PEORIA, Ill. — Bradley Women's Basketball has officially announced the addition of four talented student-athletes to its 2026 recruiting class. Head coach Kate Popovec-Goss and her staff welcome Journey Lovett, Samantha Davis, Ashlee Monaghan, and Gabriela "Gabi" Bernal to the Hilltop.

The class reflects the future of the Braves program, athletic, skilled, and versatile, with players who bring both domestic and international experience to Peoria.

"With five departing seniors, we had a lot of needs in the 2026 class," said Popovec-Goss. "We feel like we hit home runs on all of them. We added size and athleticism, and a varying level of skills. All of these players can play uptempo, enhance our defense and rebounding, and contribute to our culture both on and off the court."

Journey Lovett – Guard | Pearland, Texas | Glenda Dawson High School

From the basketball-rich state of Texas, Journey Lovett joins the Braves after an impressive career at Glenda Dawson High School, where she established herself as one of the state's top perimeter talents. A member of the UIL All-Region Team, Lovett brings length, confidence, and scoring versatility to the Bradley backcourt.

Popovec-Goss describes Lovett as a player whose best basketball is still ahead of her. Her length and shooting ability will allow her to adapt quickly to Bradley's offensive system, while her passion for the game, shared through her basketball family, makes her a natural cultural fit.

"Journey's length, shooting, and offensive versatility will allow her to flourish in our system," Popovec-Goss said. "She's just scratching the surface of who she will become, and her enthusiasm for the game is infectious."

Lovett played her club basketball for The Hoop Society, where she continued to develop her range and ability to score at multiple levels.

Samantha Davis – Forward | La Crosse, Wisconsin | Aquinas High School

Few recruits enter college with the résumé of Samantha Davis. The La Crosse native has been one of Wisconsin's most decorated high school athletes, earning three First Team All-State honors and leading Aquinas High School to the 2023 state championship game. She has already scored more than 1,500 career points, averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds per game as a junior.

Davis' success extends beyond the hardwood, she's also all-state in volleyball and track, showcasing the athleticism that made her one of the top-ranked players in the Midwest.

"Sam is probably one of the best overall athletes we have been able to sign at Bradley," Popovec-Goss said. "Her rebounding tenacity, smooth shot, and defensive versatility make her a perfect fit for our transition system."

Davis' family ties to the game run deep. Her father, Mark Davis, played professionally, and her twin brothers, Johnny (Wisconsin) and Jordan (Illinois State), both competed at the Division I level. She played AAU basketball with Team Prime Nation EYBL (Wisconsin Flight), where she continued to refine her all-around game.

Ashlee Monaghan – Center/Forward | Perth, Australia | Kingsway Christian College

The international pipeline to Peoria remains strong with the addition of Ashlee Monaghan, a 6-foot-3 forward from Perth, Western Australia. A standout for both her school and state teams, Monaghan made national headlines at the 2025 Australian U18 Championships, where she averaged a double-double with 12 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.

Monaghan's blend of size, physicality, and mobility will give the Braves a frontcourt presence capable of impacting both ends of the floor. Her experience competing against elite international talent has prepared her to make an immediate transition to the college game.

"Centers were the number one priority for us in this class, and we are thrilled about Ashlee," Popovec-Goss said. "She has a great frame, good mobility, and the kind of physical edge that will translate immediately to the Missouri Valley Conference."

Monaghan continues a recent Bradley tradition of Australian impact players, bringing toughness, skill, and global experience to the Hilltop.

Gabriela "Gabi" Bernal – Center/Forward | Asunción, Paraguay | The Academy of Central Florida

Rounding out the class is Gabriela "Gabi" Bernal, a 6-foot-3 post player whose game has already been tested on the international stage. A native of Asunción, Paraguay, Bernal was a key contributor for the Paraguayan Women's Senior National Team, averaging 10 points and 9.4 rebounds per game during the 2024 South American Championships.

She continued to develop her craft in the United States at The Academy of Central Florida, while also competing for the Miami Suns EYBL, where she averaged 7.2 rebounds and nearly one block per game. Her mix of rebounding instincts, passing touch, and interior skill makes her a strong addition to Bradley's growing frontcourt depth.

"I watched Gabi for five minutes and knew she needed to be a Brave," said Popovec-Goss. "She's got incredible court vision, soft hands, and a great nose for the ball. Her international experience and familiarity with our system make her a perfect fit."

Together, Lovett, Davis, Monaghan, and Bernal represent the type of foundation Popovec-Goss has emphasized since taking over the Bradley program, one rooted in toughness, athleticism, and a deep love for the game.

"These four young women fit the culture we've built here — competitive, unselfish, and relentless," Popovec-Goss said. "They're the type of players who will make an impact the moment they step on campus."