Women's Basketball | May 26, 2026

AIKEN, S.C. – USCA head women's basketball coach Brittany Batts has inked a stellar incoming class for the 2026-27 academic year.

Five student-athletes will continue their athletic and academic careers at USCA beginning this fall. The class includes Abby Ramel, Maeve Savage, Daniella Velez, Riley Ward and India Williams.

"I am so excited for Abby, Maeve, Daniella, Riley and India to join our program," Batts stated. "Each of them brings a competitive edge to our program that will fit who we are very well. They are high character, hard-working and committed to being great in everything they do. I know they all love to chip away at their craft, and their best basketball is still ahead of them. I cannot wait to see them take their next big steps in a Pacer jersey and I know our fans will love cheering them on!"

Ramel is a 5-11 guard/forward from Arlington Heights, Ill. She attended Rolling Meadows H.S. There, she was a two-time all-state honoree. A two-time all-area and all-conference selection, Ramel established a school record for rebounds in a game with 17. As a senior, she accounted for 16.4 points and 6.1 rebounds a night while leading her team to the state semifinals. During her career, Ramel won a pair of region championships, a sectional and a super section. She led her team to a 22-12 record her senior campaign and netted 1,044 points during her career. 

"I'm so ready to coach Abby," Batts said. "Her positive attitude is contagious, and she brings great energy to our team. Abby led her high school team on a magical ride this past year and excited to see the impact she has in a Pacer uniform."

Savage is a 5-10 guard/forward from Darien, Ill. She attended Hinsdale South H.S. There, she was a two-time all-state selection and a four-time all-conference performer. Savage netted over 1,000 career points. She guided the program to a final four as a sophomore and led the team to a region title as a senior with a 19-10 record. Savage also led her EBA Ice AAU team to multiple tournament titles.

"I'm fired up to have Maeve in our program at USCA," Batts stated. "Her versatility will benefit us on both ends of the floor. Maeve loves to compete, and her elite work ethic makes her a joy to be around."

Velez is a 5-5 junior guard from Queens, N.Y. A transfer from Presbyterian College, she played in 58 games, earning 42 starts in her first two seasons. As a sophomore, Velez dished out 40 assists and buried 29 three-point field goals. She also registered 36 steals. Velez posted a career-high 17 points against Longwood and netted 36 percent from downtown in league play. 

"I am fired up to have Daniella as part of USCA," Batts said. "She has an infectious energy about her that carries over to the court. Daniella brings a level of toughness to us and her ability to connect with others makes everyone around her better."

Ward is a 5-10 guard/forward from Milwaukee, Wis. She attended Whitnall H.S. As a senior, Ward garnered all-state accolades. She was a four-time all-conference honoree. The all-time leading scorer in school history (1,774 points) was tabbed the conference Player of the Year during her senior campaign. Throughout her time at Whitnall H.S., she led the program to three conference and regional titles. As a senior, Ward guided the team to a 22-6 record.  

"I am thrilled to have Riley joining us in Aiken," Batts stated. "She is disciplined and puts in the work daily even when no one is watching. Those are two traits we love to have in our program, and we are excited to have her on our team."

Williams is a 5-8 guard from Blythewood, S.C. She attended Blythewood H.S. and guided the team to a pair of state titles. Williams earned a pair of all-state nods and picked up all-region accolades four times. She netted 1,490 career points and was named the State Champion Player of the Game twice. Williams led the squad to a 24-5 record as a senior.

"I'm pumped for India to be a Pacer," Batts said. "She's a proven winner coming from one of the best programs in the state. She knows how to impact winning on both ends of the floor."

The five will join a strong core of student-athletes returning for the Batts' second season at the helm of the program.