SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- Shepherd University head women's basketball coach Julie Kaufman has announced that six student-athletes have signed letters-of-intent to play for the Rams in 2026-27.
 
Freshmen Jayden Addison (Germantown, Md./Seneca Valley), Kennedy Porter (Parkersburg, W.Va./Parkersburg), Alexis Smothers (Baltimore, Md./Baltimore Polytechnic Institute) join sophomore Olivia Bolduc (Martinsburg, W.Va./ Saint John's Catholic Prep),  junior Darrian Jackson (Uniondale, N.Y./Uniondale/Union County College), and senior Gabriella Valentinetti (Stephens City, Va./ James Wood / Garrett Community College/Cheyney) in the recruiting class.
 
Addison, a 5-5 guard, averaged 15 points at Seneca Valley High School.
 
Kaufman on Addison - We are very excited about Jayden joining our team! Her athleticism, quickness, and grittiness are exactly what we were looking for in her position.  
 
Porter, a 5-10 forward/center, lettered in basketball and volleyball at Parkersburg High School and won states for basketball this year. She averaged 15 points and 13.9 rebounds. 
 
Kaufman on Porter - Kennedy has been signed and ready to come to Shepherd for a while now!  She fits what we need in the post position and will help us rebound and spread the floor offensively.  
 
Smothers, a 5-7 guard, lettered in basketball, volleyball, and outdoor track at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. She averaged 10 points, two rebounds, two steals, and one assist at Poly.
 
Kaufman on Smothers - Alexis fits our style of play on both ends of the court with her length, athleticism, and scoring abilities. We are excited to have her be a part of our program!  
 
Bolduc, a 5-3 guard, was a standout at Saint John's Catholic Prep. She earned Regional MVP and first team All-County honors. Bolduc led the county in scoring and assists as she averaged 16.9 points, 4.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 steals. A transfer from Johnson University, Bolduc averaged 13.1 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds at Johnson.
 
Kaufman on Bolduc - Liv is finally a Ram and we are thrilled! Her experience will come into play early as another ball handler to help out our guards.  
 
Jackson, a 5-8 guard, was a 1,000-point scorer at Uniondale High School. She was a two-time All-County choice. Jackson averaged 20.1 points. Jackson is a transfer from Union County College.
 
Kaufman on Jackson- We are so excited that Darrian decided to come to Shep! Her experience, length, grittiness, and athleticism stood out to us, and we are so happy she is with us. 
 
Valentinetti, a 5-5 guard, lettered in basketball at James Wood High School. She played at Garrett Community College for two years before playing a year at Cheyney,
 
Kaufman on Valentinetti - Gabby is a local kid, and we are delighted to have her join our team!  Her ability to rebound at the guard spot and do whatever she can to help our team out is exciting!
 
2026-27 Shepherd Women's Basketball Recruiting Class
Name / Height / Position / Class / Hometown  / High School / Previous School
Jayden  Addison / 5-5 / G / Fr. / Germantown, Md. / Seneca Valley
Kennedy Porter / F/C / Fr. / Parkersburg, W.Va. / Parkersburg
Alexis Smothers / G / 5-7 / Fr. / Baltimore, Md. / Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Olivia Bolduc / G / 5-3 / So. / Martinsburg, W.Va. / Saint Johns Catholic Prep / Johnson University
Darrian Jackson / G / 5-8 / Jr. / Uniondale, N.Y. / Uniondale / Union County College
Gabriella Valentinetti / G/ 5-5 / Sr./ Stephens City, Va./ James Wood / Garrett Community College/Cheyney