Northern Illinois University women’s basketball head coach Lisa Carlsen announced on Wednesday the signings of Cyra Conwell (Chicago, Ill./Butler College Prep) and Emilie Sorensen (Waukee, Iowa/Waukee) to National Letters of Intent to join the Huskies for the 2025-26 season.

Conwell is a 5’5” guard from Chicago and currently in her senior year at Butler College Prep. Last year Conwell averaged 10.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game for the Lynx on their way to an undefeated Noble Conference title and an IHSA Class 3A regional championship. Butler College Prep also won a regional title in 2022. Conwell has been an All-Conference selection in each of the last two seasons.

“Cyra can impact the game in a multitude of ways,” said Carlsen. “She is a very good defender, handles the ball well and can find open teammates. Her best basketball is ahead of her and I look forward to watching her grow and helping her become the student-athlete she wants to be.”

Sorensen is a 5’9” guard from Waukee, Iowa in her senior year at Waukee High School. A three-year letterwinner, Sorensen averaged 14.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in helping lead the Warriors to the Iowa Class 5A state semifinals in 2024. She was a First Team All-Conference, All-Area and All-State honoree last season. As a sophomore Sorensen averaged 10 points and 3.7 rebounds per game while shooting 42 percent from the three-point line.

“Emilie is a tough, versatile guard who can shoot the three as well as get to the rim,” Carlsen said. “She has a high basketball IQ and is very competitive. Emilie has experienced a lot of success with her high school team and in AAU which will serve her well in the transition to the next level.”

NIU is back in action on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. Tip-off is at 6 p.m.