University of Massachusets Athletics
Women's Basketball Adds Trio on National Signing Day
November 12, 2025 | Women's Basketball
UMass has added signed the trio of Imani Shelton, Tessa Gladieux and Kylie Sooley
AMHERST, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts women's basketball program has officially signed the trio of Imani Shelton, Tessa Gladieux and Kylie Sooley as part of the 2026 incoming freshman class, announced by the team on Wednesday, November 12.
"Today is a great day for our program and the three families we are welcoming to UMass," women's basketball head coach Mike Leflar said. "Our staff did a great job identifying positions of need, and we certainly added size with our newcomers. It was important to sign two front court players with length and athleticism, and Kylie Sooley and Imani Shelton will affect the game in different ways. Tessa Gladieux also adds size to the guard position, and her willingness to defend and rebound on both ends of the floor fits what we value. All three players in our class also come from great high school programs and want to be coached - they understand our expectations on the court. This class compliments the players we signed last year, and our ability to fit the classes together adds to my excitement about our future."
Imani Shelton | 6'1" | Forward | Charlotte, N.C.
During her junior season at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, Shelton averaged 8.3 points and 8.3 rebounds a night over 27 games, earning All-Conference Second Team and All-Tournament Team honors, as well as Ardrey Kell's Team MVP Award. Off the court, Shelton has been involved in the Youth NAACP, Black Student Union and has done various community service projects, establishing herself as a leader both on and off the court.
Shelton on UMass
"I'm so excited and blessed for the opportunity to be a Minutewoman! I chose UMass because of its strong academics, team culture and the overall great feeling I got while in Amherst!"
Leflar on Shelton
"The first time we saw Imani, her athleticism set her apart from the rest. The more I talked with her and got to know her as a player, the more I was impressed with her ability. She has great feel around the basket, can shoot from 15-feet, and can stretch the floor to the three. When I attended her high school practice, I loved the energy Imani played with. She loved being on the court. Combine Imani's talent, work ethic, and excitement about her future, and I am grateful she chose UMass."
Tessa Gladieux | 6'0" | Guard/Forward | Raleigh, N.C.
In her first season playing for DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, Gladieux helped lead her team to The Grind Session World Championship finals appearance in 2024. During her tenure at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, Gladieux led her team to back-to-back conference championships.
Gladieux on UMass
"I'm beyond excited to be part of the UMass family! The culture, the coaches, and the vision for the program felt like the perfect fit for me. Can't wait to get to work!"
Leflar on Gladieux
"Tessa came on our radar later in the recruiting process, but from the first time seeing her we loved her length and athleticism at the guard position. Tessa is effective in transition, getting deflections and turning defense into offense. Tessa fits how we play as that is something that we have already done a better job of this season. Tessa can shoot the three and rebounds at a high level on both ends of the floor. Her ability to rebound speaks to the effort she plays with, and something we put a premium on. I look forward to helping Tessa make an impact here at UMass."
Kylie Sooley | 6'3" | Forward | Mount Pearl, Newfoundland
Hailing from Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, Sooley was a member of the Newfoundland Labrador U17 Provincial Team as well as the Kia Nurse Elite – Canada's only official Nike Girls EYBL member. In 2023, Sooley was named as a 15U Second Team All-Star in the Canadian Basketball Girls National Championships averaging 12.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per contest.
Sooley on UMass
"I cannot express how excited I am to begin my next chapter at the University of Massachusetts, both academically and on the basketball side! The small class sizes and high academic programs offered were exactly what I was looking for in a school! Then, meeting Coach Leflar and his coaching staff sealed it for me. I felt at home in Amherst from the moment I set foot on campus!"
Leflar on Sooley
"When we first saw Kylie play, we loved how at 6'3" she affected the game in so many ways. We saw her score from the post, shoot the three, get deflections on defense and most importantly talk and lead. Kylie has a great skill set, but also a great work ethic. I look forward to helping Kylie develop and become the best player she can be here at UMass. I know Newfoundland is a long way from Massachusetts, but when she visited, I had a good feeling UMass felt like home for Kylie and her family."
-- UMassAthletics.com --
