HELENA, Mont. - Carroll College Women's Basketball Coach Rachelle Sayers has officially announced the addition of four new players, all from the Treasure State, that will complete the 2026-27 Fighting Saints roster. 

The 2026 recruiting class features four of the top players in Montana from this past season, each bringing a unique skill-set that Sayers believes can help the Saints reclaim the Frontier Conference title for the first time since 2023-24.

"This might be our most talented freshman class we have had here for many years." said Sayers. "These four freshman have a chance to make their mark on this program early in their careers and will no doubt impact our program for many years. They have all come from successful programs, they expect to win and they are academically, culturally and athletically a tremendous fit for Carroll College. We are so excited to have these four in a Saints uniform for the next 4 years."


Makayla Coleman | Forward | 6-2 | Bozeman, Mont. | Gallatin HS

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 A dual sport standout and one of the most coveted prep prospects in the state of Montana, Makayla Coleman joins the Saints following an outstanding career at Gallatin HS. Coleman was a three-year All-Conference selection in both Basketball and Volleyball, earning All-State honors in both this past season. Coleman was an integral part of Gallatin's back-to-back Montana Class AA Championships in both Volleyball and Basketball. As a senior, she shot 55 percent from the floor, averaging 13 points, eight rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game for the Raptors.
 
"Makayla is going to be a problem for a lot of years in the Frontier Conference." said Sayers "She has great length, can knock down three's, can handle the ball like a guard and can score with either hand in the paint. We are excited to see her game grow as she adds strength and experience to her polished skill set." 


 
Paeten Gunlock | Guard | 5-9 | Bigfork, Mont. | Bigfork HS

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One of the top scoring threats at any level in Montana for the last several seasons, Paeten Gunlock comes to the Hilltop after a stellar four-year career at Bigfork HS. A four-year All-state selection, Gunlock was the 2025-26 Northwest Conference Most Valuable Player. Last season, she averaged a double-double with 25.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in addition to 6.1 assists and 6.0 steals per game. A prolific scorer, Gunlock finished her prep career with 1,644 total points. Her success wasn't limited to the hardwood, however, as she was a two-time All-State selection and Montana's leading scorer on the pitch for the Valkyries soccer team.
 
"Paeten was one of the most prolific scorers in high school girl's basketball this past year." Said Sayers "She was an extremely efficient scorer despite facing double and triple teams each night. She is an elite defender and can score at all three levels. Her athleticism and intensity on both ends will be something that Saints fans are going to enjoy for many years."


 
Annika Stergar | Guard | 5-7 | Billings, Mont. | Billings Central Catholic HS

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 A multi-sport star, Annika Stergar becomes the latest in a long line of family-members to come to Carroll. Stergar will be the 71^st-member of her family to don the Purple and Gold, coming-off an impressive prep career at Billings Central. She was a four-time Academic All-State selection, a three-time All-Conference performer, and a Montana Class A All-State selection last season. All said and done, she was a part of five State Championship teams, including a pair of Basketball titles. This past season, Stergar averaged 13.1 points, 4rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game all while going an impressive 82 percent at the free throw line.
 
"Annika came from one of the most successful high school programs in Montana." said Sayers "She is used to winning and she was a huge reason why her teams at Billings Central were so successful over her four-year career. She is a knock down shooter, has point guard skills and basketball IQ and can really get down and guard one-on-one. She and Paeten will add not only scoring to our guard line, but also players that know how to win and love to guard!"


 
Denvyr Tuss | Forward | 6-0 | Malta, Mont. | Malta HS

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 One of the most decorated Montana athletes in recent history, Denvyr Tuss was as impressive as anyone throughout her stellar prep career at Malta HS. A four-time Academic All-State Selection, Tuss was a three-time All-Conference Selection (Basketball & Volleyball), and a five-time All-State Selection (Basketball, Track, Volleyball). One of the best Mustangs of all-time, she was one of the few players in history to record 1000-plus career points and rebounds. She is the Malta HS All-Time Rebounding Leader (Career, Season, & Game), has the third All-Time-All-Class Most Rebounds in a Season (364), and is seventh in the All-Time-All-Class Career Rebound leaderboard (1211). The Malta HS career leader in blocked shots, Tuss is also a two-time State Shot Put Champion, and Discus Champion.
 
"Denvyr is one of the best high school rebounders in the history of high school basketball." said Sayers. "Setting the all-time record at Malta is pretty amazing with the great athletes that have come from there. She will bring a toughness and physicality to the paint and she will be a rebounding and low block force for us. Denvyr and Makayla will provide us with depth, scoring, and rebounding and have the ability to step in and help us right away."

The four new additions will report to campus next week, and join the 10 Carroll returners, looking to build off of last year's NAIA Women's Basketball Championship First Round appearance.