University of Windsor Lancer women's basketball head coach Chantal Vallée has announced her recruiting class for the 2026-27 season. This incredibly strong group, one of the best in program history, features three transferring students and two high school recruits who will elevate the program for years to come.
Tito Akinnusi
A 5'11" guard/forward from Kleinburg, Ont., Akinnusi comes to Windsor after four seasons with the Brock Badgers. She is a dominant student-athlete with a strong work ethic and scoring ability. In 53 career games with the Badgers, she totaled almost 500 career points, averaging 9.4 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game. The Psychology major holds a carer single-game high of 37 points, which she scored on November 25, 2023 against McMaster. Her superb rebounding ability and nose for the basket will allow her to be a difference maker this season.
"The decision to commit to Windsor was not a difficult one," said Akinnusi. "The opportunity to join a storied program with a history of winning national championships, outstanding facilities, an amazing fan base, top players, and seasoned coaches is one l relish. I am looking forward to contributing towards the upwards trajectory of the team and hopefully making it all the way to contending for national championships again."
In 2023-24, her best single season of her OUA career, Akinnusi averaged 14.2 points per game and shot 51.1% from the field while starting all 21 games for Brock. She also shot 80.9% from the charity stripe that season and grabbed 8.9 rebounds per game.
Vallée has had her eye on Akinnusi for a long period of time. "I have watched Tito play for many years, going back to her OSBA days, and I am thrilled that she will now be wearing the Blue and Gold instead of being someone we have to prepare to guard."
"Tito is a very difficult matchup because she can score at all three levels, rebound with toughness, and impact the game on both ends of the floor. Through the recruiting process, I also got to know her as a dedicated, loyal, and hard-working person. I am excited to coach her and help her continue to grow her game over the next couple of years," adds Vallée.
Helena Lasic
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Lasic is a 6'3" forward with NCAA Division 1 experience. On the court, she uses her length, defense, and rebounding ability to contribute. In her time with the Quakers, she was awarded Teammate of the Year honours for her contributions to the team culture. The Brampton native has attended Team Canada Futures Camps and won a silver medal with Team Ontario at the Canada Basketball Nationals. She was also invited to participate in Stephen Curry's "Underrated" Invitational, competing against elite players nationally. Lasic was a PAISAA champion in high school and was named to the BioSteel and Canlettes All-Canadian teams, earning 4-star recruit status.
"I chose University of Windsor because of the genuine connection I built with Coach Vallée and how invested she was in me throughout the recruiting process beyond me being a basketball player," said Lasic. "After my experience in the NCAA, I've learned how important it is to be in a place where you're truly wanted and needed - she made that clear from our first phone call. Windsor also has a strong winning culture, a great community, and academically it's the perfect fit for me with one of the top sport management programs in Canada."
Having played high school basketball in Pennsylvania, Lasic is eager to return to Canada: "On top of that, being close to home means everything at this stage in my career. I haven't played in Canada since 2018, so having my family able to come watch me play again makes this opportunity even more special. I really look forward to being a Lancer and all Windsor has to offer these next two years."
Lasic played 21 total NCAA games, dressing in a career-high 10 in 2024-25 in which she shot 37.5% from the field.
"We are very excited to add Helena's length, athleticism, maturity, and character to our roster. She runs the floor extremely well, defends multiple positions, and brings a strong physical presence combined with the mobility and skill set required to excel in today's fast, dynamic game," said Vallée. "What stood out most throughout the recruiting process was her humility and commitment to becoming the best version of herself. Helena has competed at a high level since high school, and she has the ability to make an immediate impact while continuing to grow into her tremendous upside within our program."
Mackenzie Marenchin
The Windsor native brings two years of NCAA experience with the Idaho State Bengals to the blue and gold. Marenchin uses her size, agility, and shooting to have success. The 6'1" forward was named a 2023 BioSteel All-Canadian and represented Team Ontario twice at the U17 Canadian National Championships, winning gold and bronze medals.
"Choosing to come home and play for the University of Windsor means so much to me," said Marenchin. "There's something so special about being close to the people and places that shaped me, while still chasing my dreams at a high level. The team has such a strong, positive culture, and the coaching staff's passion and belief in their players makes it an incredibly special place to be. I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to represent my home and grow as a player and individual. It just feels right and I'm so excited for everything ahead. Go Lancers!"
Marenchin played in 23 career NCAA games. Her best shooting season came in 2025-26, where she shot 33.3% from the field, 40% from three, and 62.5% from the line while averaging 7.9 minutes per game.
"It is very special to welcome Mackenzie home to Windsor. She is a talented student-athlete with a strong competitive spirit, and I know how much winning matters to her," said Vallée. "Mack brings size, toughness, and shooting, and has the ability to become a major contributor for us with the ability to stretch the floor as a three-point shooter. I am excited to invest in her development over the coming years, both as a player and as a young woman. Having an athlete of her calibre return home is a terrific moment for our program."
Maysa Arabi
Coming in at 5'11", Arabi brings size to the guard position, and her shooting ability and basketball IQ will make her a strong addition to the Lancer lineup. She has led Holy Names to an OFSAA bronze medal, two SWOSSA championships, and three WECSSAA championships. Arabi was named a WECSSAA unanimous first-team all-star and the AAA senior girls' MVP this past season.
"Choosing the University of Windsor felt like coming full circle for me. Growing up in Windsor, I've spent years around the program — from attending basketball camps when I was young to now having the opportunity to represent my hometown. I still remember Coach Chantal taking the time to help me with my shooting form at camp, and that moment stuck with me," said the local product.
"Being able to play in front of my friends and family, alongside teammates I grew up playing with, makes this incredibly special. The University of Windsor has built one of the top programs in the country with a true championship culture, and I wanted to be part of a program that sets the standard. Coach Chantal's confidence in me and belief in my game made this decision an easy one, and I'm excited to get to work."
"Maysa is a versatile guard who brings size, skill, and a strong understanding of the game," said Vallée. "She can stretch the floor with her three-point shooting, and has a thirst for learning and growing that I often find unmatched in young woman her age. Having grown up in Windsor and spent years around our program, this is a special moment. She understands what it means to wear the Lancer jersey, and we're excited to see her step into that role and continue to develop within our culture."
Leah Shannon
Shannon is a 5'9" guard who is competitive and is able to attack the basket. She has the ability to defend well and run the floor with her incredible fitness. The LaSalle native has numerous high school and club accolades, including 2024 Juel Prep First Team All-Star, G-Elite First Team All-Star, 2024 and 2025 WECSSAA First Team All-Star, 2024 WECSSAA All-Star Game MVP, and the 2025 MVP of Sandwich Girls Basketball.
"I chose the University of Windsor because they have a strong Human Kinetics program that is one of the most reputable in Canada. Coach Chantal welcomed me from the beginning of my high school career so much that I've always looked up to the Lancer team and it's always been a goal of mine to be part of it," said Shannon.
"Leah brings a high level of athleticism, she is physical, defends with purpose, and plays with a motor that never shuts off," said Vallée of the Sandwich Secondary School player. "What really stands out is her commitment to doing the little things like running the floor, competing every possession, and putting the team first. She's been part of the Windsor basketball community for a long time, and we're excited to welcome her into our program and help her continue to grow."
