Lobo WBB Signs Four for 2025 Class
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— The Lobo women’s basketball program signed four to the 2025 class, adding a point guard, two guards and a forward.
Joining the Lobos in the fall of 2025 will be Laila Abdurraqib, Kaia Foster, Tyler Jones and Maria Najjuma.
“Our incoming class brings a mix of talent and depth,” noted head coach Mike Bradbury. “We’re thrilled to add Kaia who has length and versatility. She’ll be a constant threat for us. Maria, our transfer, brings a powerful inside presence and experience that should anchor us in the paint. Laila is a floor general who can run the game with composure, and Tyler adds dynamic energy with a fearless driving ability.
“Each of these players adds a unique strength to our team and come from programs that understand how to win. We are excited for what they will bring next season.”
Laila Abdurraqib | PG | 5-6 | Fishers, Indiana
From Fishers, Indiana and Lawrence Central High School, Abdurraqib was named all-county, as well as a Junior Indiana All-Star and Indiana All-Star while playing basketball all four years. Her high school won a championship in 2023-24.
“Laila’s got an incredible work ethic and natural feel for the game that you just can’t teach. She is currently playing on the 17th-ranked team in the country. We’re excited to see her grow with us. She’s already showing leadership qualities and she’s eager to make an impact. I think she’s going to bring a new level of energy to our backcourt.”
Academically, she was on the Distinguished Honor Roll all four years, and served as the editor and chief for the newspaper, was a student section leader and a member of the Black Student Union.
On why UNM, Abdurraqib noted that “the minute I stepped off the plane, it felt like home.”
Abdurraqib intends to major in sports journalism at UNM.
Kaia Foster | G | 6-2 | Pasco, Washington
During her time at Chiawana High School, Foster earned Second Team All-Conference in basketball and was a two-sport athlete, also playing volleyball, in which she earned First Team All-Conference. She averaged 13 points per game and 10 rebounds per game in her high school career.
“Kaia’s versatility is exactly what we need. She can score at all three levels- she’s got a great shot from range, can hit from the mid and finish strong in the paint. On defense, her timing and instincts make her a shot-blocking presence. She’s going to be a huge asset on both ends of the floor for us.”
On why she chose UNM, Foster noted that, “the relationships that I built with the coaching staff was meaningful and genuine. I felt a sense of love from the community as soon as I stepped on campus and I could clearly see the positive culture within the program. I felt very welcomed and respected. The Pit is incredible.”
Foster intends to major in business at UNM.
Tyler Jones | G | 5-9 | Memphis, Tennessee
During her time at Hutchison School in Tennessee, Jones has accumulated countless accolades, including TSSAA DII-AA West Region MVP, DII-AA West Region Player of the Year, DII-AA First Team All-Region, TN Report DII-AA All State, Tennessee Sports Writers All-State and BCAT DII-AA All-State.
“Tyler brings a new level of speed and intensity to our team. She’s incredibly quick off the dribble and has a natural ability to attack the rim. What really stands out is her leadership- even as an incoming freshman, she’s vocal, focused and has a competitive edge that lifts everyone around her. We’re thrilled to have her.”
Jones stated that, “I chose UNM because it felt like home. The staff was very welcoming, and so was the team; everything felt very genuine. I feel like UNM is where God called me to be as I start this new journey.”
She intends to study architecture and interior design at UNM.
Maria Najjuma | F | 6-4 | Mukono Seeta, Uganda
From Uganda, Najjuma attended Christchurch School in Richmond, Virginia, where she graduated in 2022 before attending New Mexico Junior College.
She has played internationally for the Uganda National Team, playing in the 2019 FIBA U16 Women’s AfroBasket where she averaged 17.8 points per game, 28.0 rebounds per game, 5.5 blocks per game, 1.8 steals per game in 38.4 minutes per game. In the quarterfinal game against Mozambique, Najjuma scored 33 points with 49 rebounds (21 offensive, 28 defensive) and had 13 blocks and two steals.
In the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers, she averaged 8.2 points per game and 11 rebounds per game, and in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, averaged 1.4 points per game and 1.6 rebounds per game.
Additionally, she was selected to the NBA Academy Africa Women’s Program Training Camp in 2019.
“Adding a player like Maria changes everything for us. She’s a dominant presence in the paint, strong, physical and has great touch around the rim. She’s coming in with experience and I think her ability to control the boards and protect the paint will elevate our team.”
On why she chose UNM, “I chose The University of New Mexico because it felt like home. The stunning natural beauty of the campus, coupled with the university’s excellent academic program, creates an ideal environment for me to learn and thrive. UNM’s warm and welcoming community makes me feel right at home, allowing me to focus on my studies and pursue my passion.”
Najjuma intends to major in business at UNM.