OREM, Utah — Utah Valley University women's basketball head coach Dan Nielson has announced the signing of University of Portland graduate transfer and Salt Lake City native Liana Kaitu'u. L'iana 
 
Kaitu'u spent the last five years in Portland, where she was part of a 2022-23 West Coast Conference Tournament championship team. The 6-foot forward prepped at East High School in Salt Lake City and was named the 5A State MVP in 2018.
 
"Liana is a huge addition to our program," said Nielson. "She's a versatile big who can play inside and out. She comes with championship experience in high school and college that will help to build our team's culture. We're excited to bring her back home where she can play in front of her family!"
 
Her five years with the Pilots include a medical redshirt season as well as the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season. Kaitu'u appeared in 118 games during her time in Portland and averaged 4.8 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. This past season, she averaged 5.8 points and 2.5 boards, which included a career-high 21 points at Santa Clara. She was also part of a Portland team that won the 2020 WCC Tournament before the remainder of the college basketball season was canceled.
 
Kaitu'u played at East with current Wolverine Elina Tausinga, where the two were part of a 2018 Utah 5A State Championship team. Kaitu'u was a four-time All-State selection including her 5A MVP as a senior.
 
She joins BYU transfer Amanda Barcello and Israeli guard Noga Haran as the first three new additions announced to the upcoming 2023-24 Wolverines.