Women's Basketball Announces Incoming Class

Central Connecticut State second-year head coach Kristin Caruso announced the Blue Devils signing class of 2026. CCSU adds eight newcomers to the Central Class of 2030.

Kyndal Box (McKinney, TX) Taryn Campbell (Tauton, MA), Jill Dingler (Columbia, CT), Isys Dunphy (Barrington, RI), Nyasia McKelvey (Manchester, NH), Va'Nyah Otey (New Kent, VA), Liana Salamone (East Hampton, CT), Valentina Vrcan (Tivat, Montenegro) will enroll at CCSU this summer.

"I am really excited about the group of young women that we have joining our program this summer," Caruso said. "We were able to build a group of talented players that are committed to the success of our team as a group. They all bring strong work ethics and a commitment to getting better every day."

Box graduated from Choate Rosemary, where she played for two seasons. Prior to that she attended McKinney High School in Texas. She excelled in the classroom as well, earning Academic All-District selection.

"Kyndal is an athletic and energetic player that can run the point, attack off the dribble and shoot from the perimeter," says Caruso. "She brings a passion for the game and hails from a family where the love of the game runs deep."

Campbell graduated from the Neuman School in Boston, where she was selected as a team captain. She is a sharp-shooter that hits nearly 50 percent of her field goal attempts and is a 33 percent three-point shooter.

"Taryn is a great teammate and student of the game," said Caruso. "She is willing to do whatever is necessary for her team to be successful and leads by example."

Dingler graduated from Darrow Prep School (NY) where she scored 1,804 career points and had the first triple double in school history. She is a two-time NEPSAC All-Star and NEPSAC tournament MVP. As a senior, she shot 52 percent from the field, averaging 16.7 points and 8.2 boards a game.

"Jill is a competitive and versatile player," said Caruso. "She is a hard worker and her commitment to improving her game is infectious."

Dunphy comes to CCSU from Cushing Academy, where she has been named Third-Team All-State, as well as First Team and Third-Team All-Class. She averaged 18.9 points and 7.2 rebounds a game this season, with seven double-doubles.

"Isys is a force on both ends of the court," said Caruso. "She can score and rebound and will give us another dynamic contributor on the court."

McKelvey graduated from Darrow Prep School (NY), where she was a teammate with Dingler.  McKelvey led her team in blocked shots and ranked second on the team in offensive rebounds and field goal percentage. She spent the two years prior to her two seasons at Darrow as a post player at Manchester (NH) Memorial High School.

"Nyasia brings a high basketball IQ and a strong work ethic on the court and in the classroom," said Caruso. "She is a strong leader and a good teammate that will be a positive influence on the program for her first day on campus."

Otey graduated from TPLS Christian Academy in Richmond, VA where she was a 2,000-point scorer and had eight double-doubles in her senior year.  She was named Second Team All-Conference and a "804" All-Star.

"Va 'Nyah is a dynamic scorer who can stretch the floor with her shooting ability, as well as a strong finisher at the basket," said Caruso, "She has a high basketball IQ and an eagerness to contribute to the team."

Salamone, a 2,000-point scorer during her scholastic career, graduated from Ethel Walker where she earned NEPSAC Class B All-Star and All-Founders League both years. While at East Hampton High, Salamone was named Shoreline Conference Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024 and led her squad to the 2023 Class M State Championship, while earning three Shoreline Conference Championships. 

"Liana is a high-energy player that understands the game and brings a championship pedigree with her to New Britain," Caruso said. "We look forward to her bringing that high-level of work to her athletic and academic career at CCSU."

Vrcan, a multi-dimensional player, graduated from Putnam Science Academy where she led her team in assists and was third in scoring at 12.0 points a game. She has been a member of the Montenegro National Team over four straight seasons earned both a gold and silver medals, while leading the team in scoring.

"Valentina rounds out our class with another competitive mindset, a winner's mentality and can play multiple positions on the floor," said Caruso.  "We look forward to bringing her gritty style of play to CCSU."