LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Rider University head women's basketball coach Jackie Hartzell has announced the signing of five student-athletes, who will join the Broncs for the 2026-27 season.
 
"We are extremely excited to announce our first recruiting class at Rider University, welcoming Ainsley Gibson, Jordan Barnes, Rebekah Hartzell, Millie Perry, and Colleen Besachio," said Hartzell. "This group is a perfect fit for our style of play and for the culture we are building in our program. They are talented basketball players, strong students, and most importantly, great people. Each of them brings something unique to the table, and together they give us a little bit of everything. We couldn't be more excited about the future of Rider Women's Basketball with this class."
 
Ainsley Gibson
Guard/Roanoke, VA
 
Hartzell on Gibson: Ainsley is an athletic combo guard who gives us tremendous versatility on both ends of the floor. She can score at all three levels, defend multiple positions, and really understands how to impact the game in different ways. Just as important, she's an outstanding teammate who makes everyone around her better. Ainsley fits exactly what we're looking for in a Rider player.
 
Jordan Barnes
Guard/South Plainfield, NJ
 
Hartzell on Barnes: Jordan is an extremely athletic, multi-skilled player who impacts the game on both sides of the ball. Her ability to guard multiple positions and exploit mismatches gives us great flexibility, and she's an active defender who does a terrific job shooting passing lanes and creating turnovers. Jordan's energy and competitiveness will help spark our transition game and raise the level of our program.
 
Rebekah Hartzell
Guard/Raleigh, NC
 
Hartzell on Hartzell: Rebekah is a true floor general and really plays like a coach on the court. She has a high basketball IQ, is extremely competitive, and does a great job controlling the game. Rebekah can score at all three levels and is a relentless worker who brings toughness and leadership every day. She embodies what we want our program to be about.
 
Millie Perry
Guard/Kansas City, MO
 
Hartzell on Perry: Millie is an excellent long-range shooter who will stretch the floor for us, and she has the length and effort to be a strong defender as well. She brings great energy every time she steps on the court and is the kind of teammate who elevates everyone around her. Millie's skill set and approach to the game make her a great fit for our program.
 
 
Colleen Besachio
Guard/Upper Dublin, PA
 
Hartzell on Besachio: Colleen is a highly skilled, tough, and resilient player who brings a winning mentality to our program. She's a consistent three-point threat, plays with great physicality, and has a strong feel for the game. Colleen can defend and rebound at a high level, and she comes from incredibly successful high school and AAU programs, which shows in the way she competes and prepares. She knows what it takes to win, and we're thrilled to have her joining Rider.