Edmonds Announces Sta. Maria as Part of 2026-27 Freshman Class
11/12/2025 10:19:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HOUSTON – Shelley Pennington and Friends Head Coach Lindsay Edmonds announced the first addition for the 2026-27 recruiting class as Kaylen Sta. Maria (Vaughan, Ontario) is set to join the Rice women's basketball team.
"I am so excited to add Kaylen to our family. KK is a player that caught my eye on the circuit years ago when she was just a 9th grader, so now to be officially signing her is an amazing feeling," Edmonds said. "KK is a 5'8 point guard who really understands the game at a high level. She is smooth with the ball in her hands, has great court vision, knows how to set up her teammates, and can knock down a shot from anywhere on the court. Her determination to succeed and undeniable work ethic will take her to great heights during her Rice career. KK's future is so bright and I couldn't be happier that she is with us."
Kaylen Sta. Maria – 5'8" – GUARD
Hometown: Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
High School: Niagara Prep (Head Coach Dave Picton)
AAU Program: Kia Nurse Elite (Head Coach Richard Nurse)
About Sta. Maria: Sta. Maria has earned numerous accolades throughout her high school career, leading her team to two OSBA championships. She was a First Team All-OSBA selection last season and is a two-time Biosteel All-Canadian selection. Throughout her career, Sta. Maria is averaging 15 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals per game. Sta. Maria was part of the Team Ontario U17 team that claimed the national championship in 2024.
In addition to basketball, Sta. Maria holds a 3.9 GPA and has earned honor roll with distinction freshman through junior years of high school.
Niagara Prep Dave Picton on Sta. Maria: "Niagara Prep Basketball is proud to announce that Kaylen ("KK") Sta. Maria has officially signed her commitment letter to Rice University, continuing her academic and athletic journey. KK's exceptional basketball IQ, consistent shooting ability, and relentless commitment to growth — both on and off the court — have been key to her success. Her leadership, work ethic, and competitive spirit have set a strong example for her teammates and have prepared her well for the next level. Congratulations, KK — your hard work has paid off, and we look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish at Rice University."
Kia Nurse Elite coach Richard Nurse on Sta. Maria: "It's been an absolute privilege to coach and have Kaylen (KK) Sta. Maria be a part of our Kia Nurse Elite program. She has been one of the top 3-point shooters for our program and watching her grow into the player and person she is today has been special. She has worked hard and earned her opportunity to be a part of Rice University women's basketball, and I can't wait to see her continue to shine at the next level."
"I am so excited to add Kaylen to our family. KK is a player that caught my eye on the circuit years ago when she was just a 9th grader, so now to be officially signing her is an amazing feeling," Edmonds said. "KK is a 5'8 point guard who really understands the game at a high level. She is smooth with the ball in her hands, has great court vision, knows how to set up her teammates, and can knock down a shot from anywhere on the court. Her determination to succeed and undeniable work ethic will take her to great heights during her Rice career. KK's future is so bright and I couldn't be happier that she is with us."
Kaylen Sta. Maria – 5'8" – GUARD
Hometown: Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
High School: Niagara Prep (Head Coach Dave Picton)
AAU Program: Kia Nurse Elite (Head Coach Richard Nurse)
About Sta. Maria: Sta. Maria has earned numerous accolades throughout her high school career, leading her team to two OSBA championships. She was a First Team All-OSBA selection last season and is a two-time Biosteel All-Canadian selection. Throughout her career, Sta. Maria is averaging 15 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals per game. Sta. Maria was part of the Team Ontario U17 team that claimed the national championship in 2024.
In addition to basketball, Sta. Maria holds a 3.9 GPA and has earned honor roll with distinction freshman through junior years of high school.
Niagara Prep Dave Picton on Sta. Maria: "Niagara Prep Basketball is proud to announce that Kaylen ("KK") Sta. Maria has officially signed her commitment letter to Rice University, continuing her academic and athletic journey. KK's exceptional basketball IQ, consistent shooting ability, and relentless commitment to growth — both on and off the court — have been key to her success. Her leadership, work ethic, and competitive spirit have set a strong example for her teammates and have prepared her well for the next level. Congratulations, KK — your hard work has paid off, and we look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish at Rice University."
Kia Nurse Elite coach Richard Nurse on Sta. Maria: "It's been an absolute privilege to coach and have Kaylen (KK) Sta. Maria be a part of our Kia Nurse Elite program. She has been one of the top 3-point shooters for our program and watching her grow into the player and person she is today has been special. She has worked hard and earned her opportunity to be a part of Rice University women's basketball, and I can't wait to see her continue to shine at the next level."
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