Oregon State WBB Announces Four Additions to 2026-27
The Oregon State women’s basketball team announced four new additions to the roster starting with the 2026-27 campaign. Oregon State WBB head coach Scott Rueck spoke about the four new additions…
“We are honored today to add an exciting class and group to our program,” Rueck said. “All four are on brand with our program being of the highest character, competency, and potential as we build our program towards the future Beaver Nation will love to get to know them!”
Ashley Uustitalo – 5-foot-9 Guard – Lake Washington, Washington (Lake Washington HS)
BeaversEdge Story On Uustitalo’s Pledge
A sharpshooter from Lake Washington, Uusitalo broke her high school’s three-point record seven games into her junior season with 133 makes from three. Uusitalo led her team to its first district championship in three decades and a KingCo title in the school’s first season at 4A (the highest-level in Washington). She was the league MVP and named first-team all-state by the Tacoma News Tribune after averaging 17 points, five rebounds and four assists per game.
As a sophomore, Uusitalo led her team to the 3A KingCo championship while scoring 26 of her team’s 54 points in the title game. She was named the 3A KingCo MVP. Uusitalo is ranked the No. 4 player in Washington by Prep Girls Hoops.
Why Oregon State:
“I chose Oregon State because the moment I stepped on campus and met the team and staff, it felt like family. The Beav culture along with the incredible support surrounding Oregon State Women’s Basketball made it so clear that this is home.”
Scott Rueck on Ashley Uusitalo:
“It’s an honor to add Ashley to our program. She is a highly-skilled guard with scoring ability from deep range and at the rim. She puts pressure on the defense at all times. Ashley has great court vision and the ability to create shots for her teammates and is an excellent passer. She is a tough defender, competitor, and leader.”
Evelini Smith – 6-foot-4 Forward – Antelope, Calif. (St. Mary’s HS)
BeaversEDGE Story on Smith’s pledge
Smith is coming off a junior campaign where she averaged 11.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 45% from the floor and 34% from three. She helped lead St. Mary’s to a 20-14 record and earned a top-25 state ranking in California, bringing size, versatility, and an inside-out scoring ability to the Beavers’ frontcourt. Smith was also named to the NorCal Preps Top 30 in the 2026 Class.
Why Oregon State:
“I chose Oregon State because of its strong program. The staff and players truly value growth and connection. The supportive fan base and environment are exactly what I want to be part of as I grow both academically and athletically.”
Scott Rueck on Evelini Smith:
“I’m excited that Evelini chose Oregon State. She is a versatile post player who plays with elite effort and has a dynamic skill set. She has a great feel for the game, scores with both hands around the rim and has the ability to stretch to the three-point line. She is an extremely disruptive defensive player, and I love how committed she is to the end of the floor.”
Taylor Young – 5-foot-9 Guard | Central Point, Ore. (Crater HS)
The Oregon Prep Girls Hoops player and No. 83 player in the SportsCenter Next 100, Young led Crater to its first-ever 5A state championship, earning tournament MVP honors after a 25-point performance in the title game. Before her time at Crater, Young played for South Medford, where she contributed to the Panthers’ 2024 6A state title.
Young shattered the 5A tournament scoring record with 85 points and tied the 5A record with 20 steals over three games. She was named Oregon’s 5A Girls Basketball Player of the Year by Sports Illustrated. Her parents are both Oregon State alumni and Young’s mom and aunt – Cherrith and Chassie Wiersma – played basketball at Oregon State.
Why Oregon State:
“I chose Oregon State because of its strong culture, family atmosphere, and great basketball history. It feels like a place where I can grow both on and off the court while staying true to my values. Being close to home means my family can be part of my journey, and I can also be part of my sister’s. The program’s tradition and sense of community make it the perfect fit for me. My mom and aunt played for OSU and I am excited to keep the tradition going. I can’t wait for this journey to begin!”
Scott Rueck on Taylor Young:
“I am so excited that Taylor chose to stay close to home and join our program. She is a highly-skilled and tough competitor and willing to do whatever it takes to ensure her team’s success. Taylor is as dedicated as they come and has developed a complete skillset as a scoring and playmaking guard. She is disruptive on the defensive end of the floor and scores at all three levels on offense. She’s a great teammate and leader.”
Maggie Warpus – 6-foot-2 Forward | Chenango Falls, N.Y. | (Chenango Forks HS)
Warpus comes to Corvallis off a standout junior season where she averaged 21 points per game while leading the Blue Devils to a STAC championship, Section IV title, and a state semifinals appearance. She was named Class B Player of the Year in New York by the State Sportswriters Association.
On the AAU circuit, Warpus was the Hoop Group Select League MVP while leading her club, NEPA Elite 17U, to a perfect 6-0 record and HGSL championship in Atlantic City.
Why Oregon State:
“I chose Oregon State because during my official visit, I immediately felt the family atmosphere from both the team and the coaching staff. I believe it is the perfect place for me to grow not only as a basketball player but as a person too.”
Scott Rueck on Maggie Warpus:
“I am happy and excited to announce the addition of Maggie to our program. Maggie is a long, skilled and versatile stretch forward. I love her ability to score from all over the court her understanding of the game from multiple positions and the tenacity and impact that she plays with on the defensive end of the floor.”
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