in Norman's title-clinching game on her way to tournament MVP honors and team's first state championship since 2005.

The talented forward transferred to Harding Charter Prep for her junior season in 2019-20 and helped the team to a 22-8 record. She led HCP to its deepest postseason run in program history, earning both district and regional championship honors.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kendra to our Marquette basketball family," Duffy stated. "She really brings a unique skill set to our team with her ability to dominate inside along with some tremendous skill on the perimeter. Kendra comes from a disciplined and winning background. She has a great attitude and a work ethic that will transfer immediately over to the college game to help bring more success to Marquette."

Gillispie also competed on the track & field team at Norman High School and won a state title in the shot put as a freshman in 2018.

Makiyah Williams is a 6-foot wing out of the Chicago suburbs who ranks as the No. 6 player in the state of Illinois by Prospect Nation. She averaged 20.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 2.3 steals and 1.9 assists as a junior.

Williams was named to the Pioneer Press All-Area First Team and the IHSA Class 3A First Team after her exceptional 2019-20 season. Williams played AAU for the Chicago Hoops Express, one of the top teams in Illinois.

"Makiyah is an outstanding addition to our program," Duffy said. "Her versatility, size and skill set will fit in nicely with our team. She's going to be able to play multiple positions for us and help the team at both ends of the court. Makiyah is one of the most improved players in the country, and she has worked extremely hard to expand her game on the perimeter."

Both players will join Marquette in the summer of 2021 and have four years of eligibility remaining.

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