Penn State’s backcourt looks poised to make a mark this season as coach Carolyn Kieger has yet another guard-heavy lineup. However, the Lady Lions have only three returning guards and several fresh faces joining the rotation.
The blue and white’s returners at the position are redshirt junior Moriah Murray, sophomore Shaelyn Steele and senior Vitoria Santana.
Of the three, Murray brings the most experience to the backcourt. The Dunmore, Pennsylvania, native, started all 27 games for Penn State last season, finishing third on the team with 10.4 points per game and second with 73 total assists.
The best thing that Murray brings to the table is her shooting from beyond the arc. The junior compiled a 37.8% three-point percentage last year and finished tied for fifth in the Big Ten with 71 total three-pointers.
Guard Moriah Murray (3) dribbles the ball during the women’s basketball game against Maryland in Rec Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2024 in University Park, Pa. The Terrapins beat the Nittany Lions 82-73.
Luke Kupstas
Murray’s ability to stretch the floor makes her a crucial piece of Penn State’s offense. Beyond her scoring, Murray’s leadership and familiarity with coach Kieger’s system will be vital. If she can build on last year’s performance, Murray has the potential to be one of the Big Ten’s most reliable perimeter threats.
Santana was a key part of the Lady Lions lineup late last season, making her only starts in five of the final six games. The Sao Paulo, Brazil, native had her best outing of the season against Wisconsin when she recorded nine points and played 33 minutes.
Now with a season in Happy Valley under her belt, expect Santana to have a bigger role for the Lady Lions.
The final of the three returners, Steele made 19 appearances in her freshman season, totaling 112 minutes and averaged 1.2 points per game.
Altogether, Penn State’s group of returning guards provides a balanced mix of experience, shooting ability and developmental potential. Murray’s proven scoring and leadership will anchor the backcourt, while Santana’s late-season surge suggests she could become a steady contributor on both ends of the floor. Steele, though still early in her college career, adds depth and energy to the rotation as she continues to grow into her role.
However, perhaps the biggest name in Kieger’s guard rotation isn’t a returner, rather its Rutgers transfer Kiyomi McMiller.
McMiller, a former five-star recruit, finished fourth in the Big Ten last season with 18.7 points per game. The Silver Springs, Maryland, native had two 30-plus point performances and seven 20-plus point showings.
The sophomore’s scoring prowess and dynamic playmaking instantly makes her one of Penn State’s most exciting additions. McMiller’s ball handling ability adds a new dimension to the Lady Lions’ offense and will complement Murray’s perimeter shooting.
Guard Kiyomi McMiller (23) shoots the ball during the Penn State women’s basketball game against California University of Pennsylvania in Rec Hall on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions beat the Vulcans 114-52.
Matt Cropp
As McMiller transitions into Kieger’s system, she is expected to take on a leadership role as both a scorer and facilitator.
Finally, the backcourt has its rookies – Viktoria Ranisavljevic, Tea Cleante, Shayla Smith and guard-forward combo Nyla McFadden.
Ranisavljevic and Cleante bring an international presence to the Penn State locker room. The Massango, Switzerland, native, Ranisavljevic began playing for the Swiss national team when she was 13 as a member of the 16U squad. The 5-foot-7 freshman made her debut as one of the youngest Swiss national team players at the 2025 EuroBasket qualifiers.
Cleante is a native of Dunkerque, France, and has been a member of the French national team since the U17 level. During her time on the national team, Cleante has helped lead France to two gold medals at the European Basketball Championships.
Smith comes to Penn State after a decorated high school career at Universal Audenried Charter in Philadelphia. The 5-foot-9 freshman averaged double-figures all four years and totaled 2,666 points in her high school career. Smith was also a three-time All-State selection.
McFadden joined the Lady Lions out of St. Thomas Aquinas high school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she won state championships in her freshman and sophomore years. With a mix of seasoned returners, high-profile transfers and promising freshmen, Penn State’s backcourt is shaping up to be deep and versatile. Kieger has assembled a group that combines scoring power, international experience and youthful energy, all key ingredients for a team looking to climb the Big Ten ranks.
If the newcomers can adapt quickly and the veterans continue to build on last season’s momentum, the Lady Lions’ guard play could be the driving force behind a breakout year in Happy Valley.
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