OREM, Utah — Utah Valley University women's basketball coach Dan Nielson has announced the signing of three prep players and a transfer from the University of Wyoming. Kaylee Byon (Buena Park, Calif.), Tessa Chaney (Saratoga Springs, Utah), and Kylee Mabry (Kaysville, Utah) are the high school trio while transfer Jaeden Vaifanua (Draper, Utah) rounds out the class.
 
"We are thrilled to add these four players to our program," said Nielson. "All four will bring skill sets that add depth and talent to our roster. They are great fits for our program both on and off the court. We can't wait for them to be on campus with us next year."
 
Mabry is a two-time Utah All-State selection including a second team pick last spring after averaging 13.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. She was also selected first team All-Region and was named the Region 1 Defensive Player of the Year after leading the state in steals. The 6-foot guard was also a third team All-State pick as a sophomore. She's played with the Natalie Williams Basketball Academy for the past two years.
 
NIELSON ON MABRY
"Kylee is a very skilled wing and an aggressive defender. She is fantastic in the open court and can really get to the basket. She will add needed ball handling and length at the wing. UVU fans will love watching her play."
 
Chaney is a 6-foot-3 post player and another local product out of Westlake High School in Saratoga Springs. She's been with Natalie Williams Basketball Academy for two years alongside Mabry and has also spent time with Club Utah. Chaney is returning to form after dealing with an injury over the past year.
 
NIELSON ON CHANEY
"Tessa is a physical post player and an elite rebounder. She is a great defender and will add immediate depth and physicality to our bigs. We are thrilled that she chose to stay close to home and become a Wolverine."
 
Byon is a 5-foot-7 guard and attends Rosary Academy in Fullerton, California. As a junior in 2020-21, she averaged 27 points, seven assists and five rebounds while leading her team to a State Regional Championship. She's a three-time All-State, All-CIF, All-County and All-League selection. She also helped Rosary Academy to Division I CIF State Championships in 2019 and 2020. She plays club for Troop West and has also played with Cal Swish and West Coast Premier.
 
NIELSON ON BYON
"Kaylee is a true point guard with amazing court vision. She can score at all three levels and makes everyone around her better. Her team first approach makes her a perfect fit for us."
 
Vaifanua (Draper, Utah) played one season for Wyoming in Laramie prior to serving an LDS Mission in Tucson, Arizona. She averaged 7.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game and was named to the Mountain West Conference All-Freshman Team after appearing in all 29 contests. The 6-foot-1-inch forward recorded a career-high 20 points against San José State on Feb. 1, 2020. In addition to her time at Corner Canyon, Vaifanua also played one season at Rapides High School in Lecompte, Louisiana. She was an all-state performer during all four of her prep seasons including a first team All-State selection as a senior in 2018-19 after averaging 17.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. She also played club for Natalie Williams Basketball Academy and the Idaho Flash. She'll join the Wolverines at the semester break and be eligible for the 2022-23 season.
 
NIELSON ON VAIFANUA
"Jaeden is a big get for us. She was an amazing high school player and had a great freshman year at Wyoming. Her ability to both shoot and post up will make our offense more dynamic. Her experience and high basketball IQ will make us better immediately."