CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago women's basketball Head Coach Morgan Paige announced the additions of guards MD Ntambue, Hailey Johnson, and Vasiliki Cholopoulou to the program for the 2026-27 season.
Ntambue joins the Ramblers after spending her freshman season at Villanova. The Montreal native appeared in 25 games for the Wildcats, averaging 10.8 minutes per contest while helping Villanova to a 25-8 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance. She averaged 1.5 points and 1.2 rebounds per game, highlighted by a season-high 25-minute performance at West Virginia where she dished out six assists. Ntambue also scored seven points on 3-of-6 shooting in a win over Xavier.
"MD is an explosive lead guard who puts pressure on defenses with her quickness and versatility," said Paige. "She has the ability to create for herself and others, while also making an impact defensively. We are thrilled to add a playmaker like MD to our program."
Before Villanova, Ntambue starred at Crestwood Prep School, earning First Team All-Star honors in the OSBA, Second-Team All-Star recognition in the WNPA, and RSEQ First Team All-Star accolades. She also competed in the Nike Tournament of Champions. Her sister, Donna, played collegiately at Utah and Northeastern.
Johnson arrives at Loyola after one season at Duke, where she appeared in games against Norfolk State and Georgia Tech. Her team captured both the ACC regular-season and tournament titles while advancing to the Elite Eight. Prior to Duke, the Coto de Caza, California, native spent two seasons at Pepperdine. Following a redshirt season, Johnson appeared in 19 games and made two starts during her first full collegiate campaign.
"Hailey is a veteran wing who has been part of a championship-level culture," said Paige. "She is ready to impact our program with her ability to stretch defenses from the perimeter. Her length and versatility allow her to guard multiple positions while bringing toughness to our roster."
She scored her first collegiate points with a four-point, two-rebound outing against Caltech and knocked down her first career three-pointer while earning her first collegiate start in Pepperdine's win at Cal State Bakersfield. Johnson also logged a season-high 16 minutes against Portland and recorded two assists versus Pacific.
In her final season at Pepperdine, Johnson saw action in 14 games. She scored four points against Gonzaga on two-of-three shooting and played a season-high five minutes against Pacific.
Cholopoulou joins the Ramblers from Columbia after appearing in five games during her freshman season. A native of Kozani, Greece, she brings extensive international and club experience to Rogers Park.
"Vas is a point guard who has a chance to truly thrive at Loyola Chicago," said Paige. "She brings international experience at the highest level, and her ability to create for those around her — especially in ball-screen offense — makes her a great fit for our team."
Before Columbia, Cholopoulou was a four-year starter and two-year captain at Fryganiotis Schools in Thessaloniki, Greece, helping lead the program to three consecutive national finals, including a national championship during her sophomore season. She later starred for Panathlitikos Sykeon, earning U23 Player of the Year honors and helping guide the club to promotion into the EuroCup Qualifiers for the first time in program history.
Internationally, Cholopoulou represented Greece on the U16 and U18 national teams and made her Senior National Team debut during the 2024 Women's EuroBasket Qualifiers at just 15 years old.
