MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State women's basketball head coach Emilee Thiesse is excited to announce the signing of five players to the Maverick roster. Brielle Janssen, Brooklyn Lewis, Brylee Miller, Alyvia Padgett, and Amaya Pahl are set to join the program for the 2026-27 season. 

  

All signings are contingent upon admission to Minnesota State and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center. 

  

"We are beyond excited to officially welcome Brielle, Brooklyn, Brylee, Alyvia, and Amaya to our Maverick family.  This talented group of student-athletes represents everything we value in our program – high character, toughness, and an incredible work ethic," said Thiesse. "Each brings a unique skill set and a competitive spirit that will allow them to impact our style of play. The future of Maverick basketball is very bright, and we can't wait to see how this group will continue to grow and thrive within our culture."  
 

Brielle Janssen, a 6'1" wing from MACCRAY High School in Clara City, Minn., has excelled as a multi-sport athlete during her time as a Wolverine. On the basketball court, she has been a four-time All-Conference honoree, a three-time conference MVP and an All-State selection. During her junior season, she averaged 26.6 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 4.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game and led her team to a Class A state runner-up finish. She is already the school's All-time leader in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks heading into her senior season. In volleyball, she has earned 4 All-Conference honors and 2 All-State honors. Brielle has also won a 4x800 relay state title in her junior year with the track team. A member of the National Honor Society, Janssen is the daughter of Steffanie and Cory Janssen and is currently undecided on her major at MSU. 
 

"Brielle brings tremendous upside with her combination of length, athleticism, and versatility. She has great instinct for making plays on the defensive end including getting deflections, creating steals, and blocking shots," said Thiesse. "Not only will she fit perfectly in our disruptive defensive system, but her diverse offensive skillset will also be a major asset to our perimeter game." 

 

Brooklyn Lewis is a 5'6" guard from New Ulm, Minn. As a junior at New Ulm High School, Brooklyn averaged 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 steals per game. Brooklyn is a 1,000-point scorer and is a 6-time letterwinner in basketball. She has earned All-Conference recognition since 8th grade and was named All-State Honorable mention as a junior. Lewis has also earned All-Conference honors in both volleyball and softball and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Maria and Mitch Lewis and is currently undecided on her major at Minnesota State.  

 

"Brooklyn has a great mind for the game and a genuine understanding for how to make an impact," said Thiesse. "She has an excellent ability to create her own shot and will be an important perimeter threat for us. Her toughness, intensity, and energy will provide a great spark to our backcourt and will serve her well in all aspects of our program." 

 

Brylee Miller, a 5'11" wing from Fairmont, Minn., averaged 22.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 4.3 steals per game during her junior season for the Cardinals. The All-State Honorable Mention selection has accumulated over 1,600 points and 650 rebounds heading into her senior year. A versatile three-sport athlete, Miller has earned All-Conference honors since her freshman year in basketball, volleyball, and softball. She intends to pursue a degree in Nursing at Minnesota State. Brylee is the daughter of Tammy and Jeff Miller, with her mother, Tammy, graduating from Minnesota State in 2000. 

 

"Brylee is a dynamic player with an incredible motor. She has great length on the perimeter, and her inside-outside skillset will help us capitalize on her versatility in a variety of lineups," said Thiesse. "Brylee is a true difference-maker on the boards, and her anticipation and relentless effort consistently create plays on both ends of the court. She brings an energy and competitiveness that will make an impact within our program." 

 

Alyvia Padgett is a 5'7" guard from Brandon, S.D. As a junior at Brandon Valley High School, Alyvia led the Lynx to a 2025 State runner-up finish while averaging 18.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3 steals per game. She was also named the South Dakota AA Player of the Year and the Super Six Player of the Year last season. Padgett heads into her senior season on the verge of reaching the 1,000-point milestone and has a chance to become Brandon Valley's all-time leading scorer. She is the daughter of Alisha and Chad Padgett and is currently undecided on her major at Minnesota State.  

 

"Alyvia is a fierce competitor and a phenomenal playmaker. She has an explosive burst coupled with a dynamic change of pace that allows her to keep defenses on their heels," said Thiesse. "Her ability to finish in traffic, stretch the floor, and create scoring opportunities for her teammates make her a true offensive threat. Alyvia is a complete player with exceptional instincts who can impact the game in a variety of ways."    

 

Amaya Pahl, a 6'0" forward from Lakeville South High School in Lakeville, Minn., will join Minnesota State after a strong athletic career in basketball and track. As a junior, she was named a team captain and earned All-Conference honors while averaging 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game. Pahl also earned All-Conference recognition as a sophomore in track and qualified for the state meet in the shot put. In addition, she has contributed to her school community as a member of Link Crew and as a volleyball manager. She is the granddaughter of Linda and Ken Johnson and plans to major in Finance at Minnesota State. 

 

"We are excited to be adding someone with Amaya's athleticism and explosiveness to our forward position," said Thiesse. "She provides a powerful inside presence with her ability to finish at the rim and battle through contact. Amaya is great at running the floor and her outstanding rebounding ability will be a game-changer for us on both ends of the floor."