NEW ROCHELLE, NY— Iona University women's basketball head coach Angelika Szumilo announced the signing of three student-athletes on Wednesday afternoon. Junior college transfers Anyla Herbert and Taylor Smith signed to join the Gaels for the 2026-27 season.

They join fellow newcomers Giselle Grant, Sophia Hickey, Alana Wells and early enrollee Olivia White who signed this past fall to join the Maroon & Gold next season.

"We are excited to add Taylor and Anyla to our Iona family said Szumilo. As soon as they stepped on campus, it was clear they would fit extremely well within our program and the Iona University community."

ANYLA HERBERT

Herbert, a 6-0 forward comes to Iona after playing the last two seasons at Kilgore College. In 2025-26, she played in 32 games for the Lady Rangers averaging 9.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. She shot a stellar 50.7% from the field and helped lead the team to an appearance in the Region 14 Conference championship game. Herbert posted 13 double-digit scoring efforts including a career-high 30 points against Paris Junior Collage on February 25.
In her rookie season at Kilgore, Herbert appeared in 33 games and averaged 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and shot 54.9% from the field. She posted nine double-digit scoring performances as the Lady Rangers posted a 20 win campaign and an appearance in the NJCAA DI Women's Basketball Championship.

COACH SZUMILO ON HERBERT

"Anyla also brings toughness, size, and versatility to our frontcourt. She comes from highly competitive programs and will help us on both ends of the floor. Her ability to stretch the floor while maintaining an inside presence fits how we want to play. She is a high character player who will be a great fit for our culture."

TAYLOR SMITH

Smith, a 6-2 forward joins the Gaels after spending last season at Wallace State Community College. She averaged 8.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 42.5% from the field for the Lady Lions as the team posted 29 wins and an appearance in the Alabama Community College Conference tournament. She posted 14 double-digit scoring efforts in 2025-26
The Birmingham, AL native began her collegiate career at LaGrange College (NCAA DIII), recording 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in 2024-25. Smith tallied eight double-digit scoring efforts and four double-doubles on her way to second team All-CCS honors.

COACH SZUMILO ON SMITH

"Taylor brings size, efficiency, and toughness to our frontcourt. She's everything we value: team-first, competitive, and impactful in multiple ways. She fits exactly how we want to play. At 6'2", she's a versatile forward with high character who will add maturity to our program."