LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Rider University women's basketball head coach Jackie Hartzell announced the addition of three, transfer student-athletes to the team ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 season. Joining the Broncs for their non-conference and Metro Conference campaign will be Giana Hoddinott (Graduate Student – Littlestown, PA/Delone Catholic/Mount St. Mary's), Julia Karpell (Junior – Holmdel, NJ/Saint John Vianney/Fairfield), and Gabby Sweeney (Redshirt Sophomore – East Fishkill, NY/John Jay East Fishkill/Mercyhurst).

Giana Hoddinott - Guard (Graduate Student – Littlestown, PA/Delone Catholic/Mount St. Mary's)

Career Accomplishments: A four-year member of the Mount St. Mary's women's basketball team, Hoddinott made a name for herself in Emmitsburg, starting in 59 games from 2024-2026 for the Mountaineers. During her four years at the Mount, Hoddinott averaged 23.8 minutes per game while averaging 2.2 rebounds per game as a guard, 2.4 assists per game, and 4.8 points per game. Her senior season in Emmitsburg during the 2025-26 campaign saw Hoddinott's best season yet, as she averaged 6.7 points per game while going 38-45 from the free-throw line, notching 202 total points across the season. Hoddinott also had a three-point percentage of .294 during her senior year, completing 30 three-pointers. During the 2024-25 season, Hoddinott recorded 104 assists, averaging out to 3.4 per game while bringing down a career best 79 rebounds, averaging 2.5 per game in the category. She has recorded six 6+ assist games in her career while notching a five-steal game against Niagara on February 19, 2026.  

Hartzell on Hoddinott: "We are thrilled to welcome Giana to the Rider family. She is a proven player in our conference who has consistently performed at a high level and understands what it takes to be successful in this league. Giana's skill set as a combo guard fits perfectly with how we want to play. She can create for herself and others, score at all three levels, and impact the game in a variety of ways. Beyond her talent, she brings valuable experience and leadership that will make an immediate impact on our program."
 
Julia Karpell – Guard (Junior – Holmdel, NJ/Saint John Vianney/Fairfield)

Career Accomplishments: Karpell spent her freshman and sophomore in Connecticut playing under Carly Thibault-Dudonis, winning two Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship titles while playing against Kansas State in 2025 and No. 22 Notre Dame in 2026 during the NCAA Tournament First Rounds. Over her two years in Connecticut with the Stags, Karpell played in 27 games while managing 128 minutes on the court.  In two years of play, Karpell recorded a shooting percentage of .432 while maintain a three-point percentage of .417.

Hartzell on Karpell: "Julia is a winner in every sense of the word. She has been part of successful programs throughout her career and brings a tremendous competitive spirit to our team. As a coach's daughter, she has a great understanding of the game and an outstanding feel for what it takes to help a team win. Julia's versatility is one of her greatest strengths. She is a shot-maker who can play and defend multiple positions, and her ability to impact the game in so many ways will be a tremendous asset for us. We are excited to add her leadership, toughness, and experience to our roster."
 
Gabby Sweeney – Guard/Forward (R.S. Sophomore – East Fishkill, NY/John Jay East Fishkill/Mercyhurst)

Career Accomplishments: Playing in 10 games while starting in three for Mercyhurst during the 2025-26 season, Sweeney averaged 11.1 minutes per game for the Lakers while bringing down 17 rebounds and dishing four assists to teammates during that time. While only being sent to the line six times in 10 games, Sweeney maintained a free-throw percentage of .500 while completing seven steals against opponents.

Hartzell on Sweeney: "Gabby gives us a unique combination of size, skill, and versatility. She rebounds the ball at a high level, can score both inside and outside, and creates matchup problems with her offensive flexibility. Her ability to stretch the floor while also being a physical presence around the basket adds another dimension to our team. Gabby's experience and leadership will allow her to contribute immediately, and we are excited about the impact she will have both on and off the court."