CHICAGO (May 6, 2021) – Loyola University Chicago head women's basketball coach Kate Achter announced the addition of Riley Blackwell (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield/Northern Illinois) to her 2021-22 roster on Thursday.  Blackwell makes her way to Rogers Park following a four-year stay at Northern Illinois.
 
"We are very excited for Riley to join our program," Achter commented.  "Her versatility coupled with her playing experience will really compliment our experienced roster.  Not to mention, Riley is an outstanding student and an even better person.  We are looking forward to her arrival in Rogers Park."
 
Blackwell brings a wealth of experience with her to the shores of Lake Michigan, having started in 61 of her 111 career appearances with the Huskies while averaging 4.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists.  After seeing action in 24 games as a freshman in 2017-18, the Plainfield, Ind. product was a fixture in the lineup during her sophomore campaign, starting in all 32 games as she chipped in 5.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. 
 
The 6-foot-1 forward was named the Mid-American Conference (MAC) West Division Player of the Week as a junior after a career-best 18-point, eight-rebound effort in a thrilling overtime road win at Colorado State on November 17, 2019, one of five times during the 2019-20 season that Blackwell reached double figures in scoring.  This past year, she put up a season-high 11 points in a road tilt with Bradley on December 13, 2020. 
 
Blackwell has also excelled in the classroom, earning Academic All-MAC honors in each of the last three seasons.
 
With the addition of Blackwell, Loyola's 2021-22 singing class now stands at three following the previously announced pairing of Destiny Jackson (Fort Wayne, Ind./Northrop) and Maddie Scarborough (Manassas, Va./Osbourn Park).  The trio will join a strong nucleus of 12 returning letterwinners from last season, highlighted by First Team All-MVC pick Allison Day and reigning MVC Freshman of the Year Maya Chandler, as Loyola looks to build off its first postseason appearance in program history.