OMAHA, Neb. - The Omaha Women's Basketball team has signed two newcomers for the 2023-24 season on National Signing Day: Alison Stephens and Cora Olsen.

Alison Stephens

"I chose Omaha because of the atmosphere and the people that I was surrounded by. I also fell in love with the coaching staff and the players on the team. The moment I stepped on campus, watched a practice and met the people I knew that I wanted to spend my next 4 years here."

Stephens comes to us from Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she is a four-year member of the Homestead High women's basketball team. In her first three seasons, she helped the team win three-straight 4A Sectional Championships, as well as a regular season and postseason title in the SAC Conference. 

She also played for the Always 100 Elite 3SBB club team, one of two Indiana teams on the Adidas 3SBB circuit.

"I am excited to officially welcome Ali to Omaha.  She is a versatile guard/forward with exceptional shooting ability and a high basketball IQ.  Ali can defend multiple positions and is a perfect fit for our style of play.  Ali comes from a highly competitive program, and I am looking forward to the impact she will have on our program," noted Head Coach Carrie Banks.

As a freshman she was named to the SAC All-Conference Tournament Team. The next year, she was named an All-SAC Conference player and earned an IBCA Honorable Mention All-State player after averaging 11 ppg and shooting 52% from the field and 39% from three. Last year, Stephen's averaged 13 ppg, shot 50% from the field and 43% from three, again earning All-SAC Conference player and IBCA All-State player honors, as well as being named a Hoosier Basketball All-State player and ICGSA All-State player.

Cora Olsen

"I chose UNO because the minute I stepped on campus I knew it was the place for me. The coaches were amazing from day one and all the players were welcoming which made a huge impact. The bond I have made with the coaches and players makes me more excited to get there and get to work. UNO is the place I could see myself spending the next 4 years at. I couldn't be more happy to be a Mav."

Olsen is an Omaha native who attends Millard South and is four-year member of their women's basketball team. In addition to this, she is also a member of the Nebraska Attack club team. In her first three seasons at Millard South, Olsen helped the team win three-straight Metro Championships. Last season she led the team to an undefeated regular season and a trip to the semifinals of the Class A Nebraska State Championships.

"Cora is a versatile guard with an exceptional basketball IQ that embodies toughness.  She has the ability to change the game from both ends of the floor, and I am thrilled to she decided to stay home and become part of the Maverick Family.  Cora is a local kid that loved the idea of representing her hometown and I can't wait to have her in an Omaha uniform," said Banks.

During her sophomore year, Olsen earned First-Team All-Metro honors. The next year, she followed this up with another elite season, garnering her Second Team All-Metro honors.

"Cora and Ali are tremendous additions to our women's basketball program.  They are both elite student-athletes and exceptional people," added Banks.