PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Pilots Women's Basketball has signed five recruits from the Class of 2025, bringing in three from the Pacific Northwest and another two from Australia.

"We are extremely excited about the future of Portland Women's Basketball with the addition of these five incredible student-athletes," Portland Head Coach Michael Meek said. "Each of these players brings a unique skill set to our program, and they align perfectly with our system of play. They are dynamic, versatile athletes who excel in multiple areas of the game. This recruiting class will help elevate Portland's program to new heights. We believe they will not only contribute to the success of our program, but also help grow our championship-level culture."

Julia Dalan – Forward/Center – Centralia, Wash.

A valuable addition in the frontcourt, Dalan joins the Pilots by way of Centralia. Playing for W.F. West High School, Dalan has helped lead the Bearcats to EVCO league championships each of the last two years, earning league MVP honors each of those two years. She was named the 2A State Player of the Year as well in the 2023-24 season. She holds the single-season record for W.F. West in numerous categories, including points, blocks, rebounds and double-doubles. She is the career leader in rebounds and blocks. Her mother and aunt, Gena and Kellie, played basketball with the Washington Huskies while her dad, Aaron, played football with the Huskies.

Coach Meek on Dalan

"A versatile athlete capable of guarding multiple positions, Julia is a tenacious rebounder and elite shot blocker. She already brings a multitude of basketball abilities. With tremendous upside and a commitment to improvement, Julia is poised to develop into a key contributor for our program upon her arrival on The Bluff."

Aubrey Herrin – Guard/Wing – Kennewick, Wash.

Herrin hails from Kennewick, playing her high school ball with the Kamiakin Braves. A four-year varsity letter holder, she was named the Mid-Columbia Conference Defensive Player of the Year last season and earned MCC All-League Honorable Mention as well. She led the conference in assists last year and has led the Braves to MCC championships each of the last two seasons. The Braves were the District Eight champions last season and have finished fifth and seventh in the 4A State Championships.

Coach Meek on Herrin

"A highly athletic guard with a strong motor and the ability to defend multiple positions. She has great length for her position and is a proficient three-point shooter who can also attack off the bounce. Aubrey's relentless work ethic and fit in our fast-paced, full-court style make her an exciting addition to the team."

Jada Kennedy – Forward/Center – Victoria, Australia

Kennedy brings size to this incoming class for Portland. Standing at 6-5, Kennedy currently plays club ball with the Dandenong Rangers, the same club her mother, Jacinta, played for. Previously, she played with the Nunawading Spectres, helping them take second at the Victorian State Championships. She also played with the U18 Victoria Metro squad in 2024.

Coach Meek on Kennedy

"A high-energy player with the ability to run the floor at a fast pace, making her an ideal fit for our full-court style of play. With the potential to play both the four and five positions, Jada is a good rebounder and shot blocker with the ability to protect the rim. Her team-first attitude and work ethic are qualities that will contribute to the overall culture of the program."

Brynn Smith – Guard – Eugene, Ore.

Smith will join Portland from Eugene, playing her high school ball for Willamette High School. She was a second team all-state selection in 6A, chosen by the OBCA. She averaged nearly 19 points a game last season for the Wolverines, helping them take fifth at the OSAA 6A State Tournament. She was an all-tournament first team selection for 6A.

Coach Meek on Smith

"An athletic, skilled guard with the ability to shoot the three and attack off the dribble. Known for her high basketball IQ, Brynn is also a versatile defender who understands the game at a deep level. Her leadership qualities and work ethic are expected to make an immediate impact both on and off the court."

Eleanor Trout – Forward – Melbourne, Australia

Trout joins the Pilots from Australia. The 6-3 wing played with the Eltham Wildcats NBL 1 team in 2024 and will do so again heading into 2025. Trout also played with the Wildcats' youth team as well. She's a representative of the Victorian State Team, playing with the U20 squad in 2024 and set to play with them again in 2025. Her grandfather, Perry Crosswhite, was one of the first Australians to play in the U.S., playing for the Davidson Wildcats before returning home to play for the Melbourne Tigers and representing the Australian national team at the Olympics between 1972 and 1980.

Coach Meek on Trout

"A dynamic and versatile guard who can play both inside and out, and a natural scorer with elite three-point shooting ability, El is also a capable defender who can guard multiple positions on the floor. Her potential to grow is significant, and she is expected to thrive in our system as she develops into a well-rounded player."

The Pilots are coming off a magical season that saw them win their second straight WCC Tournament Title and their third in five seasons. They've won at least 20 games in four of the last five seasons under Meek. Portland has participated in each of the last two NCAA Tournaments, qualifying three times in five seasons.

Portland is off to a 4-0 start this year, their first 4-0 start since the 2019-20 season. They've won each game by double-digits for the first time in program history. They'll host the California Baptist Lancers next, welcoming them to the Chiles Center on Saturday, Nov. 23. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options.

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