LAKELAND, Fla. - Florida Southern College women's basketball head coach Megan Dzikas '12 announces the 2026-27 women's basketball recruiting class featuring six newcomers, adding to the eight players returning from the 2025-26 season. 
 
"We're thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of student-athletes to the Florida Southern family," said Dzikas. "This class brings a tremendous combination of experience, leadership, and versatility to carry on the winning traditions of Florida Southern women's basketball. I can't wait to get them on campus and see what we'll accomplish together."
 
Alyssa Costigan 
6-0 | Guard | Graduate Student
Herndon, Va. | Manhattan University
 
During her career at Manhattan University from 2022 to 2026, she served as a team captain and appeared in 25 contests to conclude her collegiate career. She recorded 17 rebounds and 11 assists during that span while posting a season-high six points against Liberty University. She also logged a season-high 21 minutes of playing time in a matchup against Fairfield University. 
 
Coach Dzikas:
"Alyssa brings versatility to our team, being able to guard 2-4 and her shooting and slashing capabilities. With being a team captain, she brings veteran leadership experience as well."
 
Makenzie Drout 
5-9 | Guard | Junior
Kimberly, Wis. | Wright State/App State

During the 2025–26 season at Wright State, she appeared in 12 games, logging 83 total minutes while averaging 2.1 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. She shot 40 percent from three-point range and turned in one of her best performances against Kentucky, recording eight points and two rebounds in 17 minutes of action. Prior to Wright State, she played at Appalachian State during the 2023–24 season, appearing in 24 games with two starts. She averaged 3.0 points and 1.2 rebounds per game, highlighted by a 12-point performance against Marquette.
 
Coach Dzikas:
"Makenzie is a three-level scorer who will contribute for us immediately. Her D1 mid major experience will bring us much-needed depth on the wing. I expect Makenzie to be a main contributor this year."
 
Lili Schmitt
5-8 | Guard | Junior 
Brisbane, Australia | Tallahassee CC/Wenatchee Valley
 
During the 2025–26 season at Tallahassee Community College, she started all 30 games and averaged 9.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while maintaining a 1.2 assist-to-turnover ratio. She also shot 40 percent from three-point range, showcasing her ability as a consistent perimeter threat. Prior to Tallahassee, she starred at Wenatchee Valley College during the 2024–25 season, earning Second Team All-East Region honors after averaging 17.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. She scored a career-high 27 points during the season and shot an impressive 45 percent from beyond the arc. 
 
Coach Dzikas:
"Lili is a proven knock-down shooter that will stretch the floor for us. With her high basketball IQ and versatility, she will stuff the stat sheet in multiple categories for us."
 
Tedodora Simoncevic
6-2 | Center | Sophomore
Ivanjica, Serbia | University of Denver

During the 2025–26 season at the University of Denver, she appeared in 15 games and averaged six minutes per contest while contributing 0.7 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. Her top performance came against South Dakota State, where she logged 22 minutes and recorded six points and six rebounds. She also shot 40 percent from the field during the season. Internationally, she has represented Serbia with distinction, helping her country earn a third-place finish at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket Championship and a first-place finish at the FIBA U16 European Championship. She also captured a title at the Milan Ciga Vasojevic Cup.
 
Coach Dzikas:
"Teodora brings even more post presence and depth for us. She fits perfectly in our system and understands the importance of rebounding. She is expected to elevate our play on both sides of the court for us."
 
Amaya Ross
6-0 | Forward | Sophomore
Staten Island, N.Y. | New Dorp HS
 
Ross joined FSC as a freshman last season, serving as a team manager and practice player for the Moccasins. A standout athlete at New Dorp High School in Staten Island, Ross was a two-year varsity starter and spent time with the Staten Island Mavericks.
 
Coach Dzikas:
"We are excited to officially welcome Amaya to our roster. After serving as a manager and practice player last season, she consistently demonstrated an outstanding work ethic, unwavering commitment, and a team-first mentality. She earned this opportunity through her dedication to our program, and making this decision was an easy one."
 
Vanessa Johnson
5-7 | Point Guard | Freshman
Pewaukee, Wis. | Pewaukee HS

During her career at Pewaukee High School, she helped lead the program to a 24–5 record and a Final Four appearance during her senior season. She averaged 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while earning First Team All-Conference and All-State Honorable Mention recognition. She was also named Waukesha County's 2025–26 Female Athlete of the Year and showcased her versatility by finishing as the state runner-up in the 400-meter dash. Additionally, she competed on the same club basketball team as Lily Randgaard, further highlighting her experience playing alongside high-level talent.
 
Coach Dzikas:
"Vanessa is a scrappy, energetic player who will set the tone for us defensively, creating havoc for all opponents, especially their ball handler. She will also set the pace for us offensively with her quickness and ability to be a one-man fast break."